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iSI LUCIUS Q. C. EL2M:ER. II
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GAZETTEER
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
COMPREHENDING
A GENERAL VIEW OF ITS PHYSICAL AND MORAL CONDITION,
TOGETHER WITH
A TOPOGRAPHICAL. AND STATISTICAIi ACCOUNT
COUNTIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES, CANALS,
RAIL ROADS, kc.
ACCOMPANIED BY A MAP.
BY /y
THOMAS F. Gordon,
PUBLISHED BY DANIEL FENTON.
.lohn C. VUuk, Piintor, rinlii(l.l|.lii;i
1834.
Entered l)y Thomas F. Gordon, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, in the Clerk'sK)fRce of
the District Court for tlie Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
ADVERTISEMENT.
The author of the following work has sought to present to the
public, a full and correct portraiture of the State in the year 1833.
To this end, he lias, personally, visited almost every portion of it ;
communed with many of its most distinguished and enlightened citi-
zens, and collected, from numerous but scattered sources, a mass of
useful and curious information, which must prove alike grateful to
the present and succeeding generations. Errors will undoubtedly be
discovered in the work ; for such a work is peculiarly liable to them ;
being exposed, not only to the misconceptions of the author, but, to
those of his thousand informants. Distance of places from each
other, and the area of the townships and counties are, specially, sub-
ject to misstatement. The first has been given from the returns of
the General Post-Office, measures upon the map, and verbal infor-
mation of residents; the only and best sources, save actual admea-
surement. The area of the townships has been obtained from cal-
culation of their contents, as delineated on Mr. Gordon^s map, by
means of a reticulated scale of square miles. The result cor-
responds, so nearly, with the returns of the assessors of such town-
ships, as contain no unimproved lands, as to give considerable
confidence in its approximation to the truth. It must be observed,
however, that this area comprises roads, lakes, ponds, marshes
and, in a word, every thing within the lines.
The abstract which has been given of the laws relating to the
administration of the government, generally, and of the counties
and townships, specially, will appear, to many, trite and familiar ;
but to the great mass of the people, particularly, to the rising gene-
ration, it will not prove the least acceptable portion of the work.
To those about to enter on the duties of the citizen, it will commu-
IV ADVERTISEMENT.
iiicate mucli valuable knowledge; and will be useful to all, tor occa-
sional reference ; compi'ising, in a small compass, matter of daily
interest, which must, elsewhere, be sought, in many volumes. More
of this species of information might have been usefully given ; but,
the volume collected, exceeds, by one-third, the quantity originally
proposed ; and to get it witiiin the size of a convenient manual,
resort has beeji had to a small type foi* the prefatory chapters.
To the many gentlemen to whom tiie author is indebted for
communications, he tenders his unfcigi.ed thanks ; and solicits
from them, and othei-s, such corrections and additions as may ren-
der the next edition of his work, still more valuable.
Philadelphia, January 1, 1834.
GAZETTEER OF I¥EW JERSEY.
PREFATORY CHAPTER.
TILRT Z.
Containing a Physical Vieio of the Stale.
I. General Boundary. — II. Principal Divisions. — III. Southern and Alluvial Division. —
Bounds — Surface — J\'crisink Hiils — Sandy Hook — Sea Beach — Bays or Lagtines —
Soil: Forest — Pine Lands — Oak — Cedar Swamp- — Marl — Ferruginous Sand — Pro-
portions of Marl 7ised in Agriculture. — Cidtivation of the Alluvial District. — Bog
Ore — Streams. — IV. Middle and. Secondary District : Bounds — Area — Formation —
Trap Ridges — Bergen Ridge — First and Second Mountains — Bituminous Coal —
Mountains from Springfield to Pluckemin. — Pompton Plain : Abundance of
Minerals there — Ridges extending to the Delaicare — Character of the surrounding
Country — (Quarries of Freestone near Princeton — Sandy Hill — Primitive Rocks
near Trenton. — Copper Mines: at Belleville, Brunswick, Somerville, Grcenbrook. —
V. Mountaimms District: Extent — Blended Geological Formation — Limits — Pri-
mitive Ridges, Minerals of — Tongue of Transition Formation, Minerals of — Primi-
tive resumed — Valley of the Wallkill, or of Sparta — Singular Geology and Mine-
ralogy— Valley of Paulin's Kill — Alternation of Slate and Limestone — Blue or
Kittatinney Mountains — Transition Limestone on Delaware River — Precious Mar-
bles— Manganese — Rivers and. Lakes of the Third Section — Timber of the Middle and
JVor them Sections. — VI. Turnpike Roads. — VII. Rail Roads : Camden and Amboy,
West Jersey, Patterson and Hudson, Patterson Junction, Patterson and Fort Lee,
Elizabethtoicn and Somerville, J\'eiD Jersey, JVeio Jersey, Hudson and Delaware,
Dela.zcare and Jobstoiim. — VIII. Canals: Morris, Delcncare and Raritan, Manas-
(juan, Salem. — IX. Population — Increase — Tables — Slavery. — X. Statistical Table.
XI. Agriculture, Manufactures and Commerce. — XII. Climate.
I. The State of New Jersey is bounded on the N. E. by Orange and Rockland coun-
ties, of the State of New York ; on the E. by Hudson River and Bay, Staten Island
Sound, Raritan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean; on S. E. and S. by the Atlantic; on
S. W. by the Delaware Bay, dividing it from the State of Delaware; and on the W.
and N. W. by the Delaware River, separating it from Pennsylvania. The N. E.
line from Carpenter's Point, at the mouth of the Nevisink, or Mackackomack
River, in north lat. 41° 21', to a point on the Hudson River, in 41° north latitude;
is in length 45 miles; the E. 60; the S. E. from Sandy Hook to Cape May, 120;
and the S. W., W. and N. W. from Cape May to Carpenter's Point, 220 miles —
making the extent of its exterior limit 445 miles. The extreme length of the State,
by a line almost due north from Cape May, to the northern angle on the Delaware,
is 164 miles; its greatest breadth due E. and W. through Salem, Gloucester, Bur-
lington and Monmouth counties, about 75 miles; and through Warren, Sussex,
Morris and Bergen counties, to the extreme N. E. point, on the Hudson River, about
60 miles. It may be crossed, however, by a direct line from S. W. to N. E., from
Bordentown to South Amboy, in about 30 miles. The nearest approximation we
can make to its area, measuring the map by a reticulated scale of square miles, is
about 7,276 square miles, or 4,656,330 acres, contained between 38° 58' and 41° 21'
northern latitude.*
II. This area is distributed into three strongly marked divisions ; the alluvial and
southern ; the secondary, hilly and middle ; and the mountainous and northern, com-
prising primitive and transition formations.
III. The triangular peninsula, or southern division, bordered on the S. and E. by
Delaware Bay and the Ocean, on the N. and W. by the Delaware River, about 110
miles in length, and 75 in breadth, is entirely alluvial. South of the Nevisink Hills,
the surface seldom rises 60 feet above the sea. Those hills, adjacent to the Ocean,
are 310 feet above its level ; and stand where the waves formerly rolled, resting in
some places on banks of oyster shells and other marine relics, blended with clay and
* Morse s>ives S,320 square miles, or 5,324,800 acres; Smith's Hist. N. J. 4,800,000
acres; and Darby 6,851 square miles, or 4,384,000 acres.
A
2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
sea mud. A sandy earth, highly coloured by oxide of iron, and imbedding reddish
brown sand and puddingsione, cemented by iron, composes the higher strata; and
large rocks and beds of ferruginous sandstone, apparently in place, of a more recent
formation than the alluvial below, containing sufhcient metal to be called an ore of
iron, are of frequent occurrence. Particles of iron are blended with the sands of the
beach ; and some of the streams which descend from the top of the clay strata, are
red with iron oxide. Efflorescences of the sulphates of iron and alumine, are often
observed ; and flame, proceeding from the spontaneous combustion of gases, gene-
rated, probably, in beds of sulphuret of iron, has been noticed here. The strata of the
steep eastern declivity are exposed by frequent land slips.
A small portion, only, of these hills is cultivated. They are rough, broken, and
covered with wood, in which deer still find covert. From their summit, a view is
disclosed of the ocean, unrivalled in grandeur upon the seaboard of this State ; and
the coast on the N. E. and S. may be seen as far as the ej'e can reach. The land
prospect, though not so extensive, is scarce less interesting. In this hill, on the side
of a branch of the Nevisink River, is a remarkable cave, 30 feet long by 15 broad,
divided into three apartments. The entrance and roof are low, the latter arched, and
of soft rock, through which the water percolates; the bottom is of loose sand.
Sandy Hook, east of, and divided from, the Nevisink Hills by a narrow bay, is six
miles in length. It was formerly, and is now, isolated by a channel running from
Shrewsbury River, which was first opened in 1778, closed in 1810, but reopened in
1830. Tlie beach running northward several miles from Long Branch, invites to a
promenade on the hard sand when the tide is low; but the wrecks of vessels, visible
at short intervals, oppress the spectators with recollections of the perils of the sea.
From the Hook, this beach extends 12-5 miles to Cape May, varying in width from
half a mile to two miles, but broken in several places by channels communicating
with the sea. South of Manasquan it covers a number of bays or salt water lakes,
of which Barnegat, Little Egg Harbour, and Great Egg Harbour, are the chief. West
of these runs a belt of marsh, in some places from four to five miles wide, intersected
by small rivers, with broad and shallow estuaries.
The soil of this alluvial district consists of sand and clay, sometimes one overlay-
ing the other; but frequently intimately blended, forming a tolerably fertile loam,
which prevails on its northern and western border with a variable breadth. Above
Salem, this breadth is from five to twelve miles, but below that town it is sometimes
contracted to a mile. East of this strip of loam, and west of the marsh which girds
the sea shore, lies an immense sandy plain, scarce broken by any inequality, and
originally covered by a pine and shrub-oak forest — a great portion of which has been
once, and some of it twice, cut over. There are many square miles on which there
is not a human inhabitant, and where the deer, foxes and rabbits are abundant, and
the wolf and the bear find a lair to protect their race from extirpation. But in many
places the echo is awakened by the woodman's axe, and the louder din of the forge
hammer, and the forest glares with the light of the furnace or glass house. In this
sandy desert there are found veins of generous soil, which yield a compensatory
crop of corn and rye to the labours of the husbandman.
This immense forest covers probably four-fifths of the alluvial district; and forty
years ago a large portion of it was not worth more than from six to ten cents the
acre. There was little demand for the timber, oak being preferred for architectural
and economical uses, nor was the land worth clearing for agricultural purposes.
The establishment of furnaces and glass manufactories first gave additional value to
the woodland near their locations ; but for a while they made little apparent reduc-
tion of the vast wilderness. Then came the steamboats, which for some years tra-
versed our waters, propelled by timber from New Jersey, without sensibly diminish-
ing the density of the forest. In a few years more, however, tiieir number was
doubled, trebled, quadrupled. Their huge maws, though fed with thousands of
shallop loads of pine wood, were insatiable. The demand for fuel became immense;
the almost worthless pine lands rose rapidly in value, and the hitherto almost idle
population of t!io sea-board, found abundant and profitable employment in supplying
the growing markets. The introduction of anthracite coal diminished the consump-
tion of oak wood as fuel, l)ut increased that of pine, vast quantities of charcoal being
required to ignite the fossil. Yet the invention of the simple portable culinary fur-
nace increased tlie demand still more, thousands of these convenient utensils being
constantly, during the summer months, fed by charcoal. These circumstances have
produced an entire revolution in the value of pine lands. They have risen from ten
SOUTHERN DIVISION. 3
cents, to an average price of six dollars the acre; and, where very well timbered, and
convenient to market, bring from fifteen to twenty-five dollars. Indeed, the soil, de-
nuded of the timber, is worth from four to sixteen dollars the acre, tlie purchaser look-
ing to the growth of wood for profit on his investment. Where tlie forest has been
felled, an extraordinary change takes place in the subsequent product. The oak
springs up where the pine has flourished, and pine where the oak lias grown. The
second growth becomes fit for the axe, in a space varying from 2-5 to 40 years.
Upon the clay and loam soils, oak grows abundantly; frequently of great size, and
of quality much valued in the construction of ships. It is the common timber of the
western border, and covers almost exclusively the central portion of the county of
Cape May. In the sandy region, are extensive swamps wiiich bear the beautiful
and valuable white cedar, much sought for fencing, and which sells readily at from
one to three hundred dollars the acre.
Throughout a great portion of the alluvial district, from four to twenty feet be-
neath the surface, is a species of greenish blue earth, mixed with shells, and gene-
rally known as marl. As this substance is of great importance to the agricultural
interest of the section, some remarks on its physical properties and use will not be
out of place here. The essential ingredient of marl, as a manure, is lime; and its
value depends upon tiie proportion of calcareous matter which it contains. When
this abounds in connexion witii sand only, it produces indurated marl, classed with
the limestones, and frequently forming marble of great variety and beauty. We,
have discovered none of this precious character; but shell limestone, similar to that
of the alluvion of North Carolina, Georgia, and Mississippi Territory, has been dis-
covered in several places, and is burned for lime on the banks of the Rancocus, be-
tween Eayrstown and Vincent-town. The Jersey marls, at present, are chiefly
known as the shell, clay and stone marls. The first is composed of testaceous mat-
ter, in various quantities and degrees of combination; and sometimes imbeds bones
of marine and land animals.* The quantity of clay in union with calcareous sub-
stances, gives name to the second sort. This absorbs and retains moisture better
than other kinds, and varies greatly in colour — being brown, blue, rod and yellowish.
In the third species, sand is combined with calcareous and argillaceous matter, giving
hardness proportionate to its quantity; when of thin and laminar structure, this is
termed slate marl. From tlie clay they contain, all these species are softened by
water, and, when exposed to the atmosphere, gradually fall into powder.
By reason of their calcareous principle, all marls effervesce with acids ; but as
water, alone, frequently produces the same effect when poured on dry clay, it may
be necessary, in order to guard against mistake, in making trials upon substances
supposed to be marl, to let them remain a short time in mixture with water, pre-
vious to the test of acids. The best marls containing the largest proportion of cal-
careous earth, it is important to know how to ascertain the quantity. Some are so
poor as to have only a thirtieth part of their weight of lime. A simple method has
been suggested, founded on the fact, that marl commonly contains about forty per
cent, of its weight of fixed air or carbonic acid. It is merely by saturating the marl
with muriatic or some otlier acid, and marking correctly the loss of weight which it
sustains by the extrication of the fixed air. So, also, if the substance supposed to
be marl falls readily to powder when exposed to the air ; if the powder, when dry
and thrown on hot coals, crackles like salt ; and if, when dry, and mixed with water,
it have a soapy feel and eflfervesces much, its quality may be pronounced good.
Some marls in England, and probably here, have eighty-four per cent, of carbonate
of lime, which is more than limestone generally possesses; and the refuse being
often of peaty substances, is more useful as manure than that of limestone, which
is mostly sand or clay. Such marl may be converted into quicklime by burn-
ing; and its solution changes vegetable colours to green, possessing all the other
properties of caustic lime. Marl is further distinguished by its feeling fat and unc-
tuous, and appearing when dry, after exposure to the weather, as if covered with hoar
frost, or sprinkled with fine salt; and even when mixed with the land, giving to the
whole surface a whitish appearance.
The farmers in Staffordshire, England, consider the soft blue marl, commonly
* Among the latter, it is said, are bones of the rhinoceros and other animals of the eastern
coTitinent, some of them of extinct species; elephant's teeth, deer's liorns, bones of the
whale, shark's teeth, and entire skeletons of fish, together with grapliytos, lielemnites, car-
dites, and various shell-fish.
4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
found under clay, or low black ground, at the depth of seven or eight feet, the best
for arable land, and the grey sort for pasture. But that which is of a brownish
colour, with blue veins, and small lumps of chalk or limestone lying under stiff clays
and very hard to dig, is most esteemed in Cheshire. The marl having a light sand
in its composition, usually found at the depth of two or three feet, on the sides of
hills, and in wet, boggy grounds, is fat and close, and reckoned the strongest and
most beneficial on sandy lands. It is usually called peat or delving marl. What is
sometimes called paper marl, frequently lies near coals, and flakes like leaves or
pieces of brown paper, being of somewhat lighter colour. That which some call
clay marl is very fat, and is sometimes mixed with chalk stones. There is another
sort of marl, which breaks of itself into square cubical bits. The two last kinds ge-
nerally lie under sand and clay ; sometimes about a yard deep under the former, but
often much deeper under the latter. The stone, slate or flag marl, which is a kind
of soft stone, or rather slate, of a bluish colour, is generally allowed very good. It
easily breaks down, and dissolves with frost or rain; is found near rivers and on the
sides of hills, and is very lasting when used as manure.
In many places marl discovers itself to the most negligent eye, particularly on the
sides of broken hills or deep hollow roads. Many rivers are bordered with a vast
treasure of this sort, which is plundered by every flood. Boggy lands frequently
cover it, and in them it seldom lies above three feet deep. It is somewhat lower
under stiff" clays and marshy levels. The lowest parts of most sandy lands abound
with it, at the depth of three, seven, nine or more feet. The depth of the marl
itself can seldom be found ; for when the upper crust is removed, all that can be
seen or dug is marl, to so great a depth that there are few if any instances of a pit
having been exhausted. Much of the preceding description of the English marls
is applicable to those of New Jersey.
The marl region of this State, is classed by some authors with the ferruginous sand
formation of the United States. It may be located, so far as it has yet been explored,
between two lines; one drawn from Amboy Bay to Trenton, the other from Deal, on
the Atlantic, to the mouth of Stow Creek, in Cumberland county, upon the Dela-
ware River : but there is much reason to believe that this formation occupies a great
portion of the triangular peninsula south of the Raritan River. Much of the ferru-
ginous sand region, however, is overlaid by deposites of clay containing lignite.
Above these is an almost uniform covering of grey sand ; yet in many places the
marl, with its pecuUar fossil, is found immediately beneath the soil. This formation
has been traced southward in many places, and most probably extends nearly the
whole length of the Atlantic frontier of the United States.
In all its localities, it has been identified by similar genera and species of organic
remains, though all the genera do not exist in every locality. Thus, at the Deep Cut
of the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, the strata are characterized by great num-
bers of ammonites, baculiles, and other multilocular univalves. These remarks apply
to various parts of Burlington and Monmouth counties, in New Jersey. Near New
Egypt, are ten or twelve beds, one above the other, with the genera terebratula and
gryphcca. {Uslrca, Sa.y.) Near Horner's Town, the marl is extremely indurated ;
and contains terebratuliE exclusively. Near Walnford, the fossils are chiefly exogyrte
andbelemnites; while at Mullica Hill, in Gloucester county, the beds contain bi-
valves, and ([uantitiesof belemnites ; and the calcareous beds of this county contain
gryphaja, teredo, alcyonium .= sparangus, and several species of Linnican madre-
pores.
The mineralogical characters vary considerably. Of the species of marl in minute
grains, loose and friable, and of an uniform dull bluish or greenish colour, often with
a shade of grey, and called gunpowder marl, Mr. Seybert has given the following
constituents: silex -19.83, ahimine 6.00, magnesia 1.8:}, potash 10.12, water 9.80,
protoxide of iron 51.53, loss 89=100 grains. A less cautious analysis by Mr. J. P.
Wetherill and Dr. S. G. Morton, of a specimen, apparently similar, from another lo-
cality, gave silex 19.00, protoxide of iron 50.00, ;iliimine 5.50. lime 4.70; tiie re-
mainder being chiefly waier and carbonic acid. Hence the predominant constituents
of these marls are silex and iron. They often contain beds of a dark bluish tenacious
clay, sometimes mixed with the marl, forming marley clay ; at olliers, the marl and
clay alternate.
Ao-ain, marl is seen of a yellowish brown colour, friable or compact, and filled
with green specks of the silicate of iron. Some of the greenish varieties are also
very compact, rendering it extremely difficult to separate the fossils from their
SOUTHERN DIVISION, 5
matrix. The friable blue marls often contain a large proportion of mica, in minute
scales.
Other localities present beds of silicious gravel, the pebbles varying from the
size of coarse sand, to one and two inches in diameter, cemented together by oxide
and phosphate of iron, and containing fossils, similar to those above described.
The most striking instance of this kind is at Mullica Hill. Some of the blue marls,
which effervesce strongly with acids, contain but five per cent, of lime. But we
find large beds of calcareous marl, containing at least thirty-seven per cent.; the re-
mainder being silex, iron, &c. Also a hard, well characterized, subcrystalline lime-
stone, filled with zeophytes. All these diversified appearances pass, by insensible
degrees, into each other, exhibiting an almost endless variety of mineralogical
character.
The mineral substances found in these beds, are iron pyrites in profusion ; chert
in the calcareous beds, amber, retinasphalt, lignite and small spherical masses of a
dark green colour, and compact texture, apparently analogous to those found in the
green sand of France. Their structure does not appear to be organic, although
they have, often, a shark's tooth, or a small shell for a nucleus. Larger spherical
bodies also occur, resembling the nodules of clay in ironstone, common in some
parts of England.
As the quality of the marl varies greatly, so does the quantity used in manuring
lands. In Monmouth county, south of the Shrewsbury River, there is marl so strong,
that five cart-loads the acre are as much as the land will bear advantageously : in
other places, from twenty to one hundred and forty loads to the acre are profitably
used. It is asserted, that a good dressing will last from twelve to twenty years. It
would be difficult to calculate the advantages which the state has gained, and will
yet derive from the use of marl. It has already saved some districts from depopula-
tion, and increased the inhabitants of others; and may, one day, contribute to con-
vert the sandy and pine deserts into regions of agricultural wealth.
Pine lands, in the counties of Columbia, Albany, and Saratoga, and other parts
of the state of New York, of a character similar to those of New Jersey, have been
rendered very valuable by gypsum, and rotation of crops, often producing from
twenty to twenty-five bushels of wheat to the acre. The sandy soil is in time
changed to a rich vegetable mould — and gypsum, therefore, may probably be used
with marl to render the pine lands of this State productive.
The occupation of a vast proportion of the inhabitants of this section is agricultu-
ral. Upon the loam soils large quantities of grass and grain, particularly rye,
corn and oats, are produced; and the sandy lands, treated with marl, also give
abundant crops of grain and grass. In convenient situations for supplying the mar-
kets of New York and Philadelphia, the farmers give much attention to the more
profitable culture of garden vegetables, potatoes, melons, fruit, &c. The peach
orchards of E. and W. Jersey, give abundance of that delicious fruit to both cities;
so low, at times, as fifty cents the bushel. At a distance from the navigable wa-
ters, and from market, the grain is commonly fed to stock, and i'ew portions of the
United States, of equal area, produce more, or better, pork, than the counties of
Monmouth, Burlington and Gloucester ; scarce less famed for the quality of their
horses. In the counties of Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem, upon the fresh
waters of their streams whose shores are subject to overflow by the tides, many
thousand acres have, by embankment, been converted into productive meadows,
which maintain large herds of cattle, and furnish adequate means for enriching the
upland. Adjacent to the Delaware Bay and sea coast, are wide tracts of salt mea-
dow, some of which have also been reclaimed by embankment ; and the rest afford
abundance of coarse hay, free in many places to all who seek it, and valuable in the
maintenance of stock and making manure. The climate is so mild, near the coast,
that herds of cattle subsist, through the winter, upon these meadows, and in the
neighbouring thickets, without expense to the proprietors. The sea coast is said
also to be favourable to the production of good mutton and wool. The great in-
ducements to enterprise and industry constantly operating in the markets upon the
borders of this section, have already produced wonderful effects, and cannot fail to
excite the inhabitants to still greater efforts to improve the advantages they possess.
Extensive beds of the variety of argillaceous oxide of iron, called bog ore, are
common throughout this district, which when mixed with mountain ore, in the fur-
nace, makes good iron for castings and the forge. From these furnaces, and those
of the glass-houses, fed by the wood of the forest, a considerable portion of the an-
6 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
nually growing wealth of the district is derived ; and if we add to these, the cord
wood, and lumber, and vessels built upon its southern waters, we shall have enu-
merated the chief sources of the prosperity of the peninsula. In this part of the
state, 14 furnaces, including cupolas, and 14 forges, one extensive rolling and slit-
ling mill and nail factory, and 11 glass manufactories, engaged in the manufacture
of window-glass and hollow ware, provide a valuable and steady market for large
portions of the agricultural product.
The whole of this district is tolerably well watered ; but the streams are neither
laro-e nor rapid, and are remarkable for the depth of their beds, which cause, indeed,
almost the only inequalities of its surface. Those of the northern part of the penin-
sula interlock their sources in various ways; some flow N. and N. E. as the Mill-
stone and the South Rivers, with their many tributaries; some E. to the Atlantic, as
the Swimmino-, Shark, Manasquan, Metetecunk and Tom's Rivers; whilst others seek
the Delaware, as the Assunpink, the Crosswicks, the Rancocus, Cooper's, Big
Timber, Mantua and Oldman's Creeks. Those on the south either flow S. E. to
the ocean, as the Mullica. Great Egg Harbour and Tuckahoe rivers, or run S. W.
into the bay, as Salem, Stow and Cohansey creeks and Maurice River. Most of
the streams have a crooked course, and flowing through a flat country, are com-
monly navigable some miles from their mouth. Unlike the rivers of hilly countries,
they are steady in their volumes, and uniform supplies of water can be more confi-
dently relied upon.
IV. The second of our divisions of the State is included by a line drawn from
Hoboken runnino- S. of New Brunswick to Trenton, and another from the Ramapo
Mountains, on the boundary of New York, curving by the Pompton Mountain or
Highlands, Morristown, Baskingridge and Flemington, to the Delaware, between
Alexandria and Milford. This section, from N. E. to S. W. has about 70 miles in
length, and an average breadth of about twenty miles. It possesses considerable
variety of surface and soil, but is strikingly distinguished by its geological formation,
which is chiefly secondary or old red sandstone, upon which rest hills of greater or
less elevation, crowned with trap or greenstone rock. Its area includes four-fifths of
Berwen county, the whole of Essex, a small portion of Morris, nearly all of Somerset,
one-half of Middlesex, and one-half of Hunterdon counties. The sandstone base is
found in various states of induration and aggregation. Generally, on the eastern
portion of the section, from the Palisades, on the North River, westerly to Hunterdon
county, it is compact, hard, and well adapted for building, frequently assuming the
form of puddingstone and wacke, and occasionally affording considerable organic
remains. Between the south branch of the Raritan and Delaware, still underlaying
mountain and valley, the red rock assumes a slaty, shaly form, has more clay in
its composition, and, taken from whatever depth, readily disintegrates into loam
more fertile than that formed from the harder stone. But for the trap hills which
have been thrown upon it, the whole of this section would be a vast plain, whose
only inequalities would be formed by the excavations made by the streams in their
tortuous and generally sluggish passage to the Ocean.
From this general formation, however, we must admit the following exceptions.
The alluvial borders the first south-eastern trap ridge, known as the first Newark
Mountain, from Boundbrook to Springfield, and westward it approaches the Ra-
ritan within two miles, forming the bed of that river a little below Brunswick.
Wherever excavations have been made in this alluvial tract, strata of sand, gravel,
and clay are disclosed, but no rocks in place. Ociires of good quality have been
found in many parts of it, and at Uniontown, near Springfield, compact peat of su-
perior quality, resting on marl, supposed to extend through a morass of five hundred
acres. Bones of the mastodon were discovered a few years since in this swamp.
Extensive beds of white pipe clay, composed principally of alumine, and infusible,
have been observed between Woodbridge and Amboy, and marine shells in various
parts of the district.
The alluvial section we have just described, is connected with another five miles
in breadth by twenty in length, formed of the deposits of the Ilackensack and Passaic
Rivers, between the secondary valley and the Bergen ridge. In this tract, the
depth of the deposit is from 12 to 20 feet, its basis sand and shells like the shore of
the sea. The whole was formerly covered with wood, of which some groves of
cedar still remain, and bodies of trees but little decayed are frequently found at va-
rious depths. Indeed, so abundant and sound are the logs on these marshes, tliat
they are used for the foundation of the New .lersey Rail-road, now being constructed
MIDDLE DIVISION. 7
here. In this bog, N. of the turnpike road, between Newark and Jersey City, rises
an island (Sccaucus) about four rniles long by one wide, composed, like the adjacent
shores, of red and grey sandstone, and having a promontory at either end. That
on the south known as Snake Hill, has a conical form, is of trap rock on sand-
stone rising into mural precipices, and having cubical masses of the trap piled at
its southern base. From its wood clad, rocky and precipitous summit, the spectator
may behold the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers almost at his feet, and for several
miles dragging their slow length through a sea of verdure; on the west, populous vil-
lages and ranges of mountains; on the east the great city of New York, and on the
south the wide expanded ocean. Through the grey sandstone of this island, mi-
caceous iron ore is abundantly dispersed; and pectenites and other marine shells are
found on its elevated parts.
The trap ridges which traverse this division excite much interest. Trapstone is
known in many cases to have an igneous origin. Whether it may be ascribed to
the same cause in all, is still a vexed question. That it has been found here subse-
quently to the sandstone on which it reposes, is most obvious; but when or how it
has been poured over its base, throughout such great extent of country, in Connec-
ticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, will probably never be discovered. We observe
the first mountainous range of this district, on the eastern border adjacent to the
Hudson River. It rises gradually from Bergen Point, bounds the State for about
28 miles, and runs a greater distance into the State of New Y''ork. In this State
this ridge has an average widtli of two and a half miles, with a summit of table land.
From its western brow there is a gradual descent into the valley of the Hackensack
and Passaic. On its eastern side it is uniformly precipitous. At Weehawk, four
miles N. of the City of Jersey, the mountain presents a perpendicular wall, elevated
200 feet above the Hudson, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country.
From Weehawk to Fort Lee, a distance of about 7 miles, there is an alternation of
precipitous ledges and steep declivities, mostly clothed with various verdure. The
hills, retiring at intervals from the shore, give room for narrow but fertile and well
cultivated strips of ground, adorned with neat dwellings, environed by fruit trees
and diversified crops. From Fort Lee to the state line, the mountain has a uniform
appearance. The eastern front rises perpendicularly from 200 to 550 feet; nu-
merous vertical fissures cross each other at various angles, forming basaltic columns,
from which the name of Palisades has been derived^ The face of the ledge is bare,
but vegetation is occasionally seen in the crevices. From the base of the precipice
to the edge of the water, a distance of 3 or 400 feet, there is a steep declivity co-
vered with angular blocks of stone fallen from the heights, and shaded with trees.
The summit of the mountain is slightly undulating table land, gradually rising to
the north, with an average width of about two miles, generally covered with wood in
all the wildness of nature. The western side of the mountain has a very gradual de-
scent, is cleared and well cultivated, and neat farm houses of freestone line its base,
like a village street, for near 20 miles. The prospect is one of the most delightful ; nu-
merous farms, rich in luxuriant vegetation, and extensive alluvial meadows through
which the Hackensack and its tributaries flow, are bounded by the mountain ranges
of the west. The greenstone of this mountain, resting on sandstone, is not so dark
as that of New Haven, and is an aggregate of hornblende, feldspar, and epidote,
with which prehnite compact and radiated is sometimes associated. At the base of
the mountain bordering the river, in many places, secondary argillaceous shist,
conglomerate, red, white, yellow and purple sandstone, and indurated clay, alternate,
exhibitino- a stratification nearly horizontal, the underlaying inclination being from
8 to 10 degrees. These layers are sometimes visible on the mountain's side, at con-
siderable elevations above the river. The sandstone is generally a coarse aggre-
gate of quartz and feldspar, often friable, but sometimes very firmly combined ; ex-
hibiting winding vertical fissures. In this base may be observed, in some ?&w
places, a compact white sandstone, resembling the Portland stone of England.
A metallic vein was worked, at Foil Lee, at the commencement of the revolu-
tionary war, under the impression that it contained gold; but Dr. Torrey has deter-
mined, that the ore is pyritous and green carbonate of copper; and the matrix
quartz, dipping under the greenstone.
Two other prominent mountain ranges intersect the country now under view.
They rise near the primitive highlands, two miles north of Pompton, and run about
sixty miles in an almost semicircular course. The first ridge, at its commencement,
is about twenty miles E. from the Palisades; but at, and south of Patterson, it is not
8 GENERAL DESCRIPTIOiN.
more than twelve, from the North River. The most elevated point of these moun-
tains is six miles N. VV. from Patterson, where a sugar-loaf peak rises near 1000
feet above the level of the ocean. Its trap rock is generally covered with a thin
mould and verdant surface ; and a walnut grove, without underwood, occupies,
exclusively, about forty acres upon the summit, from which there is a very exten-
sive view, towards the E. N. E. and N. over a tolerably level country. On the N.
W. the waving tops of the Preakness ridge are observed, extending for several
miles, indented by ponds of considerable magnitude and depth. North of this ridge
is another high and detached hill, sweeping in a semicircle, rising and terminating
near the Highlands. Many of the summits are under cultivation, and afford fine
views of t.iie great secondary valley, bounded by the Highlands, the Hudson and
the Preakness ridge. On the east of the last chain is another section of the trap
ranges, called the Totoway mountain. It rises near the Preakness mountain, six
miles from Patterson, and unites with the Newark chain, at the Great Falls. It is
in many places free from rocks, but on the east side are precipices of considerable
height and extent, with waving or denticulated mural faces, presenting columns of
basaltic regularity. An insulated semicircular wall of greenstone, with projecting
columns, bearing some resemblance to a castle or fort in ruins, occupies a summit of
the Totoway ridge. Sandstone quarries are opened in several places at the base
of the greenstone; and one, three miles from Patterson, on the Preakness moun-
tain, affords the best freestone of New Jersey. Fine red and grey sandstone sprin-
kled with mica, alternates with argillaceous strata, dipping under the greenstone,
with a western inclination of about 12^. Bituminous coal, in layers two inches
thick, has frequently been found in this and other parts of the Preakness ridge, in
connexion with sandstone and sliale, and the neighbourhood is supposed to exhibit
indications of more valuable beds of this combustible. Gneiss, granite, pudding
and sandstone, in rolled masses, abundantly cover the surface, in many parts of
this region. The greenstone of the Preakness range rarely offers interesting im-
bedded minerals; but prehnite, agate, chalcedony, and a mineral resembling cach-
elong, have been discovered in it.
At the falls of the Passaic, in Patterson, perpendicular mural precipices of green-
stone, with wide vertical fissures and amorphous masses at their base, may be ob-
served. The lower strata of this rock contain much argillaceous matter, which par-
tially takes the place of hornblende. The ledges rest on porous rocks, horizontally
posited, resembling the toadstone of Derbyshire. Carbonate of lime and other mi-
nerals, subject to decay, are imbedded in it ; and by their decomposition give a cel-
lular and volcanic appearance. A friable amygdaloid, with an argillaceous base, en-
closino- nodules of carbonate of lime of a spheroidal oval or almond shape, from the
size of a pea to that of a walnut, may also be noticed. The nodules, easily disen-
gaged from the base, exhibit a smooth dark green surface of chlorite. The layers
beneath tiie amygdaloid, are red and grey conglomerate, connected with red sand-
stone, too porous for use, absorbing nmch moisture and breaking by the expansive
power of frost. Good freestone in nearly a horizontiil position, is the basis layer,
and forms the bed of the Passaic. In marjy places the greenstone occupying the
summit appears but a few feet in thickness; and it is not arranged in columns of ba-
saltiform regularity. Prehnite, calcareous spar and carbonate of copper, zeolite,
stilbite, analcime and datholite, have been found here.
Mural precipices of dark fine grained fissile greenstone, are observed at the Little
Falls of the Passaic, five miles above Patterson. Vertical seams cross each other
here, at various angles, in the ledges, giving to detached pieces a regular prisma-
tic form, with three or four sides, often truncated on one or more of the lateral
edges — the tabular form is common. Rock of similar character is observable in
other parts of the Preakness ridge. Marine organic remains, such as urthorrritcs,
madrepores, tubipores, pectenites, terebratulas, encrinites, bilabites, seipulites,
and other species, generally in an argillaceous base, in mountain and valley, have
been observed here, as in other parts of this region.
From Patterson to Springfield, the trap ridges are called first and second New-
ark mountains, and Caldwell mountain. Their direction is nearly south, with
great unifi>rmity of altitude ; their eastern declivity steep, their western descent
gradual, as is common with mountains of North America. Mural precipices are
rarely seen, except at Patterson and Sjn-ingfield. Wherever ledges appear, the
mountain side is covered with small amorphous stones. Tlie red sandstone appears
in place, both upon the sides and base. Much of the eastern side is under cultiva-
MIDDLE DIVISION. 9
tion; the summit and western declivity are generally covered by coppice of small
oak, chesnut, walnut, butternut and cedar. The second Newark mountain runs
a parallel course with, and is distant from, the first, about a mile. It is less ele-
vated and rocky, and has a more gradual ascent than the other. The view from
the first embraces the thickly settled and highly cultivated valley, whose surface
appears like a plain, painted with meadows, grain fields and orcliards, and studded
with the villages of Bloomfield, North and South Orange, and the large towns of
Newark and Elizabeth; — beyond which we have in sight the salt meadows, the city
and harbour of New York, parts of Long and Staten Islands and the distant ocean.
In this valley, fine red and grey freestone alternates with shale. Bituminous coal,
in thin layers, is associated with argillaceous sliale, in freestone quarries, adjacent
to the Passaic. At the termination of the Newark Mountain, at Springfield, and
in many parts of the trap ranges, smoke, and in some instances, flame issuing
from the crevices of the rock, have been observed by the inhabitants; proceeding
probably from carbonated hydrogen gas indicating coal below. Animal and vegeta-
ble organic remains have been observed in this freestone. Near Belleville a tooth,
almost two inches in length, was discovered, some years since, fifteen feet below
the surface.
The Newark Mountains terminate at Springfield, where- the continuity of the
trap range is broken. From this place the greenstone ridges take a S. W. direc-
tion of seventeen miles to the vicinity of Boundbrook, and thence, N. W. about tea
more to Pluckemin : the second mountain following the curvature of the first. Se-
condary greenstone is, exclusively, the rock, in place, of the summits and sides of
both ridges, but it seldom appears in ledges of magnitude. Sandstone is as usual
the base, and has been observed under the greenstone, in nearly a horizontal posi
tion, with a small dip, sometimes alternating with secondary compact limestone, in
layers, from two inches to two feet in thickness. Frehnite is found in considera-
ble quantities, near the foot of the mountain, in amygdaloid with a greenstone
base, much of it partly decomposed. It is sometimes imbedded in the rock, in
long parallel columns in various directions, its fibres radiating from the centre. Ze-
olite, stilbite, crystals of quartz, and carbonate of lime, are frequently seen in the
valley between the mountains. North of Scotch Plains, sulphat of barytes appears
associated with carbonate of lime. A small portion only of these ranges is cleared
and cultivated.
The mountain, running a S. W. course from Springfield, has been termed, by
some geologists, tlie Granite Ridge. It is described as passing through the State,
bordering the oceanic alluvial, and having its highest point near Hoboken — alluding,
doubtless, to the height near Weehawk. The Greenstone Ridge would be the more
appropriate name. For excepting the serpentine, at Hoboken, there are no primi-
tive rocks in place, between the Hudson and Highland chains; the sununit rock of
all the ranges being, uniformly, secondary greenstone. The Highland chain runs
from S. E. to N. W., tlie general direction of the primitive strata; but none of the
secondary ranges of New Jersey pursues a course parallel with the primitive. The
latter, in many places, preserve for miles an even summit of table-land, whilst the
Highland' ridges display sugar loaf eminences, and a waving profile, characteristic
of the primitive. The extensive secondary range commencing near Pompton,
within half a mile of the Higlilands, and extending in a semi-circular course until
it again approaches them, corroborates, by its direction and the character of its sum-
mit, the correctness of these positions. The broad valley, encircled by the Green-
stone ridge and the Highlands, contains much fresh water alluvial. Many of its
small hills have no rock in place. The plain bordering the Passaic is generally ex-
tensive— in some places four miles wide. Peat is observed in several places be-
tween the source of the river and Little Falls; and a considerable quantity has been
cut, adjacent to the Newark and Morristown turnpike, and tlie bed discovered to be
more than six feet deep.
Pompton Plain, near twenty miles in circumference, and environed by mountains,
presents a decided fresh water alluvion — strata of gravel, sand, and clay, without
rocks in place, have uniformly been found wherever wells have been dug; and it
was, probably, at a remote period, the bed of a lake. The waters of the Pequannock
Long Pond and Ramapo Rivers pass through it. The southern and much of the
western part of the plain is marshy, and embraces about 1-500 acres of peat ground,
apparently of good quality, judging by a ditch of four miles in length which has been
dug through it. In the southern part of the plain, good granular argillaceous oxide
B
10 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
of iron, or pea ore, is found over a space of about 200 acres. The Highlands form
the west and north-west boundary of the plain, which in other directions is skirted
by the Pacganack Mountain, pursuing a serpentine course from North Pompton, to
the vicinity of Morristown, separating the wide alluvial plains watered by the Pomp-
ton and Passaic Rivers. Upon this range, tjie summit rock, in place, is, uniformly,
a fine grained dark secondary greenstone, olten in a state of partial decomposition,
exhibitino- mural precipices of considerable height and extent, with sandstone at the
sides and base. The first contains prehnite, zeolite, analcime, chalcedony, agate,
amethyst, jasper, crystals of quartz, and narrow veins of satin spar, in jasper. The
part of this range adjacent to Pompton Plains, may, perhaps, from the abundance of
these minerals, be useful to the lapidary, as well as to the mineralogist. The agates
are from the size of a pin's head to three pounds weight, mostly chalcedony — The
eyed and fortification agate has been observed here in a few instances. A mineral
specimen was found in this mountain by Judge Kinsey, of near 16 pounds weight,
containing agate, amethyst, and white quartz.
Another greenstone range, of minor extent, called Long Hill, is situate in the
great valley, under review, rising near Chatham, and running westerly about ten
miles. The trap of this ridge is in such state of decay, that rocks seldom appear in
place. The Passaic pursues a winding course along the base of the mountain, some-
times concealed in groves, at others glancing sheen in the verdant meadows. About
the centre of Long Hill are mural precipices, composed of what the farmers call
shell rock, resembling the stone on the banks of the Raritan.
This secondary formation accompanies the Highlands to the Delaware, and is
pierced in several places by broken ridges of the same trap character we have de-
scribed. Such is the Rocky or Nashanic Mountain, the heights near Rocktown,
Lambertville, Belmont, Herberttown, and Woodville, and Rocky Hill, immediately
north of Princeton. The sandstone, generally, in this portion of the section, differs
materially from that of the Passaic. It extends northerly to the first primitive ridge,
north of Flemington, and forms the soil of the broad red shale valley, spreading
from that ridge to the Rocky Hills, underlays the last, and extends south of Pening-
ton. Its colour is of a darker red than the Newark stone — it appears to be without
grain, yields a strong argillaceous odour when breathed upon, and is readily decom-
posed by exposure to air and moisture. It is, probably, composed of iron, alumine,
and silex, with a small portion of sulphur, and may be termed ferruginous shist.
The rock is stratified, splitting readily into thin brittle lamin®, and is said to rest in
some places on good freestone. But on the S. E. near Princeton, are quarries of
excellent red and while freestone, similar to that of the Preakness ridge.
Sandy Hill, an elevation of the secondary region, situate between Kingston and
Brunswick, is alluvial, like the Nevisink Hills, composed of sand, white and co-
loured clay, containing beds of ferruginous sand and puddingstone.
Upon the south-western angle of this district, and particularly at and around
Trenton, there is a small portion of primitive, rising through the secondary, into
abrupt rocks of granitic character, varying from loose micaceous shale to massive
granite, but composed chiefly of hard and compact gneiss. This rock forms the
Falls of the Delaware at the head of tide, and stretches away in a S. W. direction
through Pennsylvania. From a mass in the bed of the river, large and beautiful
specimens of zircon have been taken.
The portion of New Jersey which we have now described, is the most populous,
and perhnpsthe most wealthy of tiie State. Its soil is not so productive as the lime-
stone of tiie primitive and transition regions; but there is less of it waste, than in
those regions, and it is divided into smaller farms, and more assiduously laboured,
under the excitement of proximity to the markets of New York and Philadelphia,
and that created in the eastern portion by its own manufacturing towns ; as Pat-
terson, Little Falls, Godvvinsville, New Prospect, Bloomfield, Belleville, North and
South Orange, Si)rinirfield, Plainfield, Newark, Elizabethtown, Rahway, Wood-
bridge, New Brunswick, Princeton, Trenton, &c.
Besides the minerals already mentioned, large deposits of copper ore have been
discovered in tiiis section, at Belleville, at Griggstown, near Brunswick, Wood-
bridge, Greenbrook, Somerville, and Pluckemin ; and it would seem probable that a
vein of this metal extends S. W. across the secondary region from Fort Lee.
The following account of the mine near New Brunswick is extracted from Morse's
Gazetteer; —
" About the yeari 1748, 1749, 1750, several lumps of virgin copper, from 5 to 30
MIDDLE DIVISION. 11
lbs. weight, (in the whole upwards of 200 lbs.) were ploughed up in a field belong-
ing to PJiilip French, Esq., within a quarter of a mile of the town. This circum-
stance induced Mr. Elias lioudinot to take a lease of the land of Mr. French, for 99
years, with a view to search for copper ore. A company was formed, and about the
year 1751, a shaft was commenced in the low ground 300 }'ards from the river.
The spot selected had been marked by a neighbour, who, passing it in the dark, had
observed a flame rising from tlie ground, nearly as large as the body of a man. At
about 15 feet, the miners struck a vein of blue stone, about two feet thick, between
loose walls of red sand stone, covered with a sheet of pure copper, somevi'hat thicker
than gold leaf. The stone was filled with grains of virgin copper, much like copper
filings, and occasionally lumps of virgin copper of from 5 to 30 pounds were found
in it. This vein was followed about tiiirty feet, when the accumulation of water
exceeded the means of the company to remove it. A stamping mill was erected,
where, by reducing the ore to powder, and washing it, many tons of pure copper
were obtained and exported to England. Sheets of copper of the thickness of two
pennies, and three feet square, have been taken from between the rocks, within four
feet of the surface, in several parts of the hill. At about fifty or sixty feet deep, a
body of fine solid ore was struck in the same vein, but between rocks of white flinty
spar, which was soon worked out."
Some efforts were made to renevs^ the mining operations here, at various periods,
but never with encouraging success. The excavations have been extensive. A shaft
of great depth is yet visible ; an adit, it is said, was driven several hundred yards be-
neath the bed of tlie river, and hydraulic pumps were worked by Lyell's Brook to free
the mine from water. The stones around the vicinage are every where coloured by
the oxide of copper, and beautiful copper pyrites are obtained from the neighbour-
ing quarries.
The Schuyler copper mine, near Belleville, on the left bank of the Passaic, seven
miles from Jersey City and Hoboken, was discovered about the year 1719, by Arent
Schuyler. The ore cropping out on the side of a hill was easily raised ; and as the
policy of Great Britain prohibited every species of manufacture in the colonies, it
was exported in the crude state to England. From the books of the discoverer, it
appears that before the year 1731, he had shipped 1,386 tons to the Bristol copper
and brass works. His son. Col. John Schuyler, prosecuted the work with more nume-
rous and skilful hands ; but the quantity of ore raised by him is unknown, his books
having been lost during the war.
In 1761, the mine was leased to a company, who erected a steam engine, of the
imperfect construction then in use, and worked the mine profitably for four years.
In 1765, however, a workman, who had been dismissed, having set fire to the engine-
house, the works were discontinued. Several gentlemen in England, acquainted
with the superior quality of the ore of this mine, obtained permission from the
crown to erect works for smelting and refining copper in America, and otfered to
purchase the estate of Mr. Schuyler, containing the mine, at £100,000 sterling.
This offer he refused, but agreed to join them in rebuilding the engine and working
the mine. But the revolutionary war, and the deranged state of ihe country subse-
quent thereto, and other circumstances, caused the mine to be neglected until 1793,
when a new company undertook the work with much vigour, but it would seem with
little prudence. They collected miners from England and Germany, purchased a
freehold estate, convenient for the erection of furnaces and manufactories, with an
excellent stream of water, rebuilt the engine, and commenced and partly completed
other works. Their labours were interrupted by the death of the principal share-
holder in the company, the whole interest of which soon after was vested in Mr.
Nicholas I. Roosevelt, whose many engagements debarred him from prosecuting this
enterprise.
Another company, organized in 1825, procured some Cornish miners, and cleared
out two adit levels, three old shafts, and sunk one new one about 60 feet deep ;
erected a new steam engine, and prepared most of the necessaries for working the
mine in the deep levels. But, when they were ready to break out ore, some ineffi-
cient machinery designed to pump the water from the vein to the great shaft, gave
way, and the funds or patience of the company were insufficient to prosecute the
enterprise further. Their lease, conformable to its terms, was forfeited. We under-
stand that during the present year (1833), a new association has been formed for
working this mine.
There are luany veins well worth working, particularly those near the surface,
containing what is termed stamp ore. The principal vein, which has proved very
12 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
profitable, is imbedded in a stratum of freestone, from 20 to 30 feet thick, and is
called a pipe vein. It dips about 12 degrees from the horizon, rather by steps than
a strai<>lit line, and increases in richness with its depth. It has been followed 212
feet below the surface, and about 112 feet beneath the adit cut for draining ; hence,
the water must be pumped to that level. A large shaft has been sunk 140 feet
below tlie adit, 30 feet of which have been filled with mud and rubbish. The engine
at the mine has a cylinder 31^ inches in diameter, and eight feet stroke, and has
ample power to free the mine from water. Excellent cast iron pumps are fixed from
the level of the vein to the adit, and from the adit to the surface, for supplying the
engine. The vein has been worked about 150 feet, horizontal!}', from the shaft, de-
clining from the entrance a few feet: hence, though tiie leakage is inconsiderable,
some method is required to carry it into the shaft, which may be readily done if the
shaft be cleared to tlie bottom.
The ore of the principal vein, it is said, yields from 60 to 70 per cent, of copper;
and the vein will produce, it is supposed, from 100 to 120 tons of ore annually,
which yields from four to seven ounces of silver to the hundred pounds; and, like
most copper ores, a small portion of gold. When pure copper was sold in England at
£75 sterling the ton, the ore of this mine was shipped from New York for that mar-
ket at £70 the ton. The quality of the ore, and condition of the mine, are attested
by several respectable persons, who have skill and proper means to judge of them.
If the statement respecting the proportion of silver in this ore be correct, it is
more productive than many of the much-worked and highly valued mines of Mexico.
The mines of Biscayna, of Royas, of Teliuilotepec, and of Gautla, do not j'ield
more than three ounces of pure silver to one quintal of the ore; vi'hilst the remarka-
ble rich mines of the Count de la Valenciana, at Guanaxuato, gave only .5.1-10
ounces the quintal. The mean product of the whole Mexican mines, when in
their best condition, did not exceed 2^ ounces the quintal ; and that of the ores of
Peru was still less; giving at most at Potosi, 53-100, and at Pasco, 1.3-50 ounces, the
quintal. If tlie ores of the Schuyler mine give from four to seven ounces of silver
t^e quintal, and are abundant, they must be better worth working for the silver alone
than most of tlie silver mines of th^ world; and the copper product must add enor-
mously to their value.
The copper mine in the trap ridge, two miles north of Somerville, commonly
known as Caramam's, has been wrought at intervals for many years, but without
profit; more, it is said, because of the want of capital, and public confidence in the
operators, than from the poverty of the ores. The following, according to Dr.
Torrey,arethe principal minerals found here, viz: native copper in irregular masses,
weighing from one ounce to eight pounds, and one block has been obtained of 23
pounds; phosphate of copper, massive, and of a verdigris colour, generall)' accom-
panying native copper ; carbonate of copper, green, in connexion with tlie phos-
phate; red oxide of copper; the massive variety of which is the common ore of the
mine, found crystallized in octaliedra, whose surfaces are extremely brilliant and
beautiful; native silver, in small masses, disseminated througii the phosphate and
crystallized oxide; green quartz, in tabular, partly noded masses, a beautiful mine-
ral, resembling chrysoprase; prehnite, in cavities in the greenstone, very fine; and
mountain leather, in thin plates, very tenacious when moistened. Drifts have been
made in various directions in this mine, and the ore is said to be abundant, yielding
from 25 to 75 per cent, of pure metal.
Nortli of the village of Greenbrook, in the same ridge, a vein of copper, many
years since, was wrought to a considerable extent ; but it, too, has been long aban-
doned.
To these locations of copper, we are now to add another, lately discovered, near
Flemington, in a vein remarkably, but not yet extensively, explored.
V. The third section, into which we have divided the State, and which we have
called the mountainous, is in breadth from 10 to 40 miles, measured at right angles
with the direction of the mountains. This district is tlie most interesting, as it is
the most varied, in its geological formation, surface, soil, mineral and vegetable pro-
ductions.
The geological formations here are much blended and confounded ; and the most
we can attempt is to designate and describe the strongly marked divisions. The
secondary section we liave above noticed, is bounded on the N. W. throughout its
range by a broad distrirt of primitive ; containing, however, a large proportion of
transition. The southern limits of this district are marked by the cliain of liighlands
running S. W. from the Kamapo and Pompton Mountains, on the line of New York,
NORTHERN DIVISION. 13
by Morristown, Baskingridge and Flemington to, and across, the Delaware, near Sax-
tonville. The extension, northward, is limited to a line running west of the Wallkill
Mountains, and thence crossing the Delaware in the neighbourhood of" Belvidere. A
belt of transition, having an average breadth of about six miles, including Long
Pond, R,aftenberg and Greenpond Mountains, continues, we believe, along the eastern
foot of Musconetcong and Schooley's Mountains, across the State. The continuity of
tlie eastern ridges of the primitive, with its belt of transition, is interrupted in many
places by the streams ; yet the hills form few valleys of considerable extent, and are
generally less elevated in this State than in the vicinity of the Hudson River, where
they rise to 1600 feet. They are usually crowned by sugarloaf eminences, forming
a waving profile, characteristic of primitive regions. The summits are commonly
covered with masses of rock, which render them unfit for culture.
The primitive ridges contain rocks of pretty uniform character; in general coarse,
well crystallized aggregates of quartz and feldspar; often enclosing shorl, garnets,
hornblende and epidote, with little mica; and in many places, for a considerable ex-
tent, none. These simple materials, variously combined, form granite, gneiss and
sienite. Primitive greenstone is observable also in some cases.
In the transition section, grauwacke and grauwacke slate, are the most common
rocks. The extensive ranges in Bergen and Morris counties, of Long Pond, Raflfen-
berg, and Green Pond Mountains, for miles present stupendous mural precipices,
facing the east, of a reddish brown grauwacke, composed of red and white quartz,
red and grey jasper, and indurated clay. The rocks are stratified, inclining to the
north-west at an angle of about 40°. They are scattered in abundance on the banks
of the Pequannock, from Newfoundland to Pompton. Grauwacke, in place, is some-
times observed, resting on sienite adjacent to the Pequannock. Extensive beds of
magnetic iron ore are found on these ranges at Ringwood and Mount Pleasant, and
at Suckasunny, at the mines of General Dickenson, being on the strata which ex-
tends 300 miles from the White Hills of Newhampshire, to the end of the primitive
ridge near Black River. These beds are from 8 to 12 feet thick; and the ore from
the mine of General Dickenson produces the best iron manufactured from highland
ore. Calcareous spar and asbestos are frequent, and sulphuret of iron abounds in
various parts of the Highlands. Probably, the most extensive bed of the last is in
Morris county, near the eastern base of Copperas Mountain, and opposite to Green
Pond. Copperas was manufactured here extensively during the late war with Great
Britain. Many rich beds of iron ore in this region, are rendered useless for the forge
by sulphur. Graphite or black lead, in various stages of purity, is common.
At Monro Iron Works, (N. Y.) on the River Ramapo, large plates of black mica.,
crystallized in hexaedral form, are seen sometimes a foot in diameter. Compact
feldspar and epidote, are in the elevated primitive ranges west of the transition dis-
trict, and compact limestone at various parts of the transition range ; and in the vici-
nity of New Germantown, and on a line running N. E. and S. W. from that point,
pudding limestone, not inferior in beauty to that employed in the capitol of Wash-
ington, is abundant, and frequently converted into lime. In the primitive range of
Morris county, west of Pompton Plains, called Stony Brook Mountains, chlorite
slate is common, and granular limestone has recently been found in the same moun-
tain. The latter is in colour clear white, admits of good polish, and is often asso-
ciated with beautiful amianthus and talc, alternating in narrow veins. In the same
vicinit}' there is a greyish white marble, rendered porphyritic by grains of noble ser-
pentine disseminated through it. It is hard and receives a fine polish. In t!ie talc,
metallic crystals supposed to be chromate of iron, have been observed. From the
last mentioned mineral an acid is extracted, which, united with lead, forms chromate
of lead, a valuable pigment. Galena has been observed in the grauwacke rancres
adjacent to Green Pond, and beautiful tremolite is connected with the white granu-
lar limestone of Stoneybrook.
North-west of the transition, the primitive resumes its empire, and includes the
Wallkill and Hamburg Mountains, which are continued in Schooley's and the Mus-
conetcong Mountains, from the line of New York to the line of Pennsylvania, un-
divided by any stream. In this ridge and the portion of the primitive sections west
of it, the primitive, the transition, and the secondary formations seem combined.
This region also includes Marble Mountain, Scott's Mountain, Jenny Jump, Furnace
Mountain, Pimple Hill, Pochuck Mountain, and other innominate hills. This, also,
is a remarkable mineral district. Schooley's Mountain and the Musconetcong,
abound with highly magnetic iron ore, blended however with foreign substances,
14 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
which render liquefaction difficult. Along the valleys and hill sides of this moun-
tain there is an abundance of excellent flints suitable for guns.
West of the Hamburg Mountain lies the valley of the Wallkill, or, as it is some-
times called, the Valley of Sparta; running east of north twenty miles to the State
of New York, much noted for the number and variety of its minerals. A white
crystalline limestone and marble occupies the bottom of the valley, and rises on the
west into a low subsidiary ridge following the course of the stream eight or nine miles.
The metalliferous deposits, however, claim the greatest interest. The first or eastern
bed, which at Franklin appears like a black mountain mass, contains an ore of iron
commonly little magnetic, and, as a new metalliferous combination, has received the
name of Franklinite, and is composed of 66 per cent, of iron, 16 of zinc, and 17 of
the red oxide of manganese. On its supposed richness the great furnace of Frank-
lin was built, but it was soon discovered that this ore was not only irreducible to
metallic iron, but that it obstructed the fusion of other ores. If employed in quan-
tity exceeding one-tenth of the magnetic oxide of iron with which it was economi-
cally mixed, there resulted what the smelters term a salamander ; an alloy of iron
with manganese, which resisted fusion and crystallized even under the blast, so that
all the metal was lost, the hearth demolished, and 10 or 12 yoke of oxen required
to drag away the useless mass. At Franklin, it is but sparingly intermixed with
the red oxide of zinc. About two miles north, the bed ceases to be apparent at the
surface, but may be traced seven miles to the south-east. Three miles from the fur-
nace, at Stirling, is another huge mass of this mineral, but so combined with the red
oxide of zinc, that the crystals of Franklinite are imbedded in the zinc, forming a
metalliferous porphvr3-. This ore, merely pounded and mixed with copper, was
profitably employed during the late war for foruiing brass. Often, within a few feet
west of the Franklinite, appear beds of well characterized magnetic oxide of iron,
but always accompanied by hornblende rock. A species of this last ore, found near
the furnace, is intimately blended with plumbago. Here, also, are curious beds of
yellow garnet, imperfect sienitic granite, in which are beautiful opaque blackish
brown masses of garnet of a high resinous lustre, and crystallized on the surface,
accompanied with laminated epidote; white and compact massive or minutely lami-
nated augite, in some parts intimately blended with specks of violet, granular feld-
spar, resembling petrosilex; sphene, brown garnet, dark green granular augite, like
the cocolite of Lake Champlain; phosphate of lime; spinelle and black spinelle or
fowlerite, from Dr. Fowler, of Franklin, its discoverer; specular iron ore ; brucite,
bronzite, pargazite and idocras, zircon, tremolite, imbedded in crystals of white au-
gite; actynolite, short crystals of augite almost black, like those of volcanic rocks;
apatite, a beautiful apple green feldspar, in crystalline carbonate of lime, accom-
panied with perfect crystals of mica, and hexagonal plates of plumbago, soft and
almost as fusible as hornblende ; a very brilliant pale green hornblende, passing into
actynolite, which has been denominated maclureite, in honour of him who has done
so much for American geology, and natural science in general; — blue and white
sapphire, enormous green crystals of augite, at least an inch and a half in diame-
ter, presenting hexaedral or octahedral prisms, with almost equal faces, and termi-
nated by oblique tetrahedral pyramids, accompanied, near the junction of granite
and crystallized carbonate of lime, with large crystals of feldspar; scapolite, or wer-
nerite ; arsenical pyrites, mixed with others resembling the sulphuret of cobalt, or
nickel, with a substance like blende, accompanied by dendrodite, and argillaceous
fluate of lime.
The crystalline calcareous rock which here alternates with granitines of feldspar
and quartz, or with beds of sienitic granite, at other places, disappears, and a conflu-
ent grauwacke, almost porpl.yritic, and contemporaneous, apparently, with the other
formations, is observed, directly overlaid by a bed of leaden, minutel}^ granular, se-
condary limestone, containing organic remains of the usual shells and corallines,-
and layers of blackish hornstone or petrosilex. This rock, as well as the grau-
wacke hcncalh has disseminated crystals of blue fluate of lime. In the limestone
the cavities are sometimes very numerous, and lined both with pseudnmorphous
masses and cubes, and while fluate and cjuartz crystals. Thus we have here before
us, as at Lake Champlain, the rare and interesting spectacle of an union of every
class of rocks, but passing decidedly into each other, as if almost contemporaneous.
This singular formation, to which slate should be added, extends into Orange coun-
ty. State of New York. Immense masses, some miles in length, of the red oxide
of zinc, lie in the mountains, near Sparta; and as thia ore may be easily converted
NORTHERN DIVISION. 15
into metal, they will probably one day add greatly to the wealth of this portion of
the State. The white crystalline limestone, which is so interesting a feature of
this reo-ion, has been distinctly traced from Mounts Adam and Eve, in the state of
New York, to Byram township of Sussex county, in an uninterrupted line of twen-
ty-five miles, with a width varying from two and a half miles, to that of a few rods,
its greatest breadth being at the state line. Its inclination, except at Mounts Adam
and Eve, is low, often falling below the adjoining limestone of more recent date.
It crops out, only here and there, in large masses; and its continuity is to be ob-
served, solely, by boulders and loose stones, scattered over the surface. It most
probably extends, with occasional breaks, to Easton on the Delaware. Silver
and gold are asserted to have been found in several places of the primitive re-
gion, and attempts have been made at various times, by the ignorant, wiio have
been self-deceived, and by the knavish who have deceived others, to work veins of
pyrites, which have a resemblance to those metals.
Among these primitive ridges, we must notice, upon the S. W., Scott's Moun-
tain, and Jenny Jump, in both of which, are extensive deposits of magnetic iron
ore, and other interesting minerals. In tlie first, near Oxford furnace, the mijiing
of iron was many years ago very extensively conducted, and shafts of great depth,
and drifts of great length, are still visible. The works, however, had been long
abandoned, when Messrs. Henry and Jordan, from Pennsylvania, with praisewor-
thy enterprise recommenced them in 1832. They are now prosecuting a vein of
productive magnetic ore, blended with carbonate of lime, fiom 10 to 12 feet wide,
enclosed by parietes of mica shale. Throughout these mountains, the elements of
primitive rock may be found variously and curiously combined ; but we are not
aware, that they have been subjected to minute examination by the naturalist.
N. W. of the primitive hills we have described, there lies a valley, having an
average breadth of about 10 miles, but broadest near tlie Delaware, extending over
the northern parts of Sussex and Warren counties. It is drained for the greatest
part by Paulin's Kill, flowing to the Delaware, and may, therefore, properly be
termed Paulin's Kill Valley. It is bounded on the N. W. by the Blue Mountain.
The valley is covered with knolls and low ridges, at first view apparently in much
confusion, but which may be traced on the inclination of the mountains. Transi-
tion limestone alternates here with slate. A notable ridge of the latter bounds the
Paulin's Kill on the S. E. side, from near its mouth to Newton, whilst the N. W.
side is as strikingly distinguished by its range of limestone, which may be traced
to Orange county. New York. North of the limestone, there is another ridge of
slate, of a character well adapted for roofing and ciphering slate, quarries of which
are extensively worked on the Delaware. Between this slate and the Blue Moun-
tain lies a bed of grauwacke. The mountain contains the usual species of transition
rocks, grauwacke, in every variety of aggregation, slate, mountain limestone, and
greenstone, and rising from 1400 to 1600 feet high, is covered with wood, in which
the deer, bear, wolf, and most wild animals, indigenous, still roam. N. W. of the
mountain, bounded by the Delaware River, lies a fertile tract of transition lime-
stone land, watered by the Flat Kill, and varying in width from one to seven miles.
The mountains of this third section are, generally, in a state of nature. There
are, however, some cultivated spots, which reward the husbandman. But the val-
leys form the most fertile portions of the State. They are generally based on lime-
stone; and since lime has been extensively adopted as manure, they have rapidly
improved. This is especially the case among the Highlands, at Clinton, New Ger-
mantown, in the valleys of the north and soutii branches of the Raritan and of La-
mington rivers, in the valleys of the Musconetcong, the Pohatcong, the Pequest
and its tributaries, and valleys of Paulin's Kill and Flat Kill. All these produce
wheat in abundance, and where wheat abounds and finds a ready way to market,
no other good thing is absent. Wheat and iron are the staples of the country, which
in the lower part of the section, seek the market by the Morris canal. There were,
in 1832, by the report of the assessors, fifteen furnaces and eighty-seven forcre fires
in operation in the counties of Sussex, Warren, Morris and Bergen. By the com-
pletion of the Morris canal, the iron mines are growing into vast importance; great
demand for the ores liaving been created in West Jersey, Pennsylvania and New
York. From the valley of the Musconetcong immense quantities of wheat are
exported, individual farmers raising from one thousand to three thousand bushels
per annum.
Marble for ornamental architecture ia abundant in this district. At Mendham,
16 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
Morris county, it occurs with dendritic impressions in which it resembles the beau-
tiful marble of Florence. White marble and noble serpentine, we are told, are
found in large masses on the Pompton Mountain, and also near Phillipsburg. Man-
ganese, too, is said to be abundant in various parts of the section, and a water
lime, similar to that of New York, has been discovered at Mendham and other
places.
South-east of the Musconetcong Mountain, this district is drained by the Rama-
po River, which divides the primitive formation from the secondary, in Bergen
county; by Longpond or Ringvvood River, which rises in Longpond or Greenwood
Lake; by the Pequannock, which has its source in the Wallkill Mountains : these
streams uniting in Pompton and Saddle River townships, Bergen county, form the
Pompton River, which joins the Passaic, about four miles N. W. of the Little Falls.
The Passaic receives also the Rockaway, Whippany and Dead Rivers. The re-
mainder of this part of the section is tributary to the Raritan River, which receives
from it, three of its main branches; the North, the Lamington and the South; each
of which has a tortuous course, and waters a great extent of surface, bat all hav-
ing their source S. W. of the Musconetcong and Hamburg Mountains, which sepa-
rate entirely the whole of tiie section.
There are several lakes, of from four to six miles in compass, and others larger.
The principal is Greenwood Lake, upon the confines of New York, about 16 miles
in circumference ; lying in a narrow valley of the Highlands, scarce a mile wide.
Mackepin, in the soutiiern part of Pompton township, covers less surface, and is
supposed to be 600 feet above the waters of an adjacent mountain valley. Green-
pond, on the south of tiie Hamburg turnpike and near the valley of Newfoundland,
is a beautiful slieet of water, about eight miles in circumference, bounded E. by
the woodclad Copperas Mountain, and W. by a high and savage hill, which bears
its name. Two or three farm houses, pleasantly situated, on a sandy beach, on its
northern bank, serve as an hostelrie, for the sportsmen of Morris and Bergen coun-
ties, when resorting to this their favourite spot. Some of the lakes in the transition
region have their borders girded by lofty walls of grauwacke, and rival in their ro-
mantic scenery the celebrated sheets of Cuniberland and Westmoreland. ' Budd's
Pond upon Schooley's Mountain is also remarkable for its fish, as were Hurds and
Hopatcong Lakes ; but the last is now celebrated as the perennial source of the sup-
ply of water for the Morris Canal, being on the summit level, and the principal
feeder. In its natural state the Hopatcong poured forth its waters to the Delaware,
only, by tiie Musconetcong Creek, which courses the north-western base of the
Musconetcong Mountain.
The streams that drain the interval, between the Musconetcong and the Blue
Mountain, westwardly, are. the Musconetcong, Pohatcong, Lapatcong, Pequest,
and Paulinskill ; and eastwardly, the Wallkill. In this valley there are also several
small lakes, the most curious of which are the White Ponds, near Marksboro', and
Pimple Hill, both noted for the quantity of the shells of the small white fresh water
snail, which covers the bottom and banks. At the first, the ma.'ss of these shells is
enormous, covering the sides and bottom of the pond many feet thick. North of the
Blue Mountain the only stream worth special notice is liie Flatkill.
Oak, walnut, beach, birch, ash, elm and sugar maple, are the predominant timber
of the third section. Pine, hemlock, and cedar, are scattered through tlie forest, adja-
cent to the lakes and streams. On the high points of ground, walnut and oak are
the most common trees. Shrub oak is the most frequent in the transition highland
district which passes throagh Morris county. It occupies almost exclusively an ex-
tensive level interval on the north of Suckasunny Plain, attaining the heigiit of six
or eight feet, and forming an entangled thicket, beneath which the ground is co-
vered with loose stones.
We have already mentioned the number of peach orchards in the alluvial of the
State, and we may observe here, tliat tlie apple orchards of the secondary, primitive,
and transition sections, are not less worthy of notice. The cider of New Jersey is
justly preferred to any otiier of tlie United States, and the quantity of ardent spirit
distilled from it, may be conjectured by a glance at the list of distilleries in the ge-
neral statistical table.
For a more particular notice of the rivers of tlie State, and of the bridges which
cross them, we refer the reader to the names of the streams, respectively, in the
subsequent part of the work. But we will conclude this physical sketch by a view
of the turnpike roads, rail roads, and canals, which traverse the State
NORTHERN DIVISION. 17
VI. Turnpikes. Since March, 1801, authority has been given for making 54
turnpike roads. The object of these improvements seems threefold. 1. Tlie facili-
tating the communication between the great cities of New York and Philadelphia.
2. The more ready approach from the interior to the markets of New York and Eas-
ton, for the products of agriculture and the mines ; and 3. The drawing the produce
of the Delaware river, to the waters of East Jersey and New York, all which has
been much aided by the capital of that great city. The following list gives the titles
of these acts, the dates of their enactment, with their respective supplements.
Those marked with an asterisk, (*) have been wholly, or partially, carried into ef-
fect.
1801, March 9. *1. Morris Turnpike, from Elizabethtown, through Morristown and
Newton, over the Minisink Mountain, at Culver's Gap, to
the Delaware, opposite Milford. Supplement, Nov. 10, 1803.
1802, Nov. 30. *2. Hackensack and Hoboken. Supplement, Nov. 16, 1807.
1804, Feb. 23. *3. Union, from Morristown to Sparta.
1806, Nov. 11. *4. Union continued from Sparta, through Culver's Gap, to the
Delaware. Supplement, Feb. 4, 1815.
1804, Nov. 14. *5. Trenton and New Brunswick. Supplement, Nov. 28, 1806.
Feb. 1, 1814.
1804, Dec. 1. *6. City of Jersey and Hackensack. To which the state subscribed
$12,500. Supplement, Nov. 4, 1808.
1806, Feb. 24. *7. Newark and Pompton. Supplement, Nov. 28, 1806. Jan. 28,
1830.
„ 27. *8. Newark and Mount Pleasant. Supplement, May 9, 1820.
„ *9. Jersey, from New Brunswick to Easton Bridge, on the Dela-
ware. Supplement, Nov. 28, 1806. Feb. 22, 1811. Feb. 14,
1815. Feb. 15, 1816. Feb. 16, 1831.
,, March 3. *10. Essex and Middlesex, from New Brunswick to Newark. Sup-
plement, Nov. 17, 1821.
„ ,, *11. Washington, from Morristown to the Delaware, opposite to Eas-
ton. Supplement, Nov. 15, 1809.
„ J, *12. Patterson and Hamburg, from Acquackanonck landing to Deck-
ertown. Supplement, Nov. 26, 1806. Nov. 23, 1822.
1806, March 3. 14. Springfield and Newark.
,, *15. Franklin, from New Prospect to the New York line.
,, March 12. 16. Hunterdon and Sussex.
1807, Dec. 3. *17. Princeton and Kingston — branch of Trenton and New Bruns-
wick turnpike.
„ „ 18. Jefferson, through Berkshire valley to the Patterson and Ham-
burg road.
„ Nov. 16. 19. Belleville, from Belleville bridge to the Newark and Pompton
road, between Bloomfield and Cranetown.
1808, Nov. 22. *20. Perth Amboy, to Boundbrook. Supplement, Feb. 18, 1820.
„ „ *21. Woodbridge, from New Brunswick, through Piscataway and
Woodbridge, to Rah way.
,, Nov. 24. 22. Burlington, through Bordentown, to intersect the Trenton and
New Brunswick turnpike. Supplement, November, 1809.
Feb. 6, 1811.
„ Nov. 28. 23. Jersey and Acquackanonck, from Acquackanonck to Belleville
turnpike.
„ 28. *25. Deckertown and Milford. Supplement, Feb. 10, 1813. Dec.
7, 1825. Dec. 16, 1826.
1809, Nov. 28. *13. Patterson and Hamburg, continued from Deckertown over the
Blue Mountain, to the Delaware opposite to Milford. Sup-
plement, Feb. 11, 1815. Feb. 15, 1816. January 23, 1818.
„ 29. *24. Parsippany and Rockaway, from Vanduyns, tJirough Rockaway,
to the Union turnpike.
1811, Feb. 8. 26. Water Gap, from the Morris and Sussex turnpike, near the 34
mile post, through Milton and Hope, to the Delaware, near
the Water Gap.' Supplement, Feb. 3, 1813.
„ 9. *27. Ringwood and Longpond, and division line between the 29th
and 30th mile stones. Supplement, Feb. 10, 1813. Feb. 6,
1819.
C
18 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
1811, Feb. 9. 28. Farmers, from Springfield, through New Providence, Long
Hill, Pluckemin, to the Jersey turnpike near Potterstown.
„ 11. "29. Newark and Morris, from Newark, through S. Orange to Bot-
tle Hill or Morristown. Supplement, Feb. 12, 1817. Jan.
15, 1818. Feb. 7, 1820. Dec. 5, 1823.
„ 14. 30. Vernon, from the division line, near Decay's, to the Patterson
and Hamburg turnpike.
„ 31. New Milford, from the division line between the 29th and 30th
mile stones.
1813, Jan. 12. 32. Dover, to Suckasunny.
„ ''33. Spruce Run, from Clinton, in Hunterdon county, to the Wash-
ington turnpike road, near Sherard's mill, in Sussex county.
Supplement, Jan. 26, 1814. Jan. 27, 1818.
,, Feb. 11. 34. Hope and Hackettstown.
*3.5. New Germantown, from Bayle's Mill and White House to New
Germantown.
1814, Jan. 27. *36. Deckertown and Newton. Supplement, Feb. 4, 1817. Feb. 4,
1831.
jj 37. Vernon and Newton, from Decay's, in the division line, by
Hamburs:, to Sussex Court House.
„ Feb. 11. 38. New Brunswick and Middleburg.
1815, Jan. 18. "39. Hackensack and Hoboken. Supplement, Jan. 21, 1818.
,, Feb. 6. *40. Patterson and Hackensack. Supplement, Feb. 27, 1824. Nov.
6, 1827.
„ Feb. 11. 41. Mount Hope and Longwood. Feb. 7, 1820.
„ 42. New Providence, from Morristown to Scotch Plains.
1816, Feb. 15. 43. Georgetown and Franklin. Supplement, Jan. 20, 1819. Dec.
12, 1823. Feb. 25, 1828.
., Feb. 16. *44. Bordentown and South Amboy. Supplement, January 20,
1817. Nov. 6, 1819. Dec. 8, 1826.
,j 45. Belleville, to the Newark and Pompton road, at the Little Falls.
„ 46. Woodbridge, to the New Blazing Star.
„ 47. Patterson and Hamburg, to the Hudson, from Acquackanonck
Bridge, to the Hackensack and Hoboken roads near the
Three Pigeons. Supplement, Dec. 7, 1824.
1817, Feb. 12. *48. Pochuck, from Hamburg to Goshen, N. Y.
1819, Jan. 21. 49. Columbia and Walpack, to intersect the Sussex and Morris
turnpike.
„ Feb. 6. 50. Newton, from near Andover furnace, through Newton, to the
third district of the Morris and Essex turnpike, near the Blue
Mountain.
1825, Nov. 23. 51. Patterson and New Prospect.
„ 52. Patterson and New Antrim, from Patterson through Saddle
River and Franklin townships.
1828, Jan. 23. 53. Hackensack and Fort Lee.
,, 54. Passaic, from Patterson to Little Falls.
Not more than half the projects for roads, which have received legislative sanc-
tion, have been executed ; but in some instances the new laws were wholly, or
partly, substituted for others, of which the designated routes had been abandoned.
There have been made, however, about 550 miles of turnpike road, principally of
earth and gravel. We do not recollect to have seen, in any direction, five conti-
nuous miles of road paved with stone. The main iiighways of the State are pre-
served in pretty good condition, and generally during the summer and fall seasons
may be travelled with pleasure, in every direction. Some of them are preferable to
the turnpikes, particularly such as pass over the slate and sandstone regions, where
the hard rock approaches the surface.
VII. Up to the year 1833, nine companies have been chartered for making rail-
roads, with authority to employ the sum of $7,140,000 towards these objects. The
Camden and Amboy Rail-road Company was incorporated under the act of February
4th, 1830, authorizing a capital stock of $1,000,000, with privilege to increase it
$500,000, divided into shares of $100 each, to be employed in the construction of
ml-road or roads, with all necessary appendages, from the Delaware River, at some
NORTHERN DIVISION. 19
point between Cooper's and Newton Creeks, in the county of Gloucester, to some
point on the Raritan Bay ; the road to be one hundred feet wide, with as many set
of tracks as may be necessary, with a lateral road to Bordenlown ; reserving to the
legislature the right to subscribe one-fourth, or less, of the capital stock, within a limi-
ted time — which right was not exercised — with condition, also, that the road should
be commenced within two, and be completed within nine, years; and that the com-
pany should make quarterly returns of the number of passengers, and tons of mer-
chandise, transported upon the road, to the state treasurer; and pay a transit duty
of ten cents for each passenger, and fifteen cents for each ton of merchandise, in
lieu of all other taxes. The company was empowered to decide upon the descrip-
tion of carriages to be used on tiie road, the weight to be transported on each, the
times of starting and rates of travelling, and to regulate the tolls ; and was required
to provide suitable steam or other vessels, at either extremity of the road, for the
transportation of passengers. The State, also, reserved to itself the right to pur-
chase the road at and after the expiration of thirty years, at a valuation to be made
according to law ; stipulating, that if the legislature shall authorize the construc-
tion of any other rail-road for the transportation of passengers across the State from
New York to Philadelphia, which road shall be constructed and used, and which
shall commence and terminate within three miles of the commencement and termi-
nation of the road authorized by the act, then the transit duties shall cease ; and
that such other rail-road shall be liable to a tax not less than the amount payable to
the State by this company.
By an act passed 4lh February, 1831, it was further stipulated between the
State and the company, tJiat the latter should transfer to the former 1000 shares of
the capital stock, the instalments thereon to be paid by the company ; the State to
appoint one director, on condition, that it should not be lawful to construct any rail-
road for the transportation of passengers across the State, within three miles of the
road of the company, until after the expiration of the term of nine years from the
date of the act of incorporation, (Feb. 4th, 1830.) And that when any other rail-
road for the transportation of passengers and property between New York and Phila-
delphia shall be constructed and used, by virtue of any law of this State or of the
United States, authorizing or recognising such road, that the dividends on the stock
should cease, and the stock be retransferred to the company.
By the act of 15th February, 1831, the Camden and Amboy Rail-road and the
Delaware and Raritan Canal Companies were consolidated, for the purposes of com-
pleting the canal and road, subject to the provisions, reservations and conditions of
their respective charters ; the directors appointed under which are empowered to
manage the affairs of the companies in joint meeting ; and the companies are jointly
liable on the contracts made by either; and are prohibited from charging more than
three dollars for the transportation of passengers from and to the cities of New
York and Philadelphia. This act further provides that the canal and rail-road shall
be completed within the time specified in the respective charters ; and that if one of
the works at the expiration of such time be completed without the other, that the
work completed shall be forfeited to the State.
By the act of 2d March, 1832, 1000 shares of the joint capital stock are transfer-
red to the State; and tlie companies contract that, if within one year from the time
that the rail-road shall be completed, the transit duty received by the acts incorpora-
ting such companies, and the dividends on the stock so transferred, shall not amount
to $30,000, the companies shall pay the deficiency to the State ; and so, annually,
out of the joint funds, and before any dividend be made to the stockholders, so as to
secure to the State the sum of $30,000 at least, annually, during the charter; and
that the State may appoint one director to represent the stock, but shall not vote
thereon at any election of the stockholders. The state directors are appointable by
the governor. The companies further covenant to construct a lateral rail-road from
the village of Spottswood to the city of New Brunswick, to be completed so soon as
any rail-road shall be made from that city to the Hudson River ; and that they will
not charge more than $2. -50 for every passenger carried to and from the cities of
New Brunswick and Philadelphia. The condition of these grants, however, is, that
it shall not be lawful at any time during the rail-road charter, to construct any other
rail-road in the State, without the consent of the companies, which shall be intended
or used for the transportation of passengers or merchandise between the cities of
New York and Philadelphia, or to compete in business, with the Camden and Amboy
Rail-road.
20 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The united companies have completed one track of rail-road from a point below
Bordentown, on the Delaware River, to South Amboy, passing through, or rather
over, Hight's Town and by Spottswood, a distance of 35 miles, at an expense, it is
said, of more than J^18,()00 the mile. Upon this road passengers and merchandise
have been carried since February, 1833. It is constructed in a very substantial man-
ner of cast iron rails, supported upon blocks of stone, or wooden sleepers, placed
three feet distant from each other in the line. Until September, 1833, the carriages
were commonly drawn by horses ; at that time steam locomotives were applied to
one of the three daily lines which traverse it.
The remainder of the road from Bordentown to Camden is in progress, and is
being constructed of wood, faced with iron bars; it being supposed that it will not
be employed more than two or three montlis in the year, and will therefore not re-
quire the strength of the portion between Bordentown and New York.
By the power which this company has to regulate the tolls on the road, they are
enabled to exclude all other persons from its use, and to secure to themselves a mo-
nopoly thereof; and this they have effected.
The West Jersey Rail-road was designed to be connected with the Camden and
Amboy Rail-roads, at Camden; and to run, thence, to any point upon the Delaware
River, in the township of Penn's Neck, in the county of Salem. The company was
authorized to have a capital of half a million, and to increase it to one million of
dollars; and the road was to be commenced within two years from the passage of
the act, (12th February, 1831.) and to be completed within five years. The road
not having been commenced, the charter may be deemed void.
The Patterson and Hudson River Rail-road Company^ was incorporated under the
act of 21st January, 1S31, with a capital of !|;250,000, and the privilege to extend it
to half a million; and was authorized to make a rail-road or lateral roads from one
or more suitable places in the town of Patterson, one at least of which to commence
at or pass in its course within 50 feet of the corner of the present lower race-way
in the town of Patterson, at the intersection of Congress and Mill streets, near the
Catholic Chapel, to Weehawkin ; and from thence to any other suitable place or
places on the Hudson River opposite to the city of New York, within 50 feet of
high- water mark, not exceeding 66 feet wide, with as many tracks as they may deem
necessary, crossing the Hackensack River upon or near the bridge of the New Bar-
badoes Company. By act ISth November, 1831, the company was empowered to
locate the road from the east side of Berry's Hill, in the county of Bergen, to the
Hudson River, and on making a tunnel through Bergen Hill, to charge additional
toll.
The company are empowered also to purchase and employ all means necessary in
the transportation of merchandise, passengers, &c. upon the road, but the road is
declared a public highway, free to all persons paying the prescribed toll, and may be
purchased by the State after the expiration of fifty years from its completion. The
treasurer of the company is required to make to the State treasurer annual returns
of the number of passengers, and tons of merchandise, &e. transported on the road,
and after the expiration of five years from the passing of the act, to pay to the State,
annually, one-quarter of one per cent., and after the expiration of ten years, one-half
per cent, on the capital stock paid in, in lieu of all taxation.
B}' an act of 3d February, 1831, tlie Patterson Junction Rail-road Company was
incorporated with a capital of ^20,000, which may be increased to ,^40,000, and
a power to construct a rail-road or lateral roads from the Morris Canal, distant not
more than one and a half miles from the corner of Congress and Mill streets, in the
town of Patterson, to intersect the Patterson and Hudson River Rail-road, within
the town of Patterson. This is also declared a public highway, and the compan}'
are required, when the road shall be completed, to file a statement of its cost in the
office of the secretary of state, and annually tiiereafter to report to the legislature
the proceeds of the road, until they shall amount to seven per cent, upon its cost,
and afterwards annually to pay to the State a tax of one-half per cent, on such cost
in lieu of all taxes. And the legislature have reserved the right to purchase such
road upon terms similar to those annexed to the charter of the Patterson and Hud-
son River Rail-road Company; and the charter of tliis, as of that company, is de-
clared void, if the road be not commenced in one year, and finished in five years from
the 4lh July, 1831.
The Patterson and Fort Lee Rail-road Company, incorporated by the act of
8th Mfl.rch, 1832, has authority to employ a capital of f 200,000 in making a road
NORTHERN DIVISION. 21
from the town of Patterson to Fort Lee, on the Hudson River, not further than 50
feet from high-water mark ; to be commenced within one year from the 4th July,
1832, and completed within six years from that time, under penalty of forfeiture of
the charter; and subject to be purchased by the State at the expiration of thirty
years from the completion of the road, and to a transit duty of the one-quarter of
one per cent, yearly, after the expiration of six years from the passage of the act,
and the half of one per cent, after tlie expiration of ten years, upon the capital stock,
in lieu of all other taxes.
The Elizabethtown and Somerville Rail-road Company, by the act of 9th Fe-
bruary, 1831, was empowered to construct a road from the village of Somerville to
Elizabethtown, passing as near as practicable by Boundbrook, Plainfield, Scotch
Plains and Westfield, subject to a tax of one-half of one per cent, upon the cost, an-
nually, after the proceeds of the road shall yield seven per cent, thereon, and to the
avoidance of the charter in case the road be not completed within seven years from
the 4th July, 1831. This road is to be a public highway, and may be purchased
by the State on the terms established in the case of the Patterson and Hudson road,
and the Slate may subscribe $25,000 to the stock of the company, at any time before,
or within, twelve months after the road shall be completed.
The capital stock originally permitted to the company, was $200,000, with the
privilege of increase to $400,000; but, by the act of 8th February, 1833, authority
was given to add $500,000 immediately to the stock, and, eventually, should it be
found necessary, $500,000 more; and to extend the road from the village of Somer-
ville, by the village of Clinton, in the county of Hunterdon, to the Delaware River,
opposite to the village of Belvidere, in the county of Warren, with a branch, if the
company deem it expedient, to the Delaware River, between the mouth of the Mus-
conetcong Creek and the Easton Delaware Bridge ; subject to all the restrictions
and reservations made by the original act. The great object of this extension'of the
road, is to unite it with the North-western Rail-road, which it is proposed to com-
mence at the Delaware, opposite Belvidere, and to run through the Blue Mountain
at the Water Gap, and by Stroudsburg, through a densely wooded country to Pittston,
on the Susquehanna; being located for about 18 miles upon an inexhaustible coal
bed. From this coal region, the road may be connected with several authorized
roads into western New York. If this road be executed, it will open a convenient
way to the New York market, not only from one of the most fertile and interesting
portions of the State of New Jersej^, but will give a direction to the produce of a
portion of New York territory, otherwise destined to reach the city of Philadelphia.
A portion of the stock for this route has, we understand, been subscribed.
The New Jersey Rail-road and Transportation Company was incorporated by the
act of 7th March, 1832, with a capital of $750,000, and the privilege to double it,
divided into shares of .$50 each; with power to make a rail-road not more than 66
feet wide, with as many tracks as they may deem proper, from such point in the
city of New Brunswick, as shall be agreed upon by them and the corporation of
that city, through or near the villages of Railway and Woodbridge, within half a
mile of the market house, in Elizabethtown, and through Newark, by the most
practicable route, and thence contiguous to, or south of the bridges, over the Hack-
ensack and Passaic River; crossing Bergen Ridge, south of the turnpike road to
some convenient point not less than 50 feet from high-water mark, on the Hudson
river, opposite to the city of Nev/ York : and to make a branch road to any ferry
on the Hudson opposite to New York, which shall join the main road within 100
yards of the Hackensack River, if the main road cross that river within 100 yards
of the present bridge: but if more than 100 yards from that bridge, then the branch
to join it, at such point, west of the river, as shall best give to the ferries equal fa-
cilities of communication with Newark. And if the company do not construct such
branch, as soon as the main road from Newark to the Hudson shall be made, then
the law authorizes the owner of the ferry so to do, with the same power and liabi-
lities as the company. The act, also, empowers the company to regulate the time
and manner of transporting goods and passengers, the description and formation of
carriages; and the rates and modes of collecting toll within the following limits; viz.
for empty carriages, weighing less than a ton, two cents; more than one, and less than
two tons, four cents; above three tons, eight cents per mile ; and in addition thereto,
six cents per ton for goods, and three cents for each passenger, per mile. Provided,
that no farmer of the State shall pay toll for carrying the produce of his farm, in
hig own wagon, not weighing more than a ton, when such produce does not
22 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
weigh more than 1000 lbs.: but shall pay, only, for carriages, as if empty. It also
authorizes the company to construct branches to any landing, on or near the Pas-
saic, not north of Belleville, and to any place in the township of Newark; and
requires them to commence the road at Jersey City and New Brunswick, within
one year, and to complete the whole route in five years, under penalty of forfeiture
of their charter. The company are further empowered to purchase any turnpike
road and bridges on the route; but the act reserves to the State and individual
stockholders of the Newark Turnpike Company, the right, at any time, within two
years from the opening of the books, to take stock of the company in exchange, or
to sell to the companj', at market value; but the Newark turnpike and the bridges
over the Raritan, Passaic and Hackensack, are to be kept as public roads, without
obstruction : to build or purchase carriages for the transportation of persons or pro-
perty ; but not to charge more than six cents a mile for transporting passengers and
each ton of goods, nor more than $1.25 for carrying passengers from New York
to New Brunswick : to hold real estate, at the commencement and termination of
their roads, not exceeding three acres at each place ; and to build thereon, ware-
houses, stables, machine shops, &c. and over the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers,
such bridges, piers, &c. as may be necessary. The State has reserved the right to
purchase the road after the expiration of the charter, (30 years) and of subscribing
one-fourth of the stock, and has imposed an annual tax of 1-4 per cent, upon the
capital paid in ; and should the road be continued across the State, a transit duty of
8 cents for each passenger and 12 cents for every ton of goods transported over the
whole road. By a supplement to the act relative to the Delaware and Raritan Canal,
and Amboy Rail-road, the companies are required to construct a lateral rail-road
from the village oi' Spottswood to the city of New Brunswick, as soon as a rail-road
shall be made from New Brunswick to the Hudson River; consequentl}^, when the
Camden and Amboy Rail-road and the New Jersey Rail-road shall be completed,
there must be a rail-road through the state, from Jersey City to Philadelphia.
The New Jersey Rail-road Company commenced operations in the summer of
1832, and have confident expectations of completing the road from Hackensack
River, through Newark to Elizabethtovvn, by the fall of 1833; and from the Hud-
son to Elizabethtown in the summer of 1834; and the whole line, from the Hudson
to New Brunswick, within two years. The estimated cost of the whole road for
one track, with suitable passing places, including the purchase from the Bridge and
Newark Turnpike Companies, the bridges over the Hackensack, Passaic and Rari-
tan, and the moving power, cars, &c. as per report of N. Beach, the engineer,
is - $718,912
Cost of superstructure for a second track on the whole line, 30 miles,
at $4,710 80 per mile, - - - - - - 141,324
Total, - - - $860,236
Upon this capital, the company, after paying for annual repairs, cost of moving
power, cars, &c. the sum of $35,640 per anwum, anticipate to receive a profit of
$134,775, equal to 15-^ per cent.
By an arrangement with Ihe Patterson Rail-road Company, the road for both
companies, from the west side of Bergen Ridge, through the Deep Cut, and across
the heavy embankments, on the east of the Ridge, and to the Hudson River, is to
be constructed under the charter of this company, as joint property of the two com-
panies; the Patterson company paying two-fifths, and this company three-fifths of
the expense of construction, each company using the road without accounting to
the other. This arrangement reduces the expense of the New Jersey Company
$55,171.
The company, in order to avoid litigation, has purchased of the United Passaic
and Hackensack Bridge Companies their stock, at $150,000, equal to $150 per
share, upon which amount it had, for some years, paid seven per cent, and created
a surplus fund of .$30,000. With this stock, they obtained also all the right which
the bridge company possessed, to pass the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers, by bridges,
for sixty years to come. A very large majority of the stockholders of the bridge
companies used the right of election stipulated for, to take rail-road stock, and have
thus become identified in interest with the compan}'.
The New Jersey, Hudson and Delaware Rail-road Company was incorporated by
an act of 8th March, 1832, with a capital stock of $1,000,000, and authority to in-
crease it to $2,000,000, to be employed in making a rail-road and public highway,
NORTHERN DIVISION. 23
commencing at any point on the Delaware River, between the New York state line
and the mouth of Paulin's Kill, (and constructing a bridge over said river,) and to
run thence to SnufFtown, in the county of Sussex, and thence to the Hudson River,
opposite the city of New York ; or to join any rail-road chartered or to be chartered,
leading to or terminating at the Hudson River, opposite the city of New York : but
if extended to the Hudson, not to cross the Passaic south of the village of Belle-
ville, nor to approach any point within three miles of the present bridge over the
Passaic, at Newark, nor to run south of the turnpike road, a causeway leading from
Newark to Jersey City ; such road to be commenced within two and finished within
twenty years; and when the dividends upon its stock shall amount to seven per
cent, to be subject to a tax of one-half of one per cent, per annum on the cost of
the road and appendages, in lieu of all taxes ; reserving to the State the right, at
any time within three years after the expiration of ninety-nine years, of taking the
road and appendages at cost.
The Delaware and Jobstown Rail or Macadamized Road Company, was incorpo-
rated under the act of lUh February, 1833, with a capital of $60,000, and liberty
to increase it to ^200,000, for the purpose of making a public road from the mouth of
Craft's Creek, upon the Delaware River, by the villages of Columbus, Jobstown and
Juliustown, to New Lisbon, a distance of 13 miles ; the road to be commenced within
three and completed within ten years from the passage of the act, on penalty of for-
feiture of the charter: and when the annual net proceeds shall amount to more
than seven per cent, to pay half per cent, tax annually to the State ; reserving the
right to the State to purchase thejoad upon appraisement after the expiration of fifty
years. The stock of this road, we are told, is subscribed.
VIII. There are four canals in the State completed or about to be completed, viz.
the Morris Canal, the Delaware and Raritan Canal, the Salem Creek Canal, and the
Manasquan Canal.
The Morris Canal is among the most original and boldest efforts of the spirit of
internal improvement. The idea of making it was first conceived by George P.
M'Culloch, Esq. of Morristown, whilst on a fishing party at the Hopatcong Lake,
near the summit of the Musconetcong Mountain, more than 900 feet above the level
of the sea, and the enterprise was commenced through his zealous and active exer-
tions. This lake, the source of the Musconetcong River, in its original state covered
an area of about five square miles. To dam up its outlet, husband the spring fresh-
ets, to double its capacity, and by leading its accumulated waters to the eastern de-
clivity and valley of the Rockaway, to pursue the western descent until a practical
route could be obtained across the country to Easton, were the means he proposed to
open the way to market for the rich mineral products and the iron manufactured at
the many furnaces and forges of this mountainous district. At one period, 81
forges and 12 furnaces flourished in the di.strict, biit when the canal was proposed,
30 of the former and 9 of the latter had fallen into ruins; whilst the remainder
were greatly limited in their operations by the growing scarcity of fuel and increas-
ing cost of transportation. A ton of iron might haye been brought to New York
from Archangel on the White Sea, at nearly the same price it could have been trans-
ported from Berkshire valley ; and thus, this great branch of manufacture, alike inte-
resting to the State and the Union, was in imminent danger of perishing.
But how might a canal penetrate from the Delaware to the Hudson, 100 miles,
througli the mountainous chain repeatedly crossing its path ^ How might the eleva-
tion, rapid and unavoidable, be surmounted, and how should the pecuniary sources be
provided for an enterprise vast, novel, hazardous and expensive.' The lake at the
summit level would supply water to be sure; but to raise boats 900 feet high, and
again to lower them to their first level of lockage, would have required an amount
of money for the construction, and of time in the passage, alike fatal to the enter-
prise. Mr. M'Culloch, therefore, adopted the expedient of inclined planes for the
greater lifts, and locks for the less. Sucli planes had never before been applied to
boats of much magnitude, nor to an operation so extensive.
Mr. M'Culloch endeavoured to induce the State to adopt the enterprise; and at
the instance of him and others, the legislature, by act 15th November, 1822, ap-
pointed G. M'Culloch, Charles Kinsey, of Essex, and Thomas Capner, Esqrs. com-
missioners, with authority to employ a scientific engineer and surveyor to explore,
survey and level the most practicable route for this canal ; and to report an estimate
of the expense thereof, with such information relative to the minerals along its
lines as they could obtain, and to deposit specimens thereof in the state library. The
24 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
commissioners reported, in 1823, and received the thanks of the legislature for the
intelligence, industry and zeal displayed in the execution of their commission. But
that cautious and prudential policy which has hitherto prevented the State from
yielding her treasury and resources to the blandishment of projectors, charm they
ever so wisely, deterred her from making the Morris Canal a state enterprise. A
private company was therefore formed, and incorporated under the act of 31st De-
cember, 1824, with a capital of .$1,000,000, and the right to increase it to $1,500,000,
for canal purposes; and, likewise, to employ in banking operations, additionally, the
sum of $200,000, for every $200,000 actually expended on the canal, so that the
banking capital did not exceed a million of dollars.
The route of the canal was selected, and the estimate of cost made, by Major
Ephraim Beach, under whose direction the work was executed. This route, and
the estimate of cost, were approved by General Bernard and Major Totten, of the
engineer corps of the United States, and by Judge Wright; and the plan of inclined
planes, suggested by professor James Renvvick, of Columbia College, New York,
also received the sanction of the like authority; but much modification was after-
wards found necessary in this particular.
In 1825, the excavations were prosecuted with alacrity, while the planes were de-
ferred; an arrangement which experience proves should have been reversed, since
the latter could be perfected only by many and tedious experiments. The erection
of the planes, too, was entrusted to ordinary mechanics, who, deficient in scientific
knowledge and manual skill, caused much disappointment, which was aggravated by
great and useless expenditure ; but, finally, proper engineers were employed, and
the planes have become effectual to establish a regular intercourse along the line of
the canal with the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, and with the Hudson The ma-
chinery of the inclined plane, so far as we have examined it, consists of a double rail-
way connecting the upper and lower portions of the canal, up which a carriage sup-
porting a boat is drav.-n by means of iron chains, wound round a cylinder, set in mo-
tion by a water wheel turned by a stream from the upper level ; whilst another chain
regulates the descent of another boat to the lower level, if there be one to pass, or if
none, of the empty cradle.
The cost of the canal, originally estimated at $817,000, has been about $2,000,000.
The length completed is about 90 miles from the Passaic River, at Newark, to the
Delaware, at Philipsburg, opposite to Easton; 11 J miles between Jersey City and
Newark remain to be executed, and are estimated to cost $100,000; but the cost
will, as usual, probably exceed the estimate. This excess of cost over the estimate
is not peculiar to the Morris Canal, but is common, perhaps unavoidable, in all the
public works of the country. The engineer can judge only from an imperfect know-
ledge of the surface of the ground through which he is to make his wa3-: an unex-
pected bed of stone, a limestone sink, a quicksand, a sudden freshet or frost, may
mock his calculations. Adventurers, therefore, in canals and rail-roads, should be
content when their agents display reasonable intelligence and full fidelity. The
canal was completed to Newark in August, 1831. It is deeply in debt, and pays
no dividend to the stockholders ; but its use has been most beneficial upon the busi-
ness of the country through which it passes, and its portage will increase with popu-
lation and business; and should the anthracite coal be successfullj' applied to the ex-
traction of iron from ore, the consumption of that article alone will add greatly to
the tolls. The transportation of the Lehigh coal to the New York market, originally
counted on by the projectors of this canal, will be effected by the Delaware and Ra-
ritan Canal. The Morris Canal was adapted to boats of 25 tons only, which in many
cases have proved too heavy for the chains of the inclined planes. The passage from
Easton to Newark has been performed in less than five days.
The width of the canal is 32 feet at top, and 20 feet at bottom, four feet deep.
The locks are 75 feet long between the mitre sills, and nine feet wide. The line is
naturally divided into two divisions, the Eastern and Western. The first has 12
planes, whose united elevations make 748 feet, and 18 locks rising, together, 166
feet, making the whole rise, 914 feet. The highest lift by planes is 80 feet. There
are two of tliat height, one at Boontoon Falls, and another at Drakeville ; and the
highest lift of the locks is 10 feet. This division now ends at the Passaic River,
near Newark — the section designed to connect it with the Hudson, 11 ,' miles, has
not yet been commenced. The length of the division is 51 miles 32-lOOths. The
western division has 11 planes rising 691 feet, and 7 locks, whose aggregate lifts
are 69 feet — total, 760 feet. Its length from the summit level to the Delaware, it
NORTHERN DIVISION.
25
38 miles, 91-lOOths, making the length of the whole line 90 miles 23-lOOths. The
annexed table shows at one view the number of the planes and locks, their location,
elevation, grade of the planes, and lift of the locks; and is, perhaps, the best expo-
sition that can be given of the work short of an engraved profile.
EASTERN DIVISION.
No. of
No. of
Elevation
Inclina-
Lift of the
Plane.
Lock.
the plane
LOCATION.
the sec-
of plane
tion of the
Lock in
or lock.
tion.
in feet.
plane.
feet.
1
1
Summit.
o
50
1-12
1
2
Drakeville.
4
80
1-10
1
3
Near do.
5
38
1-12
2
land 2
do. do.
6
20
1
4
Baker's Mills.
12
52
1-8
1
3
Near do.
13
8
1
5
Above Dover.
15
66
1-9
1
4
do.
16
9
1
5
do.
17
9
2
6 and 7
At do.
19
18
1
6
Rockaway.
25
52
1-12
1
8
Near do.
29
7
2
9 and 10
Povverville.
34
15
1
11
Booneton.
36
10
7
Booneton Falls.
37
80
1-10
I
12
Near do.
38
12
1
8
Montville.
40
76
1-1 1
1
9
do.
41
74
1-11
1
10
Near Pompton.
48
56
1-12
1
13
do.
42
8
11
Bloomfield.
84
54
1-12
1
14
Near do.
86
10
1
15
Above Newark.
95
10
1
12
Newark.
96
70
1-12
3
16,17,18
do.
97
748
166
30
12
17
166
Planes and Locks.
914
WESTERN DIVISION.
No. of
No. of
Elevation
Inclina-
Lift of the
Plane.
Lock.
the plane
LOCATION.
the sec-
of plane
tion of the
Lock in
or lock.
tion.
in feet.
plane.
feet.
1
1
Great Meadow.
3
58
MO
1
2
Stanhope.
5
70
1-11
1
1
Near Sayers.
6
12
3
do. do.
6
55
1-12
1
4
Old Andover.
10
80
1-8
1
2
Guinea Hollow.
16
10
1
5
Near Anderson.
38
64
1-12
1
6
Monte Rose.
41
50
1-10
1
3
Near do.
43
10
D
26
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
Western Division, continued.
No. of
No. of
Elevation
Inclina-
Lift of the
Plane.
Lock.
Ihe plane
LOCATION.
the sec-
of plane
tion of the
Lock in
or lock.
tion.
in feet.
plane.
feet.
1
7
Poliatconff.
47
75
1-10
1
4
Near N. Village.
CI
10
1
8
Hulzesers.
G3
62
1-11
1
9
Near Bridleman's
Brook.
67
100
1-10
1
10
Nr. Green's mills.
70
44
1-12
1
5
do. do.
71
9
land 2
6 and 7
do. do.
72
18
1
11
Delaware River.
74
33
1-12
11
Planes and Locks.
G91
69
760
69
RECAPITULATION.
Planes.
Locks.
Eastern Division,
12
748
Western Division,
11
691
1439 feet.
22
Eastern Division,
17
. 166
Western Division,
7
69
—
235
24 locks.
1674 feet.
Of the interesting works on the line of the canal, our limits permit us only to no-
tice, the aqueduct of stone of a single arch, 80 feet span, 50 feet above the river,
over the Passaic at the Little Falls, built of beautiful dressed freestone, in the most
substantial and durable manner — and the vi'ooden aqueduct 236 feet long, supported
by nine stone piers, over the Pompton River.
The State is indebted, as we have already observed, for the inception of this great
work, to the genius and zeal of George M'Culloch, Esq., and she is not less indebted
to the skill and perseverance of Cadwallader D. Golden, Esq., the actual president
of the company, for its completion.
The Delaware and Raritan Canal, one of the great links of the chain of internal
navigation, which is to give to the domestic trade of the country the greatest fa-
cility and security, has for years been a subject of deep interest to all who have re-
flected on the means of increasing our prosperity. The construction of this canal
has been a favourite project, — with speculators desirous to deal in a marketable com-
modity; with cai)italists seeking for safe and profitable investments; and with many
statesmen of New Jersey, who believed they saw, in it, tlie means of creating a per-
manent and large revenue for the State, which would forever relieve her citizens
from taxation, for the ordinary support of government.
So early as the year ISOl, the project of a canal to connect the waters of the De-
laware and Raritan Rivers, was earnestly considered. A route was then examined
by a company of e.xperienced and intelligent gentlemen, and a law passed autho-
rizing its construction by a private company; but the state of our trade, and
our inexperience in works of this character, prevented its execution. In 1816
and in 1823, commissioners, appointed by the legislature, explored the route, and
by accurate examination demonstrated its practicability. At a subsequent pe-
riod, a second joint-stock company was authorized to make this canal, and paid to
the State treasury, for the ])rivilege so to do, the sum of $100,000; but failing to
obtain the sanction of the Slate of Pennsylvania to the use of the waters of the
Delaware, tiiey were compelled to abandon the enterprise, receiving back from New
Jersey the premium they had paid. Many citizens of the State rejoiced in this
failure, by which the power of making the canal reverted to her ; anticipating that
NORTHERN DIVISION. 27
she would immediately use it. To this end, many petitions were presented to the
legislature, at their session of 182S-9; and a committee appointed thereon, made an
able and elaborate report, accompanied by a bill, authorizing the canal to be con-
structed by the State. But the settled policy of the State, safe at least, if not emi-
nently prosperous or sagacious, which carefully eschews all prospective advantages to
be purchased by loans, or by the taxation of her citizens, marred this measure. Fi-
nally, by the act of 4th February, 1830, the enterprise was again committed to a
joint-stock company, with certain beneficial reservations to the State. The act
provides, that a capital stock be created of $1,000,000, which may be enlarged to
$1,500,000, divided into shares of $100 each, and that the company have all the
powers necessary to perfect an expeditious and complete line of communication from
Philadelphia to New York : That, if the capital were not subscribed within one
year, or the canal and feeder not commenced within two, and completed within eight,
years, the charter should become void : That, the company might make the canal
between, and improve the rivers below, where the canal shall empty into them; the
canal to be at least 50 feet wide at the water line, and at least five feet deep, and
the feeder not less than 30 feet wide and four feet deep : That they may charge
tolls for the transport of persons and merchandise, not exceeding five cents per
mile for the first, nor four cents per ton per mile for the second, nor more than
half those rates respectively on the feeder : That they may alter the route of the
canal ; that it shall be a public highway ; and that, no other canal shall be con-
structed within five miles of any point of the canal or feeder, without the assent of
the company : That at the expiration of thirty years from the completion of the
canal and feeder, a valuation of them shall be made by six appraisers, appointed by
the company and State ; who, in case of difference, may choose an umpire ; that
such appraisement shall not exceed the first cost, with the lands and appendages,
and that the State shall have the privilege for ten years of taking the canal and
feeder at the appraisement, upon payment of the amount thereof : That the trea-
surer of the company shall, on oath, make quarterly returns of the number of pas-
sengers and tons of merchandise transported on the canal across the State, and pay
to the treasurer of the State, eight cents for each passenger, and eight cents for each
ton of merchandise so transported thereon, except for coal, lumber, lime, wood, ashes
and similar low priced articles, for which two cents only per ton shall be paid; and
that no other impost shall be levied upon the company.
By the act of 3d February, 1831, in consideration, that the company would make
the canal 75 feet wide on the water line, seven feet deep throughout, and the locks
at least 100 feet in length, by 24 feet in width in the clear, the State extended the
time after whicii the appraisement should be made, to 50 instead of 30 years, and
engaged that neither the company, nor any other person, should construct any rail-
road across the State, between the Delaware and Raritan Rivers, within five miles
of any point of the canal, until after the expiration of the period allowed for the con-
struction of the canal, reserving existing rights.
As we have already mentioned, when speaking of the Camden and Amboy Rail-
road, the Canal and Rail-road Company were consolidated pursuant to the act of
15th February, 1831. By act 2d March, 1832, the united company, in considera-
tion, that no other rail-road should be constructed which might compete with that
road, covenanted to convey to the State one thousand shares of the joint stock, and
guaranteed to the State an annual income of $30,000 at least, should not the divi-
dends on stock and the transit duties amount to that sum; and engaged that they
would annually divide the whole of the net profits, except such surplus fund as
might be necessary, not exceeding $100,000.
Under these provisions the canal was commenced, and has progressed nearly to
its completion. (Oct. 1833.) It begins at the confluence of the Crosswicks Creek
and the Delaware, at Bordentown, and runs thence, through tlie city of Trenton and
the valley of the Assunpink, crossing the creek by a noble stone culvert, to Law-
rence's Meadows, whence it passes into the valley of Stony Brook; thence down
the right side thereof, one mile S. of Princeton, to the junction of Stony Brook with
the Millstone River; thence across the river by an aqueduct of eigiit arches, and by
the right bank of the river to the Raritan River; thence along the right bank of the
Raritan to New Brunswick, where it unites with the tide. It passes througli or
near Bordentown, Lamberton, Trenton, Princeton, Kingston, Griggstown, Millstone,
Somerville, and Boundbrook. Its whole length is 42 miles, within which there are
116 feet lockage, viz: 58 between Trenton and the Delaware River, overcome by
28 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
seven locks; one at Trenton of seven feet; one at the State Penitentiary of seven
feet; three at Lamberton of nine feet each; one below Lamberton of seven feet, and
one at Bordentown of 10 feet, lift. The last, by reason of the badness of the foun-
dation, has cost an e.ictraordinary portion of lime, labour and money, in its construc-
tion. The lockage between Trenton and New Brunswick is also 58 feet, and is over-
come by seven locks; one at Kingston, one at Griggstown, and one at the mouth of
the Millstone, each of eight feet ; two opposite to Boundbrook, seven feet each ; one
two miles below Boundbrook, of eight feet, where a dam has been constructed across
the river to use it as a feeder, and one at New Brunswick, of twelve feet, lift. At
this city, there is also a tide lock sufficiently capacious to admit a steamboat, and a
basin extending the whole front of the town, formed by an embankment in the river.
By turning the river into the canal, a water power will hav^been gained at Bruns-
wick, equal, it is supposed, to. 400 horse power. Upon the line of the main canal,
there are 17 culverts, some of them very large ; one aqueduct, and 29 pivot bridges.
The canal is 75 feet wide on the water line, and seven feet deep, and the depth may
be increased to eight feet should it be found necessary. To avoid bridgmg, the
company have purchased a large quantity of land, in many cases whole farms, at
great expense.
The feeder commences at Bull's Island, in the Delaware River, and runs thence
along the left bank of the river to Trenton, where it intersects the canal, a distance
of 23 miles, with an inclination of two inches in the mile. The works, beside the
excavation, consist of a lift lock of 10 feet at Lambertsville; two guard locks, one
at Bull's Island, and the other at Frallsville ; 15 culverts, and 37 pivot bridges. The
width of the excavation is throughout 50 feet; at the water line, its depth six feet;
but, where it could be effected without great expenditure, the width has been in-
creased to 60 feet, and thus three-fourths of the distance will afi'ord good sloop navi-
gation. A large basin has been constructed by the company, upon the feeder near
the centre of Trenton, for the accommodation of the city.
The canal is adapted to vessels exceeding 150 tons burden, and has been exe-
cuted in the most substantial manner. Its cost is now estimated at two millions of
dollars. The estimate, when the proposition was made to the State to undertake the
enterprise, was stated at $1,142,741 ; but the present canal is every way larger than
that originally proposed.
The Manasquan River and Barnegat Bay Canal Company, was authorized under
the act' of 21st February, 1833, with a capital of .^5,000, to make a canal 40 feet
wide and five feet deep, from the mouth of the Manasquan River to the head waters
of Barnegat Bay, at Layton's pond or ditch, in the county of Monmouth; to erect
tide gates, and to take toll for passing through the canal for every scow, eight cents
per ton; sail boat or small craft 10 cents per ton; and for every fish boat or skiff,
25 cents per ton; provided that the canal be commenced within two, and finished
within five years.
A short canal of about four miles in length, in Upper and Lower Penn's Neck
Township, Salem County, connects the Salem Creek witli the Delaware River,
about four miles above Kinseyville, and saves to sloops that ply in the creek, from
15 to 20 miles of tlie distance to Philadelphia.
IX. The population of New Jersey, derived from European ancestry, is composed
chiefly of tlie descendants of the Dutch, Swede, English, and New England settlers.
For nearly half a century, the country was in the undisturbed possession of the
Dutch, who, in that period, spread themselves extensively over East Jersey; not,
however, without an intermixture of tiieir New England neiglibours, who very early
displayed a disposition to abandon their sterile soil for more fertile lands and milder
skies; and who had also found their way to the shores of the Delaware, and made
one attempt, at least, to colonize them. After the year 1664, the English authority
was established over the province, and the settlement of West Jersey was then zea-
lously commenced by English emigrants, chiefly of the sect called Quakers. The
liberality of the provincial government must necessarily have drawn population
from other European sources ; but such acquisitions were not great, inasmucli as lier
aspiring and successful neighbours. New York and Pennsylvania, possessed greater
attractions.
These attractions, too, have operated to prevent that increase of population in the
State, which must otherwise have taken place from natural causes. Abounding in
all that is necessary to tlie comfortable enjoyment of life, and stimulated to industry
by the growth of the neighbouring cities, whose wants she in no inconsiderable de-
NORTHERN DIVISION.
29
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
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NORTHERN DIVISION.
31
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
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Names of
Counties.
Bergen
Essex
Morris
Sussex
Warren
Somerset
Middlesex
Hunterdon
Burlington
Monmouth
Gloucester
Cape May
Salem
Cumberland
35
CENSUS, 1830 (continued).
WHITE PERSONS
SLAVES &COLOURED
INCLUDED IN
THE FOREGOING.
Included in the foregoing.
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Names of Counties.
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6
2
2
12
213
3
5
Essex
7
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9
22
1176
1
Morris
2
6
12
11
497
2
1
1
1
Sussex
1
2
3
14
89
Warren
o
2
1
12
236
5
2
Somerset
4
4
6
17
118
3
Middlesex
5
4
3
7
174
3
Hunterdon
11
11
12
19
210
2
Burlington
5
7
8
41
129
1
1
2
Monmouth
8
5
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14
81
1
1
Gloucester
11
13
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22
357
2
Cape May
1
Salem
2
2
2
7
8
Cumberland
1
3
7
27
64
71
72
205
3365
5
2
8
22
\
36 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The vice of slavery was early introduced into the State, and took deep root, par-
ticularly, in the eastern portion. In the county of Bergen, in 1790, the slaves
amounted to near one-fifth of the population; and in Essex, Middlesex, and Mon-
mouth, they were very numerous, the counties having most Dutch population being
most infected. In the counties settled by " Friends," Burlington, Gloucester, Sa-
lem, Cumberland, and Cape May, there were, comparatively, few slaves: the first, at
that period, had only 227 : the second, 191 ; the third, 120 ; and the last, 141. The
whole number in the State was then, 11,423. At the subsequent census, the num-
ber had increased to 12,422. The small increase of 999, in ten years, proves that
the inhabitants, generally, had discovered the moral and physical evils of slavery,
and had applied themselves to diminish them. This became more apparent by the
act of 1.5 Feb. 1804, entitled " An Act for the gradual Abolition of Slavery," under
which the number of slaves was reduced, in 1810, to 10,851; and in 1820, to
7,557. This act is supplied by the act of 24th February, 1820, which embraces
and extends its principles, and provides, that every child, born of a slave, within
the State, since the 4th of July, 1804, or which shall be thereafter born, shall be
free; but shall remain the servant of the owner of the mother, as if it had been
bound to service by the overseers of the poor; if a male, until the age of 25 ; if a
female, to the age of 21 years: that the owner shall, within 9 months after the birth
of such child, deliver to the clerk of the county, a certificate, subscribed by him,
containincr the name and addition of the owner; the name, age and sex of the child,
and the name of the mother; which certificate, whether delivered before or after
the nine months, must be recorded by the clerk. The owner neglecting to file such
certificate, witiiin the nine months, is liable to a fine of five dollars, and the sum
of one dollar per month afterward ; but not exceeding in the whole $100, to any
one suing therefor, one half to the prosecutor, and the other half to the poor of the
township; and for delivering a certificate containing a false relation of the time of
the birth of such child, $100, recoverable in the same manner: one-half in favour
of the child, and the other, of the township. The time of birth may be inquired
into, notwithstanding the certificate.
The traffic in slaves, between this and other states, was prohibited by the act of
14th March, 1798, and by act of 1820, last recited, under the forfeiture of ves-
sels, and severe penalties on persons concerned therein. But slaves may still be
brought into the State, by persons removing thereto, with a view to settled, or
temporary residence ; during the stay of the master only, in the latter case. By
these acts, also, the manumission of slaves was permitted under certain formalities
therein preseribed. And such has been the beneficial operation of these provisions,
that in 1830, the State contained 2,254 slaves only; the counties of Gloucester
and Cumberland, none; the county of Cape May, 2; and Salem, 1. So that it
is probable, that in another 20 years, this pest will be entirely eradicated from the
State.
We may remark, as a curious fact, and one that may prove most encouraging to
the southern states, in an attempt at the abolition of slavery, that the coloured po-
pulation, under the system of manumission adopted by this State, has increased in
40 years only, about 44 per cent, including the free and the slaves ; whilst the whites
have increased in the ratio of nearly 75 per. cent. In considering this subject, it
must be observed, on one hand, that the coloured population has uniformly been
treated with humanity and indulgence ; and upon the other, that the great cities
have absorbed a portion of their increase. But yet, the white population of the
State has been kept down in a much greater degree by emigration. Indeed, New
Jersey has received a large and unwelcome increase of coloured population from the
fugitive slaves of Delaware, Maryland, and the southern states.
To complete our view of the physical condition of the State, we annex a table,
framed from abstracts returned by the assessors of the several counties, showing the
species and the amount of taxable property, and the amount of tax raised for state,
county and township purposes. The returns from several counties have not been
as full as they should have been, for our purpose; particularly, in respect to town-
ship charges; and we have been compelled, in some cases, to estimate the amount
of road and poor tax, in some townships, by the ratio of population compared with
that of others.
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22,412
31,107
4,936
14,093
41,911
28,431
31,060
23,1.57
29,233
23,666
14,155
17,689
20,346
18,627
Si
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3
a
2,631.43
4,607.12
64601
1,586.18
3,822.04
3,379.26
4,535 84
3,253.26
3,723.68
3,171.23
2,156.60
2,642.86
2,025.70
2,185.50
40,-366.71
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5,000
15,000
2,000
4,115
10,000
9,99:i
10,000
4,000
11,769
7,100
7,00(1
6,000
5,475
6,714
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100
766
500
1366
Road.
Dolls.
600
•
1,650
4,000
13,800
1,5,100
8,300
3,600
9,646
10,900
4,620
5,837
8,600
6,146
QD,
(£'q
500
450
125
150
261
993
850
850
650
650
076
476
400
700
c^
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•s|M,v-I.M -- =i - ?.
•siiuv.-u.lin.q ^ - - - - £ ^ 2 - - <- c>. ."^
■s„,WM^S §*S5^55.-?=.?^PS?S?5 1
■S9uoigjoan.i_si|!ivis!i0 5 ?; "^ 5 ^ i3 ,? ? t; ig j?S '£ 3 g
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•saiqBXEX
5,796
6,549
1,000
2,742
8,100
5,600
6,000
6,000
6,000
4,836
3,092
3,500
3,611
3,489
66,315
•uan aiSuig
c^ '.I X c^ r;i X r: I - r-. CO ^ .-^ c^ ^
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1,262
3,2.56
669
774
3,370
3,075
841
1,385
1,083
1,103
668
1,075
1,062
to
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660
1,86:
188
475
3,316
1,113
1,167
1,143
786
437
254
196
132
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paAoiduiiun jo sajay
108,766
123,524
59,.52S
209,380
205,913
6,272
127,505
58,989
135,555
89,356
•Bajay JO jaqiun^ WX
267,500
553,0I)J
161,500
335,460
154,680
713,.320
324,572
217,000
665,000
292,900
204,936
189,800
352,300
224,360
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Names of
Counties.
Bergen . .
Burlington .
Cape May .
Cumberland
Essex . .
Gloucester .
Hunterdon .
Middlesex .
Monmouth .
Morris . .
Salem . .
Somerset
Sussex . .
Warren - -
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88 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
XI. It will be seen by reference to the preceding table, that the State is, in the
aggregate, agricultural ; and such is the character of all the counties, except Es-
sex, part of Bergen, and part of Morris. The glass and iron manufactures of the
counties of Burlington, Gloucester, and Cumberland, are not sufficient to exempt
them from this classification. Of the agricultural products of the several por-
tions, we have already spoken, and will observe, only, generally, here, that the
valleys of the two northern sections are well adapted to wheat, and that under the
improved mode of culture they may become equally productive with any lands east
of the mountains. The southern district, composed of the alluvial country, is pro-
ductive, chiefly of corn, rye, fruits, grass, and vegetables; and sends to market
large quantities of pork, cured in a manner that can scarcely be surpassed. New
Jersey hams, bacon, and barrelled pork, bear the highest prices in all markets. Nor
is the reputation of the farmers of this district, much less for their beef, and espe-
cially for their veal. Its gardens and orchards supply the Philadelphia markets with
the best fruits. Indeed the wliole state is remarkable for the abundance and quality
of its peaches and apples, and tlie quantity of cider, and brandy made from the lat-
ter. Notwitlistanding the influence of Temperance Societies upon distilling,
and it has been confessedly great, there are yet in the Slate 38S cider distilleries.
The counties of Burlington, Gloucester, Monmouth, Hunterdon, Warren, and Sus-
sex, are renowned for the number and quality of the horses which thej^ breed.
Yet, notwithstanding this agricultural character of the State, she claims no mean
rank in manufactures. By the preceding table, 28 furnaces are given; but 12 of
these, only, we believe, are blast furnaces, employed in making iron from the ore;
the remainder are cupola furnaces, used in the reduction of pig and other metal to
castings. Tlie furnaces of New Jersey, by the report of the committee of the ta-
riff" convention, holden in New York, October, 1831, produced in 1830. 1,671 tons
of pig iron, and 5,615 tons of castings; and her 108 forges, 3000 tons of bar iron.
The first valued at $30 the ton, yields $50,130
The second, at $60, 336,900
The third, at $90 the ton, - - 270,000
Making . . . . $657,030
for her manufacture of iron in pigs, castings and bars. This iron, however, is fur-
ther improved in value by the aid of 10 rolling and slitting mills, 16 cupola furnaces,
and the extensive machine shops of Patterson. And we shall not, we presume,
underrate the annual value of the iron manufacture of the State, when we state it
at one million of dollars; all of which is obtained from her mines, her forests, and
her labour, not one cent of foreign matter entering into the composition.
There are in tlie State,
1 flint glass manufactory, 'producing annually, .... $80,000
12 glass houses, employed On hollow ware and window glass, estimated
each to produce annually $30,000, 360,000
440,000
And 1 delf ware establishment, whose product may exceed $ - 50,000
$490,000
Beside several extensive clay potteries.
We may set down, tlierefore, the annual product of glass and potter}' ware at full
half a million.
Of the 25 woollen manufactories most are small; and having no data for determin-
ing their respective products, we conjecturally average them at ,*!10,000 per annum.
From the Abstracts of the Assessors, we obtain but 45 cotton manufactories in the
State; but the Committee of the New York Convention, of 1831, return 51 — of
which they give the following interesting results :
Capital employed $2,027,644 Pounds of cloth 1,877,418
Number of spindles 62,979 Males employed 2,151
Number of power-looms 815 Wages per week, each ,$6 00
Pounds of 3'arn sold 3,212,184 Females employed 3,070
Yards of cloth 5,133,776 Wages per week, each $1 90
NORTHERN DIVISION. 39
Children under ] 2 years of age 217 Bushels of charcoal 820
Wages per week, each $1 40 Gallons of oil 13,348
Pounds of cotton used 5,832,204 Value of other articles 18,208
Bbls. of flour, for sizing 975 Spindles building 11,000
Cords of wood 671 Hand weavers 1,060
Tons of coal 1,007 Total dependants 12,750
The price of the raw material, viz. 5,832,204 lbs. at 11 cts. was $641,542
Price of yarn sold, 3,212,184 lbs. at 30 cts. the lb. average, was $963,655
Price of cloth, 5,133,776 yards, at 15 cts. 770,066
Gross return of cotton manufacture $1,733,721
The six calico bleaching and printing establishments, belong to the cotton manu-
facture. Some of these, as at Patterson, Belleville, and Rahway, are very exten-
sive, but we have not the means to give their results.
The four machine factories at Patterson alone, employ above 400 hands ; and the
Phoenix Manufacturing Company, in addition to their cotton establishment, have
1,616 spindles employed in spinning flax, consuming 493,000 lbs., and employing
196 hands. The flax is manufactured into duck and bagging. In the cotton esta-
blishment of Mr. John Colt, there were manufactured in 1831-2, 460,000 yards of
cotton duck.
The 29 paper mills produce large returns. Some of these mills, as at Patterson,
Springfield, Mount Holly, &c. are built on the best models, and employ the most
improved macPiinery.
The manufacture of leather from the hide into the various articles of its use, is
very extensively conducted. There are 2,876 tan vats ; and the fabric of ahoes,
boots and harness, gives employment and wealth to many individuals in Newark,
Bloomfield, Rahway, Burlington, &c. &c. ; and its product forms a large item in the
exports of the commonwealth. Hats and clothing for the southern market, are also
made in the first three towns last mentioned; and, also, in large quantities in the
thriving village of Plainfield.
Coaches, cabinetware and chairs, form also large articles of export both from East
and West Jersey, from Camden, and from Newark and Rahway.
Unfortunately, we do not possess the means of giving in detail, or in gross, the
results of many of these valuable branches of business; for we want, in relation to
this state, the usual data for determining the quantum of surplus production, which
an account of her exports would afford. Her whole foreign trade, and the far
greater proportion of her domestic business, centers in New York and Philadelphia,
to swell the business tables of these two great marts. But we are assured that, from
Rahway alone, the amount furnished to the general coasting trade is not less than a
million of dollars annually ; whilst the products of the manufactures of Belleville
and its vicinity, are valued at 2,000,000, and those of Patterson at more than double
that amount. By the treasury report of 1832, the whole tonnage was 573 90.100,
registered, and 32,499 24.100, enrolled and licensed. And the whole amount of
exports, foreign and domestic, $11,430; but of the tonnage of the State, 5,000 are
said to be enregistered in the New York districts.
We confess, that the view we have thus given of the condition of the State is very
imperfect; but it suffices to show, that, in agriculture, in manufactures, in the great
improvements by canals and rail-roads, she nobly maintains a course of emulation
with her great adjacent sister states. By the Morris and Raritan Canals, and by the
rail-way of the Trenton Falls Company, new and great acquisitions of water power
for machiney have been attained, with increased facilities of communication with the
best markets ; and there remain unemployed upon the mountain streams, now cheaply
accessible, a vast number of mill sites, among which we may mention those at Bel-
videre and Clinton as entitled to great attention. The Musconetcong river through-
out its course may also be profitably employed, since ready communication may be
had with the Morris Canal from ail points. The upper falls of the Passaic, the
waste waters of the Rockaway, the Pequannock and Ramapo Rivers, will all, pro-
bably, be brought into use by the improvements already made and projected. Her
mines, her limestones, her marbles, her marls, nay her very sands and clay, will be
shortly all better known and more highly valued, and will greatly increase her
wealth ; her copper profusely scattered over a large area, accessible as any in tha
40 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
world ; her inexhaustible and unsurpassed beds of iron ; her stupendous veins of
zinc will, at no distant day, give employment te additional thousands of intelligent
and contented labourers, and instead of pouring forth her population to fertilize,
eniich, and bless other lands, she will give to her sons full employment, and the
means of wealth, within her own limits. Already has tlie reflux of population com-
menced. Newark, Patterson, Bloomfield, Trenton, Boonton and Rahway, will, in
ten years, have doubled their population; and New Jersey will, we believe, at the
census of 1840, have increased her inhabitants in a ratio equal to that of any of the
original states ; and among the stars which form the bright constellation of the
Union, though small, she will not be the least brilliant.
Climate. — It is supposed that the climate of our country has undergone, and is
still undergoing, a material change; that thunder and lightning are less frequent;
the cold of our winters, and heat of our summers, less, and more variable ; the springs
colder, and the autumns more temperate. It is possible, but we think doubtful, that
the variability of the climate has increased; but the average severity of heat and
cold has not been diminished. The following description of the weather, by a settler
of East Jersey, in 1683, will be recognised as true at the present day. " As for
the temperature of the air, it is wonderfully suited to the humours of mankind; the
wind and weather rarely holding in one point, or one kind, for ten days together. It
is a rare thing for a vessel to be windbound for a week together, the wind seldom
holding in a point more than 48 hours; and in a short time we have wet and dry,
warm and cold weather, which changes we often desire in England, and look for be-
fore they come."* Alternations of cold and mild winters, of hot and cool summers,
of early and late commencements of frosts, of drought and superabundant rain, have
been continued, from the earliest period to which our knowledge of the country ex-
tends. A review of the seasons from 1681, shows no less than 39 years in which
the navigation was obstructed by ice, in the month of December. On the 10th of
that month, 1678. the good ship The Shield, moored to a tree before the town of Bur-
lington ; and, on the following morning, her passengers walked to the shore upon the
ice, so hard had the river suddenly frozen. In 1681, December 10th, the Bristol
Factor arrived at Chester; and, on the next day, her passengers, also, went on shore
on the ice. On the 19th December, 1740, the navigation was stopped, and the river
remained closed until the 13th March. In 1790, it closed on the 8th, and in 1797,
on the 1st of that month. In 1831, rigorous cold weather began in November ; and
the Delaware was frozen fast on the 7th December. In 1780, in the month of
January, the mercury stood, for several hours, at 5° below 0, F. ; and, during the
month, except on one night, never rose in the city of Philadelphia to the freezing
point. In 1817, February 7, the water froze in most of the hydrant plugs, and some
of the street mains, in that city. The earliest notice we Jiave seen of tlie weather,
on the shores of the Delaware, is in the Journal of De Vries. He left the Texel on
the 12th December, 1630, and arrived in the Delaware at the close of January, or
commencement of February, the period of our coldest weather ; when, unimpeded
by the season, which he reports as so mild that his men could work in the open air,
in their shirt sleeves, he erected, on Lewis's Creek, the fortress of Oplandt.
The winter of 1788-9, was also uncommonly mild; but there was ice sufficient to
obstruct the navigation. On the 22d March, the orchards were in full bloom, and
the meadows as green as ordinarily in the month of June ; but, on the 23d, snow fell
two feet deep, destroying nearly all the fruits of the year. In 1827-8, the naviga-
tion of the Delaware was altogether unobstructed. The atmosphere was filled with
dense fog, in the months of December, January and February ; during which, in-
cluding days when the sun was apparent for some hours, there were not more than
17 days of clear weather. By a table for January, during 20 years, from 1807 to
1827, the mean temperature of the month varied from 42^ to 27"^; and the mean of
the whole period was 39° of Fahrenheit.
There are seldom more than from 20 to 30 days, in summer, in which the mercury
rises above 80^, or, in winter, falls below 30°. The warmest part of the day is from
2 to 3 o'clock ; from which time the heat gradually diminishes until the ensuing
morning. The coldest part of the four-and-twenty hours is at the break of day.
There are seldom more than three or four nights of the summer, in which the heat
of the air is nearly the same, as in the preceding day. After the hottest days, the
evenings are generally agreeable, and often delightful. The higher the mercury
* Smith's N. J. 169.
NORTHERN DIVISION. 41
rises in the day, the lower it falls the succeeding night. From 80°, it commonly
falls to 66°; but from 60° only to 50~^. This disproportion between the temperature
of the day and night, in summer, is always greatest in the month of August, when
the dews are heavy in proportion to tlie coolness of the evening. They are some-
times so considerable as to wet the clothes; and marsh meadows and creeks, drained
by tlie heat, Jiave been supplied with their usual water from this source, in this month
and the first weeks of September. Tlie violent heats of summer seldom continue
more than two or three days, without intermission. They are generally broken by
showers of rain, sometimes accompanied by thunder and lightning, and succeeded
by a north-west wind, which produces an agreeable and invigorating coolness in
the air.
The warmest weather is generally in July ; but intensely hot days are often felt
in May, June, August and September, and the mean heat of August has been
greater than that of July. The transitions from heat to cold are often sudden, and
sometimes to very distant degrees. After a day in which the mercury has been at
86"^ and even at DO"^, it has fallen in the course of a single night to 60", and fires
have been found necessary the ensuing morning, especially if the change in the
temperature of the air has been accompanied by rain and a S. E. wind. In a sum-
mer month, the mercury has been known to fall 20° in an hour and a half. There
are few summer months in which fires are not agreeable in some part of them.
Mr. Rittenhouse informed Dr. Rush, that there was not a summer during his resi-
dence in the country, in which he did not discover frost in every month.
The weather is equally variable during the winter. The mercury has fallen from
37 to 4^" below 0 in 24 hours. In this season, nature seems frequently to play at
cross-purposes. Heavy falls of snow are often succeeded by a thaw, which, in a
short time, wholly dissolves them. The rivers are frozen sufficiently hard to bear
horses and carriages, and thawed so as to be navigable, several times in the course
of the winter. Ice is commonly formed gradually, and seldom until the rivers have
been chilled with snow. Yet, sometimes its production is sudden, and the Dela-
ware has frequently been frozen over in a night, ro a.q to bear the weight of a man.
In the alluvial district of New Jersey, frost and ice appear in the latter end of
October, or beginning of November. But intense cold is rarely felt, until about
Christmas. Hence the vulgar saying, "as the day lengthens, the cold strengthens."
The coldest weather is from the middle of January, to the middle of February. As
in summer there are often days in which fires are agreeable, so in winter they some-
times are incommodious. Vegetation has been observed in all the winter months.
Garlic was tasted in butter in January, 1781 ; the leaves of the willow, the blossom
of the peach, and the flowers of the dandelion, were all seen in February, 1779, and
Dr. Rush says, that 60 years since, he saw an apple orchard in full bloom, and small
apples on many of the trees in the month of December. In February, 1828, we
gathered flowers from the unprotected garden, and saw cattle cropping good pas-
turage in the fields. A cold day is often the precursor of a moderate evening. The
greatest degree of cold recorded in Philadelphia, is 5° below zero, and of heat 95^
F. The standard temperature of Southern Jersey may be 52°, which is that of our
deepest wells and the mean heat of common spring water.
The spring is generally unpleasant. In March, the weather is stormy, variable
and cold ; in April, and sometimes far in May, moist and raw. From the variable-
ness of the spring, vegetation advances with unequal pace in different seasons.
The colder the spring, the more favourable the prospect of fruit. The hopes of the
farmer from his fruit-trees, are, in a warm spring, often blasted by frost in April or
May, and sometimes even by snow, at a later period. The colder the winter, the
greater is the delay of the return of spring. Sometimes the weather, during the
spring months is cloudy and damp, attended occasionally with gentle rain resem-
bling the spray from a cataract.
June is the only month of the year which resembles the spring in the southern
countries of Europe. Then, generally, the weather is temperate, the sky serene,
and the verdure of the country universal and delightful.
The autumn is the most agreeable season of the year. The cool evenings and
mornings, which begin about the middle of September, are attended with a mode-
rate temperature of the air during the day. This kind of weather continues, with an
increase of cold scarcely perceptible, till the middle of October, when it is closed by
rain, which sometimes falls in such quantities as to produce destructive freshets; at
Others, in gentle showers, which continue, with occasional interruption by a few fair
F
42 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
days, for two or three weeks. These rains are the harbingers of winter, and the In-
dians long since taught us, that, the cold of that season is proportionate to the quan-
tity of rain which falls during the autumn. From this account, it is apparent, that
there are seldom more than four months of the year in which the weather is agree-
able without fire.
In winter the winds generally come from the N. W. in fair, and from the N. E.
in foul weather. The N. W. winds are dry and cold. The winds, in fair weather
in the spring, and in warm weatlier in the summer, blow from the S. W. and
W. N.W. The S. W. winds usually bring with them refreshing showers of rain in
spring and summer, which moderate the heat when succeeded by a N. W. wind.
Sometimes showers come from the W. and N. W.
The moisture of the air is said to be greater than formerly; occasioned, prebably,
by the exhalations which fell in the form of snow, now descending in rain. The
depth of tlie snow is sometimes between two and three feet; in 1S28-9, it vvas near
four, but in general it is from six to nine inches. Hail frequently falls with snow
in the winter. At intervals of years, heavy showers of hail fall in the spring and
summer, running commonly in veins from 40 to 50 miles long, and from half a mile
to two miles in breadth. On such occasions, destruction of grain, grass and win-
dows, to great value, is not unfrequent. From sudden changes of the air, rain and
snow often fall together, forming what is commonly called sleet. In the northern
parts of the State, in protected spots, snow sometimes lies until the first of April.
The backwardness of the spring has been ascribed to the passage of the air over the
ice and snow which remain, after the winter months, on the plains and waters of the
north-west country.
The dissolution of the ice and snow is sometimes so sudden, in the spring, as to
swell the creeks and rivers to such a degree as to lay waste the hopes of the hus-
bandman, and in some instances to sweep his barns, stables, and even his dwelling
into their currents. Of this power of the flood, the years 1784 and 1832, afford
memorable examples. The wind, during a general thaw, comes from the S. W. or
S. E.
The air, when dry, has a peculiar elasticity, which renders the heat and cold
less insupportable tiian tlie same degrees of both in moister countries. It is only
when summer showers are not succeeded by N. W. winds, that the air becomes op-
pressive by combination with moisture. With the removal of the forest the waters
have decreased considerably.
The average quantity of water which falls yearly, is from 24 to 26 inches, ac-
cording to the statement of Dr. Rush : but this would seem much too small, since
a table of 20 years, from 1810 to 1S29, inclusive, 14 of which were kept by P. Le-
geaux, Esq. at Springmills, and 6 at the Pennsylvania Hospital, give 35.16 inches;
and a table for 10 years, ending 1827, kept by Dr. Darlington, of West Chester,
gives 49.92. In the first table, the highest was 43.135 inches, in 1814; and the
lowest, 23.354, in 1819. In the last table the highest was 54.1 inches in 1824, and
the lowest 39.3 inches in 1822.
From the foregoing remarks we may justly conclude that, in New Jersey no two
successive years are alike; that even the successive seasons and months diflTer from
each other every year. Perhaps there is but one steady trait in the character of our
climate, and that is, that it is never steady, but uniformly variable. The foregoing
remarks apply generally to the whole State, yet with some variation. Thus, in the
low flat country in the alluvial district, the climate is warmer in winter and hotter
in summer, than in the more northern and elevated lands of the other sections. The
heat of the summer and the cold of the winter are, however, tempered by the wa-
ters which bound it on three sides. In summer, upon the ocean and bay, the sea
breeze prevails, and with the prostration of the forest, it finds its way yearly further
interior. As the country north of Trenton rises in aerial height, as well as in lati-
tude, its temperature necessarily decreases from both causes. The change, however,
is not very considerable until we reach the mountains, where the diminution of heat
is apparent in tiie difl'erence of the seasons. Vegetation in the spring is from one
to two weeks later than in the lower country, and the approach of winter is so
much earlier. It is to their altitude more than latitude, that the mountains owe their
cool and invigorating breezes which render them attractive in the summer season.
43
PREFATORY CHAPTER.
FAUT II.
Containing a Moral Vietv of the State.
Division of the PuUtical Pmcer into Tfiree Great Branches. — I. Legislative Council and
Jissemblij — by whom Elected — J^ominations — Form of Elections — Legislative Council
— hoio Composed — Powers — Jissemblij — hoic Constituted — Poicers. — II. Executive
Branch — What — Governor — his Powers and Duties — Secretary of State — Poicers and
Duties — Treasurer — Poicers and Duties — Reveiine and Expenditures of the State —
Burden on the Citizens — Attorney General — Sheriff — Coroner — Officers of State Prison
— Political Division of Counties and Townships — of Toumship Officers — Services in
Taxation — Relief of the Poor — Making and Repairing Roads — Executive Duties of
County Clerk — Militia Syste^n. — III. Judiciary — Courtsfor Trials of Small Causes —
Court of Quarter Sessioiis — Common Pleas — Orphans' Court — Supreme and Circuit
Courts — Court of Chancery — Court of Appeals — Compensation of Officers. — IV. Pro-
visions for Religious, Moral, and Intellectual Improvement — Religious Societies — Li-
terary Institutions established by Individual Largess — Common Schools established
by the State — Publication of the Laics — JYewspapers in the State.
In the organization of the Commonwealth, the political power here, as elsewhere
in well constituted States, has been divided into tJiree great branches; the Legisla-
tive, Executive, and Judicial. But, in the existing constitution, these divisions
have not been well preserved, the first having received tlie greatei proportion of the
province of the second, and iiaving the third wliolly dependent upon it.
I. The legislative power is vested in a council and assembly, chosen by qualified
electors, on the second Tuesdny of October, and the day succeeding, annually. The
election is then holden for State officers, and on the first Tuesday of November, when
occasion requires, for members of congress and electors of president and vice president.
Such electors must be free white citizens, of full age, who have resided within the
county in which they claim to vote, for twelve months immediately preceding the elec-
tion, and who have paid a tax or been enrolled on any duplicate list of tlie last State or
county tax, and possess fifty pounds, clear estate. But, from the requisite of taxation
or enrolment, as the case may be, are exempted persons who may have arrived at the
age of twenty-one years since the date of tlie last duplicate; persons removing from
the township where they have paid tax, to another in the same county ; and persons
who have been inadvertently overlooked by the assessor; the names of the last
being immediately entered upon the tax list. The property qualification, though
demanded by the constitution, has been virtually annulled by the act of 1st June,
1820, providing that every person paying a State or county tax, whose name shall
be enrolled on such duplicate list, shall be taken to be worth fifty pounds clear es-
tate; and thus by the omnipotence of the legislature, things essentially different are
made the same.
The electors vote only in the township in which they reside. An attempt to vote
a second time, is punishable by a fine of fifty dollars to the use of the poor, recover-
able by the overseer of the township. The assessor or collector enrollino- one under
age, or non-resident in the township, with intent to admit him to vote, is subject to
the penalty of ^100 to the like use, and recoverable in like manner.
Such elections are conducted after the following mode. The clerks of the re-
spective courts of Common Pleas, attend at the court house, on the first Mondays of
September, annually, to receive from voters, lists of candidates for public suffrage,
signed by the nominator, and transmitted by letter or delivered in person. From
these, the clerk makes a general list of the nominees for the several offices, a copy
whereof he sends, within a week from the nomination, to the clerks of the several
precincts of the county; and, in case of nominations for congress or electors of pre-
sident, a copy to the governor, who transmits a copy of all the nominations to the
clerk of every county, who sends these also to the township clerks. At the elec-
tion, no vote can be given unless for such nominee.
The precinct clerks, by public advertisement fourteen days before that of the
election, make known the time and place of holding it, and the names of the candi-
dates, when and where the election officers, viz. the judge, assessor, collector, and
town clerk, attend. The clerk posts on the door of the house where the election is
44 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
holden, the list of the nominees, and the other officers open the polls at 10 o'clock of
the day. If any one of such officers be in nomination, he is disqualified from assist-
ing at the election, unless before its commencement he publicly decline ; and should
he assist, and be elected, his election is void. The town, clerk, with the approba-
tion of his fellow officers, may appoint a substitute; or, if he be absent, dead, or
otherwise disqualified, and no substitute have been appointed, such officers may no-
minate a clerk for the occasion. Ajad if the judge, assessor, or collector be absent
or disqualified, his place may be filled by the vole^-s present, and the absentee is
subject to punishment by fine, unless he satisfactorily excuse himself to the court of
common pleas. Malfeasance by an officer of the election, is punishable by a fine of
$100 for the use of the poor. Each officer swears or affirms to the faithful perform-
ance of his duty, and may administer like oath or affirmation to his fellows. For the
preservation of order, tiie judge and inspectors may commit riotous or disorderly
persons either to the charge of the constable, or to the common gaol for any time
not exceeding twenty-four hours.
The poll is open for two days ; but may be adjourned for short periods, as occasion
may require, in case no voters appear. On the evening of the first day, it is closed at
9 o'clock; and opened on the morning of the 2d at 8 ; and is finally closed at 7
o'clock of the evening of the second day.
All elections, for representatives in Congress, electors of President and Vice-
President of the United States, members of council and assembly, sherifl's and
coroners, are by ballot, which may be written or printed, or partly both, and must
be delivered by the voter to the judge or either of the inspectors; and the name of
such voter, being pronounced, by the officer, in an audible voice, and beino- unob-
jected to, is entered upon the poll-list, and the ballot deposited in the ballot-box.
When the poll is closed, the poll-list is signed by the officers, the ballots read,
registered, and filed. If there be a greater number of ballots than names on the
list, no more ballots are enumerated than names: if two or more ballots be folded,
or rolled together, or a ballot contain more names than it ought, or otherwise appear
to be fraudulent, it is rejected, and as many numbers, deducted from tlie poll-list
as there are ballots, cast away. The number of votes being ascertained, the election
officers, or any two of them, certify the number for each candidate, after a prescribed
form; a duplicate of which, duly attested, is filed in the office of the town clerk, with
the poll-list; and the original is transmitted to the clerk of the pleas, on or before the
Saturday, next after the day of election ; who makes a list of the votes for each can-
didate, from the several certificates, and ascertains who are duly elected, by a plu-
rality of votes ; files the certificates and list in his office, and makes a certificate of
the election of each officer, a copy of whicli, with a copy of the list filed, he trans-
mits to the governor.
In case the election be for members of Congress, or electors of President, the
governor, within five days of the receipt of the list, before a privy council, deter-
mines the persons elected, whom the governor commissions under the seal of the
State.
In case two or more candidates, nominated for council, assembly, sheriff, or coro-
ner, have an equal number of votes, there not being a sufficient number having a
plurality, the county clerk proclaims, by advertisement, that he will attend at the
county court-house, at a day certain, to receive nominations of persons to supply the
vacancy; and the nomination and the election, holden thereon, are conducted in
the manner already described ; except that, the nominations are made ten days, only,
previous to the election.
In case of vacancy in the council, or assembly, the vice-president of council, or
speaker of the house, as the case may be ; or in case there be no vice-president or
speaker, the governor, causes the vacancy to be filled ; unless it be probable that
the services of the member will not be required during the remainder of the unex-
pired legislative year. But if the board of freeholders, of the county in wliich the
vacancy happens, desire that the vacancy be filled, it is done without delay. Thus,
if a member refuse to take his seat pursuant to his election, or to send a satisfactory
excuse witliin twenty days after the meeting of the legislature, die, remove from the
state, or be expelled, the vice-president, or speaker, as the case may be, issues his
warrant, to the clerk of tiie county, who takes measures similar to those above de-
scribed, for filling the vacancy.
The legislative council consists of the governor, who is its perpetual president,
having a casting voice ; of a vice-president elected by the members, who presides in
LEGISLATIVE POWER. 45
the absence of the president; and a member from each county, elected annually.
It has powers co-ordinate with the assembly, except in the preparation or alteration
of money bills, which is reserved to the latter. It is convened, from time to time,
by the governor, or vice-president, and must be convened at all times, when the
assembly sits ; its members must be, and have been, for one whole year, next before
election, inhabitants and freeholders in the county for which they are respectively
chosen, and worth at least one thousand pounds of real and personal estate, within
such county. Seven members form a quorum for business. This property qualifi-
cation, in practice, is scarce more respected than that of the voters.
The assembly is composed of such number of delegates, from each county, as the
legislature may, from time to time, direct ; making together, not less than thirty-
nine. The delegate must be, and have been, for one whole year next before his
election, an inhabitant of the county he represents, and worth five hundred pounds,
in real and personal estate, therein. The assembly have power to choose a speaker,
and other their officers; to judge of the qualifications and election of their own
members; sit on their own adjournments; prepare bills to be passed into laws; and
to empower their speaker to convene the members when necessary.
No judge of the Supreme, or other court, sheriff, or person holding any post of
profit under the government, other than justices of the peace, may sit in the assem-
bly. On the election of such person his office becomes vacant.
On the second Tuesday next after the day of election, the council and assembly
meet, separately, and the consent of a majority of all the representatives in each
body, is requisite to the enactment of a law. At their first meeting, after each annual
election, the council and assembly, jointly, by a majority of votes, elect the governor;
they appoint the field, and general officers of the militia; the judges of the Supreme
Court for seven years, the judges of the inferior courts of Common Pleas, justices of
the peace, clerks of the Supreme Court, and of the Common Pleas and Sessions, the
attorney general and secretary of state, for five years; and the state treasurer, for
one year; all of whom are commissioned by the governor; are capable of reap-
pointment, and are liable to be dismissed, when convicted by the council on the im-
peachment of the assembly. Each member of council and assembly makes oath, that
he will not assent to any law, vote, or proceeding which shall appear to him injurious
to the public welfare, nor that shall annul or repeal that part of the third section of
the constitution which makes the election of members of the legislature, annual ;
nor that part of the twenty-second section, which provides for trial by jury ; nor the
eighteenth and nineteenth sections which relate to religion. And such oath may
be administered to the members by any member of the respective houses. The oath
of the legislators being to preserve a part only of the constitution, sound construc-
tion warrants the induction, that they have a constitutional authority to change all
other parts of that instrument; and thus, their power is unrestrained, as much as
that of the British Parliament, which may, by a simple act of legislation, remodel
the State, as has been lately done in Great Britain.
II. The executive power is vested in the governor, secretary of state, treasurer, the
attorney general, and county prosecutors, and in the officers of the several town-
ships, counties, and other precincts, viz : in the township clerks, assessors, collectors,
commissioners of appeals, surveyors and overseers of the highways, pound keepers,
overseers of the poor, judges of elections, township committees, and constables:
and in the chosen freeholders of the county, the county clerk, collector, sheriff,
coroners, and the militia.
By the 8th article of the constitution, the governor is said to have the supreme
executive power; but his executive duties are circumscribed by very narrow limits
and in their performance he may be aided, perhaps controlled, by any three or more
of the council, whom he is authorized to call as his privy council. Before entering
on his office he swears faithfully and diligently to execute his office, and to promote
the peace and prosperity, and to maintain the lawful rights of the State to the best
of his ability. He is captain-general, and commander-in-chief of all the militia, and
other military force of the State, and is by special act of assembly, trustee of the
school fund. He is empowered, when the post of. vice president of council, or
speaker of assembly is vacant, to cause vacancies in the respective chambers to be
filled. He may proclaim rewards of not more than $!300 for one offender, for the
apprehension of any person charged with murder, burglary, robbery, or other dan-
gerous outrage upon the person or property of the citizen, for the apprehension of
their accessories, and for the arrest of any unknown perpetrator of such offences;
46 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
may demand fugitives from justice from this State, and draw his warrant for the
expenses of their reclamation ; may remit costs of prosecution and debts due to the
State, from any criminal, on the recommendation of the inspectors of the State
prison ; may suspend the execution of the sentence of death against any criminal
until the rising ot' the next meeting, thereafter, of the governor and council; and in
conjunction with the legislative council, may grant pardon for any ofience after
condemnation ; he may authorize the owner of a slave condemned for certain
offences, to send him from the State ; distribute copies of the laws to the United
Stales and other States ; license pedlars ; appoint notaries, who hold their offices
during good behaviour; appoint inspectors of flour in certain cities, removable at his
pleasure ; order out the militia in case of invasion or other emergency, when and so
long as he may deem necessary, not exceeding two months ; and perform other du-
ties specially imposed upon him by the legislature.
The secretary of state, as we have seen, is elected by the assembly in joint meet-
ing, for five years. Before entering on the duties of his olRce, he makes oath that
he will faitiifully perform them, and gives bond conditioned to like effect. He must
reside at Trenton. He must file in his office the laws of the State as they are
enacted, so that those of each session be kept in separate bundles, and give copies of
them when required, under his hand and seal of office; and, within four weeks from
the end of every session, deliver a copy of the laws therein passed, to the printer
thereof, assist him in comparing the proof sheets with the laws, and make marginal
notes thereto. He must record all papers vvhich come to his hands pertaining to
liis office ; and tri-monthly report to the governor, an account of the business done
in his office, relating U> tlie record of wills, letters of administration and guardian-
ship, and of the unfinished business therein; and must lay a general statement of
the business in his office before the legislature at their first session, annually; must
keep the books and papers of the late auditor's office, and settle the accounts, if any
be unsettled, of any of the agents of forfeited estates ; must record all deeds delivered
to him for record, duly acknowledged and proved, and must index such deeds; must
in all cases, where money is paid into the public treasury, and tlie receipt of the
treasurer therefor is brought to him, enter the same in the public books in his office,
in an account with the treasurer, and indorse such entry upon the receipt, without
which it is not available against the State. He must prosecute clerks of courts, on
the report of the treasurer, who fail to return the abstracts of fines, amercements
and judgments on forfeited recognizances for use of the State. He is register of
the prerogative office and court, and is required to record the names of testators of
all wills, and of intestates, the inventories of whose estates he may receive, and to
file such wills and inventories. He must record bonds given by the keeper of State
prison ; and the partition lines of townships and counties, as returned by the com-
missioners of survey. He is also clerk of the court of appeals, and trustee of the
school fund ; and he must keep suspended for public view a list of the fees payable
in his several offices.
The treasurer, before entering on his office, is required to take and subscribe an
oath of office, and give bond with sufficient sureties approved by the legislature, in
the sum of fifty thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties
and for the fidelity of those em])loyed by him; vvliicli oath and bond are to be made
before the vice president or justice of the Supreme Court, and to be deposited in the
office of the secretary of state. His duly is to receive and keep the monies of the
State, and to disburse them agreeably to law; to take receipts for all payments; to
keep accounts of receipts and expenditures, and of all debts due to, and from the
State; to make reports and give information to either branch of tlie legislature in
person or in writing, as he may be required, respecting matters referred to him by
the council or assembly, or appertaining to his office; and generall}- to perforui all
services relative to the finances which he may be directed to pf-rform ; to state, in
books, the account of monies whicli he shall receive for taxes, or other account in
behalf of liie Slate, or which he siiall pay, in pursuance of the acts and resolutions
of the legislature, so that, the net produce of the whole revenue, as well as of each
branch thereof, and the amount of disbursements, may distinctly appear; and to lay
such accounts, from time to time, before the legislature ; to receive reports of clerks
of courts, of fines, amercements and judgments on forfeited recognizances, and within
two days after the first day of November, annuall}', to return the name of every de-
linquent clerk, to the secretary for prosecution ; to cause to be set up in his office,
that clause of the act of 19th Nov. 1799, which requires tiie treasurer's receipt for
EXECUTIVE POWER. 47
monies paid him, to be entered in the office of the secretary, and endorsed by him;
to receive taxes collected for the State from the county collector, and to prosecute
for the same when wrongfully withheld ; to prosecute for tlie recovery of the tax
upon bank stock, when not paid according to law ; to sue for all sums of money
which may become due to the State, and receivable in his office, and to make dis-
tribution, annually, of the laws o/ the State according to law ; he is also a trustee
of the school fund.
The following abstract from the report of the State Treasurer made to the Legisla-
ture. Oct. 1832, exhibits the condition of ths Treasury, and the sources of its revenue,
with the exception, that $30,000 at least is to be added to receipts of the current and
future years, for the annual bonus of the Camden and Amboy Rail-road, and the
Delaware and Raritan Canal. It will also be observed, that besides the $40,000 tax
levied directly upon the State, there is a further sum of about $11,000 annually, but
indirectly, levied upon the holders of Bank stock, and appropriated to the school
fund. We append, also, the treasurer's report on the banks, exhibiting in detail the
income derived from that source, and the actual condition of this branch of business
in the State. We may also remark, here, that the only property possessed by the
State, save a small tract of land at Patterson, and some lots and buildings at Tren-
ton, and the oyster beds in her rivers and on her coasts, and the stocks mentioned
in the treasurer's report, consists of 2000 shares of Camden and Amboy Rail-road
stock and Delaware and Raritan Canal stock, valued at par at $200,000.
Dr.
1832. Dolls. Cts.
Surplus monies loaned $20,000 00
Commissioners for negotiating loan 50 00
Deaf and Dumb, amount of account 2,089 04
State Library, do. 117 48
Jurisdiction, amount of account for defence
of suit against New York in relation to
boundary 1,401 36
Legislature, amount of account 18,728 98
Printing account, do. 2,253 00
State Prison, do. 5,800 20
Salaries, do. 6,636 00
Incidentals, do.
Transportation of Criminals, do.
Pensions, do.
Inquisitions, do.
Militia, do.*
State account, including salaries of Gover-
nor, Judges, &c. 4,019 00
Constable's account 15 00
Bills receivable —
Due from T. G. $1000
Due from Presbyterian Church at Patter-
son 150
57,076 06
1,150 00
Trenton Bank,
Due from Bank
Due from State Bank at Morris
Due from State Bank at Newark
Due from George Sherman
Trenton, October 23d, 1832.
10,552
9,779 91
195 47
87 45
300 00
10 ^.R"
34
83
$77,991
23
* The annual charge for militia expenses is $6'20^viz: $30 to the brigade inspector of
each county, and $'200 to the (juarterniaster and inspector generals.
48 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Contra.
1832.
Cr.
Dolls. Cts.
$20,000
00
50
14,819
00
66
40,000
00
$ 509 34^
1,150 80
1 finO
34i
760
00
77 osQ noA
■""" 4 1 ,^0£7 vug
306
22^
3
00
585
00
Bills receivable —
Received for surplus money loaned
Received for commissions paid, being
part of interest
Balance on hand, October 25th, 1831
Taxes —
Received from the several counties
Debts outstanding —
Amount received on this account
Amount due this account
Fines and forfeitures —
Received on this account
Premiums —
Received on this account
Revised laws —
Received for one copy sold
Pedlar's license —
Received for this account
Interest account —
Received balance of interest for use of
surplus money loaned 808 00
1,702 22i
78,991 23
Balance due as above per contra —
Deposited in Trenton Bank 9,779 91
Do. State Bank at Morris 195 47
Do. State Bank at Newark 87 45
Due from George Sherman, for advance made for printing
law reports now in progress 300 00
Balance on settlement 10,362 23
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EXECUTIVE POWER. 51
Perhaps no country of equal territorial extent and population, in the world, is
governed at less cost than the State of New Jersey; and if the happiness of the
people be the object and evidence of good government, we do not hesitate to say,
that none is better governed. The sum actually levied on the people directly and
indirectly, for the maintenance of the State government, exclusive of the township
and county polity, will not exceed $ 55,000, and is more likely to be diminished
than increased. The whole population, at the present period, 1833, is not less than
330,000, which gives to each individual 16 2-3 cents tax; or dividing the number of
individuals by six, for the number of families, gives one dollar for every head of a
family in the State. This, it will be observed, is only the tax levied by the State,
as contradistinguished from township and county taxes. To ascertain the burden
actually supported by the people, we must include not only the latter, but also the
sums paid for the maintenance of the militia, and of religious instruction. An
opportunity is thus afforded, we trust, of settling, satisfactorily, the question which
has lately been agitated, relative to the proportions paid by the inhabitants of the
Noith American republics, and the subjects of European kingdoms, for the mainte-
nance of the social relations.
By the singular character of our political association, each citizen contributes to
the maintenance of two governments. The sura paid to the general government, by
the whole community of the United States, is the net amount of duties after the
deduction of drawbacks.
Taking that amount at twenty-five millions,* and dividing it by fourteen millions,
the probable population of the United States, in January, 1834, we have a charge of
$ 1 78i nearly. But a more favorable view may be taken of this subject. The
extent of revenue, required for a liberal administration of the government, is esti-
mated at fifteen millions of dollars, and it is highly probable, that the nation will
not, for many years, consent to pay a larger sum than is requisite, and which, from
accumulation, may become dangerous to her we^lfare. This sum would impose a
tax, supposing it be collected from commerce alone, and the proceeds of lands to be
divided among the states, of ^1 06 and a fraction upon each individual.
From the general statistical table of the State, it appears, that for the year 1832,
there were levied, for State purposes, exclusive of the tax on banks, ^40,366 71
Tax on banks, per treasurer's report, ..... 11,585 44
County tax, as per return of assessors, ... - - 104,166 00
Township taxes, viz : Poor, - - - 78,131 00
Road, ... - 192,859 00
School, - - - 1,366 00
271,386 00
427,504 15
The militia expenses, actually paid by the treasury of the State, are included in
the foregoing amount; but the time devoted, we had like to have said, wasted, in
militia duties, together with the money uselessly expended, cannot be estimated at
less than one dollar for every prescribed day of service, for each person enrolled, or
placed on the exempt list. There are three training days in the year. The fine for
non-attendance is two dollars per day, and the sum paid by the exempt is five dollars
per annum, in form of tax. Every officer and private expends, on the day of service,
more than would support him at home. The military force of the State, by the
adjutant general's report for 1832, amounted to ,f 35,360; that number multiplied
by four dollars, which we take as the mesne expense of each officer, private, and
exempt, gives a total annual amount of ..... 141,440 00
The annual cost of religious instruction, according to the statement
hereinafter given, 120,000 00
General government for duties at 179 per head, .... 590,700 00
State charges, including township and county rates, at one dollar
twenty-nine cents and five mills per head, nearly, - - 427,504 15
$1,279,644 15
* The receipts of the treasury, for the three first quarters of 1832, were $21,730,717 19;
and the treasurer's estimate, for 1833, was twenty-one millions; bul it is generally supposed
that the receipt will much exceed the estimate.
52 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
This sum divided by the number of inhabitantsi^ (330,000,) gives a charge of
$ 3 86," nearly, upon each inhabitant, — for the payment of principal and interest
of the public debt — the pension list — for the support of the General and State go-
vernments— for the maintenance of schools in part — for the support of the clergy,
and the founding and preservation of churches — for the support of the poor — for
making and repairing all other than turnpike roads, and the erection of bridges by
the townships and counties — and in a word, i«)r all kinds of public expenditure.
The attorney general is the representative of the State in all the courts of the
commonwealth, and prosecutes in her name all offenders against her peace and
dignity, and sues and defends all suits in which she has an interest. Deputy
attornies are appointed by the legislature for the counties respectively, whose
term of office is five years; they aie vested in their respective districts with the
same powers, entitled to the same fees, and subject to the same penalties as
the attorney general. Yet, notwithstanding such appointment, he may act in
such counties when present; and any court is empowered to appoint a special sub-
stitute, for the term, in case neither the attorney general nor the general deputy
shall attend. For neglect of duty, in prosecuting forfeited recognisances, fines,
debts, &c. due to the State, he may, on conviction before council, on impeachment
by the assembly, be disabled to act as attorney or solicitor in any court of the State,
for one year. The attorney general is one of the trustees of the school fund.
A sheriff is annually elected by each county, who is eligible three times consecu-
tively, but who, after the third year, cannot be again re-elected, until after the lapse
of three years. He must be, and have been, an inhabitant and freeholder of his
county for at least three years next preceding his election; must give bond to the
State with five sureties in the sum of .f 20,000, approved by the judges of the Com-
mon Pleas, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duty, and make oath or
affirmation to like effect; both of which are filed in the office of the county clerk.
If he fail to give sucli bond and take such oath, a new election may be had; but this
done, he may act before receipt of commission from the governor. When occasion
requires, suits may be instituted on his bond, by order of that officer. He is far
excellence the executive officer of his county, is the chief conservator of its peace,
and has authority to call forth and direct its physical force to maintain the laws.
He has charge of the jails of the county, and is responsible for the conduct of their
keepers. He summons all juries, and executes all process civil and criminal issuing
from the courts, and carries their judgments into effect. He may appoint deputies,
who give bond and make oath for faithful performance of their duties, and have
their appointment filed with the county clerk. At the request of the United States,
and by the statute of this State, he has charge of prisoners committed by authority
of the general government. He may not, during the continuance of his office, act
as justice of the peace or keep tavern; nor become bail in any suit. In case of his
death, removal or disability, a new election is had upon certificate thereof by a jus-
tice of the peace, to the county clerk ; and during the vacancy, the duties of his office
may be performed by the coroner.
Three coroners are annually elected in each county, must be inhabitants and
freeholders, and be commissioned by the governor; but may act before commis-
sion; and must take oath, faithfully to execute their duties. The coroner, as we
have seen above, is the substitute for the sheriff where the office of the latter is va-
cant, or where under particular circumstances, as when the sheriff is interested or
* The Revue Britaniqne, No 12, for 1831, avers, that notwithstanding the asserted
economy of the American republic, its expenses exceeded, prn])ortionably to its popula-
tion, those of the French monanliy. Tiie charjje upon each individual in France is admit-
ted, by the reviewer, to be 31 francs, and that in the United States is asserted, to he 3.t
h-ancs. The French estimate does not include ecclesiastical expenses, the st\n>s paid for
the extinction of the pnl)lic debt, the maintenance of tlie poor, the char2:es for education
and other expenses, whilst our cstiniati- cniitaiiis all thes<". Valuing; the dollar at 5 francs
33 centimes, the charge on each indi\idnal in the Slate of New .li-rscy vould he i20 francs
69 cts. But if we include, in the Ann rican impost, no otiier «liarncs than those of tlie
French estimate, the American citizen, by tiie rate paid in tiiis Slate, docs not pay for
every species of taxation, more than one-thii-d of the amount of the French subject, whose
burden is less than that of Ihr sniijcci r)f any other of tiie [jrincipal monarchies in Ein-ojK'.
The burden on the people, of Niu .liiscy is, jjerhaps, soiiiething less than that upon tlic
citizens of some of the olhc r Stales, which may have contracted considerable debts; but
it is larger than is imposed in most of ilu- Western Stales, and, we think, may he taken
ag a fair average of ciiarges thronghout tlic Union.
EXECUTIVE POWER. 53
has not given bond, he is disqualified. Where any writ from any court is directed
to the coroner, the return made and signed by one of them is sufficient, but such re-
turn does not prejudice or aftect the rest. The most ordinary duty of the coroner,
however, is to take inquests relative to deaths in prison, and of all violent, sudden
or casual deaths within his county ; which he performs through a jury summoned
on liis writ, by the constable, and over which he presides.
The constable is the next in grade, but is not the least important of the executive
officers. He is annually elected by the qualified voters of the townsliip, of which
he may be considered the sheriff. He makes oath or atfirmation, and gives bond to
the township, for the faithful performance of his duty. He executes all process
from the justices' courts, and that issued by coroner on inquest of death ; and he is
charged v/ith various executive duties, the performance of which moves from him-
self. Thus, he is a conservator of the peace, and may arrest and confine persons
found in breach of it, or contravening the act for the suppression of vice and immo-
rality; may call out the inhabitants to extinguish fires in forests, &c. ; may make
proclamation in case of riots, and seize rioters ; may arrest and disperse slaves meet-
ing together in an unlawful manner, and the like.
All officers of the State appointed by the legislature in joint meeting, must reside
within the State, and execute in person such office; except, that, the surrogate ge-
neral may appoint deputies; officers of counties must reside within their respective
counties, and are prohibited from farming out their offices to others, under penalty of
five jmndred pounds. Such officers desirous of resigning, must make their resigna-
tion during the sitting of the legislature, and to the members thereof in joint meeting,
attending in person for that purpose, or by letter. And eveiy officer issuing or
executing a warrant for removing a prisoner out of the State, an inhabitant thereof,
as prohibited by the habeas corpus act, is disqualified to hold office, and is punish-
able by fine and imprisonment at hard labour. The civil office of any person held
under the State, is vacated by election and acceptance by the incumbent of a seat
in congress ; the office of governor is also vacated, if incumbent accept of any office
or appointment under the United States, except such as may be for defence of the
State or adjoining posts; and the seat of a member of council or assembly is also
vacated by such election and acceptance, and by the acceptance of any appoint-
ment under the government of the United States. All officers elected in joint meet-
ing neglecting or refusing to qualify themselves for the space of two months after
information of their election, make void their posts. No alien can hold, or elect to
any office.
The officers of the state prison are essential arms of the executive power, since
they aid in executing the judgments of the law. They consist of three inspectors,
two of whom make a quorum, appointed annually, in joint meeting by the assem-
bly ; the keeper nominated and removable by the inspectors, and his deputies and
assistants appointed by him and approved by the inspectors. The inspectors are
empowered to examine the accounts of the keeper, and any witness in relation
thereto, including the keeper, upon oath; to appoint annually or oftener, one of
their number acting inspector; to meet as often as shall be necessary, and at least
quarterly; and the acting inspector is required to attend the prison, at least once a
week to inspect tiie management thereof, and the conduct of the keeper and his de-
puties; to make regulations to give effect to the law, for the jiunishment of crimes
and the good government of the prison; to punish prisoners in case of refractory,
disorderly behaviour, or disobedience to the rules of the prison, by confinement in
the cells and dungeons on bread and water for any time not exceeding twenty days
for one offence, and for prevention or escapes, to put prisoners in irons ; to appoint
an agent where they may deem proper, for the sale of articles manufactured in the
prison. If any vacancy happen in the board during the recess of the legislature, it
may be filled by the governor. The inspectors are allowed one dollar and fifty
cents per day, for every day necessarily employed in the duties of their office.
The keeper, before entering on the duties of his office, is required to give bond to
the State treasurer, with two sureties in the sum of ^1,000, conditioned that he, his
deputy and assistants, shall faithfully perform their trusts, to be filed in the office of
the secretary of state. He receives a salary of .f 1,000, and his six assistants each
$475, per annum. The keeper is required to receive all prisoners duly committed
to his custody, to treat them as directed by law and the rules of the prison ; to pro-
vide, with the approbation of the inspectors, stock, materials and tools for prisoners;
to contract for their clothing and diet, and for the sale of the produce of their la-
54 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
bour; to keep accounts of tlie maintenance of offenders, of the materials furnislied,
and manufactures produced, subject to the inspection of inspectors, and to furnish
an abstract thereof to the legislature. He may punish offenders guilty of assaults,
where no dangerous wound or bruise is given, of profane cursing or swearing, inde-
cent behaviour, idleness, negligence or wilful mismanagement in work, or disobe-
dience to regulations, by confining offenders in the cells or dungeons on bread and
water, for a time not exceeding two days; and in case of offences which he is not
authorized to punish, he is required to make report to the inspectors. The keeper,
his deputy or assistant, who shall obstruct the inspectors in the exercise of their
powers, is subject to a fine of .^30, and removal from office.
It is not within the scope of tliis work to detail the system of criminal jurispru-
dence in the State. But we may, with propriety, observe, that so early as 1789,
she adopted the humane principles which now characterize the criminal laws of
the Union ; abolishing the punishment of death in all cases, save treason and mur-
der, and applying imprisonment and hard labour to the correction of other offences
in proportion to their enormity, and seeking to reclaim the offender from the evil of
his ways. With these views she has constructed and regulated her penitentiary,
and advancing with tlie improvements of the age, has, in the year 1833, directed the
building of a new State prison upon the latest and most approved models.
The first steps in the science of reforming criminals in this, as in other States,
have been unsteady, uncertain, and tending to thwart, rather than to effect, the pro-
posed object. The prisons have every where been too small, and have not been con-
structed upon plans which would admit of the indispensable separation of the
prisoners; and have, from the free intercommunion of the criminals, been converted
into schools of vice, instead of asylums for repentance, where the convict might se-
curely and unimpeded by ridicule or seduction, pursue the work of his own regene-
ration. The effects of this system are but too truly stated by the late governor
De Vroom, in his message to the legislature of 1832. "The situation of our
prison," he says, "is such as to invite to the commission of crime within our State.
Its condition is well known to that class of offenders who are familiar with punish-
ments. It offers to them all the allurements of that kind of society which they have
long been accustomed to, freed from the restraints to which they would be obliged
to submit in other j)]aces of confinement, and at the same time holds out a prospect
of speedy escape. To this may be attributed the great number of our convicts, and
as long as it continues, we may expect our prisons to be filled. Within the last
three years, tlie number lias increased from eighty-seven to one hundred and thirty,
being an increase of fifty per cent. The remedy for these evils, now obvious, was
the adoption of a system of penitentiary discipline, combining solitary confinement
at labour, witli instruction in labour, in morals, and religion." This system has been
partially adopted by the act of 13th February, 1833, authorizing the construction of
a penitentiary on the plan of the Eastern Penitentiary of Pennsylvania, with such
alterations and improvements as the commissioners may approve, adhering to the
principle of separate confinement of the prisoners, with hard labour. The estimate
of the cost of this building is $150,000, and it is to be of sufficient capacity for the
confinement of one hundred and fifty persons. The system will be further perfected
by modelling the criminal law to the new species of punishment, when the prison
shall liave been completed. That the reader may have some idea of the plan of the
penitentiary now being erected on the lot belonging to the State, near the old state
prison, we give the following description of its model.
" The Eastern State Penitentiary is sitnated on one of the most elevated, airy,
and healthy sites in the city of Philadelpiiia. The ground occupied by it, contains
about 10 acres. The material with which the edifices are built is gneiss, in large
masses; every room is vaulted, and fire proof. The design and execution, impart a
orrave, severe and awful cliaracter to the external aspect. The effect on the ima-
gination of tlie spectator is peculiarly impressive, solemn and instructive. The ar-
chitecture is in keeping with the design. The broad masses, the small and well
proportioned apertures, the continuity of lines, and the bold simplicity which cha-
racterize the facade, are happily and judiciously combined. This is the only edifice
in this country, which conveys an idea of the external appearance of those magnifi-
cent and picturesque castles of tiie middle ages, which contribute so eminently to
embellish the scenery of Europe. The front is composed of large blocks of hewn
stone ; the walls are 12 feet thick at the base, and diminish to the top, where they
are 2 3-4 feet in tliickness. A wall of forty feet in height, above the interior plat-
EXECUTIVE POWER. 55
form, incloses an area 640 feet square ; at each angle of the wall is a tower, for the
purpose of overlooking the establishment; three other towers are situated near the
gate of entrance. The fa(;ade or principal front is (i70 feet in length, and reposes
on a terrace, which, from the inequalities of the ground, varies from three to nine
feet in height; the basement or belting course, which is 10 feet high, is scarped,
and extends uniformly the whole length. The central building is 200 feet in
length, consists of two projecting massive square towers, 50 feet high, crowned by
projecting embattled parapets, supported by pointed arches, resting on corbets or
brackets. The pointed, munnioned windows in these towers, contribute in a high
degree to their picturesque effect. The curtain between the towers is 41 feet high,
and is finished with a parapet and embrasures. The pointed windows in it are very
lofty and narrow. The great gateway in the centre is a very conspicuous feature;
it is 27 feet high, and 15 wide, and is filled by a massive wrought iron portcullis,
and double oaken gates, studded with projecting- iron rivets, the whole weighing
several tons; nevertheless, they can be opened with the greatest facility. On each
side of this entrance, (which is the most imposing in the United States,) are enor-
mous solid buttresses, diminishing in oflfsets, and terminating in pinnacles. A lofty
octangular tower, 80 feet high, containing an alarm bell and clock, surmounts this
entrance, and forms a picturesque proportional centre. On each side of this main
building, (which contains the apartments of the warden, keepers, domestics, &c.)
are screen wing walls, which appear to constitute portions of the main edifice;
they are pierced with small blank pointed windows, and are surmounted by a para-
pet; at their extremities are high octangular towers, terminating in parapets,
pierced by embrasures. In the centre of the great court is an observatory,
whence long corridors, eight in number, radiate. On each side of these cor-
ridors, the cells are situated, each at right angles to them, and communicating
with them only by small openings, for the purpose of supplying the prisoner
with food, &c., and for the purpose of inspecting his movements without at-
tracting his attention ; other apertures, for the admission of cool or heated air,
and for the purpose of ventilation, are provided. A novel and ingenious con-
trivance in each cell, prevents the possibility of conversation, preserves the purity
of the atmosphere of the cells, and dispenses with the otherwise unavoidable
necessity of leaving the apartment, except when the regulations permit — flue.s
conduct heated air from large cockle stoves to the cells. Light is admitted by a
large circular glass in the crown of the arch, which is raking, and the highest part
16 feet six inches above the floor, (which is of wood, overlaying a solid foundation
of stone.) The walls are plaistered, and neatly whitewashed; the cells are 11 feet
nine inches long, and seven feet six inches wide ; at the extremity of the cell, op-
posite to the apertures for inspection, &c., previously mentioned, is the door-way,
containing two doors; one of lattice work or grating, to admit the air and secure the
prisoner; the other, composed of planks, to exclude the air, if required; this door
leads to a yard (18 feet by eight, the walls of which are 11^ feet in height,) at-
tached to each cell. The number of the latter, erected on the original plan, was
only 266, but it may be increased to 818 without resorting to the addition of second
stories."
For the better administration of the government, the State has been divided into
Counties, townships, cities and boroughs. The object of these divisions is to allocate
and circumscribe the duties of the various administrative officers, in the enforce-
ment of the laws, civil and criminal, the collection of the revenues required by the
commonwealth and its subdivisions, and, more especially, the better to enable the ci-
tizens to promote their own happiness by the improvement of the roads, bridges,
&c., the education of their offspring, and the maintenance of the indigent. The
division into counties is the most general, and embraces the others, all of which were
readily adopted by the first English settlers, upon their coming hither, from models
to which they had been accustomed in Europe. Several of the counties were or-
ganized before the year 1709; but many inconveniences having arisen from the im-
perfect definition of their boundaries, the limits of Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Mon-
mouth, Middlesex, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem, and Cape May, were accurately
designated by an act of assembly, passed 21st January, of that year. These limits
have been since modified, in the erection of Hunterdon, Morris, Salem, Sussex,
Warren, and Cumberland counties (for which see the titles respectively of these
counties). By an act of 9th March, 1798, provision has been made for ascertaining
the bounds of each county and township, in case of any dispute in relation to them.
56 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The State contains at present 14 counties and 125 townships. The use of these
divisions will be better understood by examining- first the constitution of the town-
ships. These are made bodies corporate by the act of 21st February, 1798; and
new ones are created, and so constituted, by special laws, as the public convenience
requires. Tlie}' are thus em])owered to sue, and be sued, by process left with the
county clerks. And the qu;ilitied inhabitants are authorized to hold town meetings
in their respective townsiiips, upon specified days, and, also, on special convocation,
at such places as the electors may from time to time appoint. At such meetings,
every white male citizen of the State, of the age of twenty-one years, having re-
sided within the township six calendar months, and paid taxes therein ; or being
seized of a freehold, or having rented a tenement, of the yearly value of five
dollars, for the term of one year therein, is entitled to vote. A presiding officer,
appointed by a plurality of voices, directs the business of the meeting, and deter-
mines who have or have not the right to participate therein ; and to preserve
order he may expel, and fine not exceeding one dollar, the unruly, and even im-
prison an offender during the session of the meeting. The voters of the township
may make regulations and by-laws, from time to time, as they may deem proper, for
improving their common lands in tillage or otherwise, and for the making and main-
taining pounds ; and may enforce such regulations by fine, not exceeding twelve
dollars, for each offence ; the regulations to be recorded by the clerk of the township,
in a book kept for the purpose. Such meeting may, also, provide and allow rewards
for the destruction of noxious animals ; may raise money for the support of the indi-
gent, and education of poor cliildren ; the building and rearing of pounds, the
making and repairing of roads, the ascertaining the lines of the townshij), defending
its rights, and for other necessary charges and legal objects and purposes as the
major part may deem proper ; being such as are expressly vested in the inhabi-
tants of the several townships, by some act of the legislature. The meeting may
elect annually, and whenever there shall be a vacancy, one clerk, one or more assess-
ors, one or more collectors, who must give bond, with surety, for the faitiiful per-
formance of their duties; three or more freeholders, to determine appeals relative to
assessments in taxation ; three school committee men ; two freeholders, commonly
called chosen freeholders; two surveyors of the highways; one or more overseers of
the poor; one or more constables; so many overseers of the highways, and pound-
keepers, as they shall judge necessary ; one reputable freeholder as judge of elec-
tions; and five freeholders, denominated the township committee — whose duty is
to examine and report to the town meeting the accounts and vouchers of the
township officers, to superintend the expenditure of monies of the township, and
in case of neglect of the township meeting to supply vacancies, to fill such vacan-
cies, among the township officers as may occur. Service in a township office for one
year, or payment of a tine for refusal to serve, excuses the party from services in
such office for five years thereafter.
The townships being thus empowered to select their officers, and to provide for
their wants, are made responsible for the proper performance of duty by tiieir agents;
and may be fined for the bad condition of the roads, and compelled to make good
any loss sustained in the collection of state and county taxes, by the unfaithfulness
of the collectors.
The chosen freeholders of the several townships of each county, form the admi-
nistrative council, or board of the county. They are, also, incorporated, by the act of
13th February, 1798, with power, to sue and liability to be sued; to hold lands and
chattels, &.c. in trust for their respective counties, and for such uses as may be desig-
nated by law, and to sell and dispose of the same; to make and enforce such regu-
lations as may be necessary for the government of their respective corporations, not
contrary to the laws of the State; to raise, at their annual or other meeting held for
the purpose, monies for the building, purchase or rei)airs of poor-houses, gaols,
court-houses and bridges; the surveying and ascertaining the lines, the prosecuting
and defending the rights, defraying the public and other necessary charges, and ex-
ecuting the legal purposes and objects of the county, as the major part of them shall
deem proper; which monies are expended under the direction of the corporation :
to elect, annually, and pro tempore in case of absence or refusal to act, a director to ,
preside at the meetiuir of the board ; to meet, annually, ujjon the second Wednesday
in May, at the county town; to elect a clerk annually, who shall record the pro-
ceedings of the board ; and a county collector, a freeholder and resident of the
oounty, who shall give bond, with sureties, for the faithful performance of his duty :
EXECUTIVE POWER. 57
to raise monies voted by the board, by precepts to the assessors of the respective
townships, commanding tliem to assess such amount on the inliabitants and their es-
tates, agreeably to the law for the time being, for raising money by taxation for the
use of the State.
When the lines of the county have not been surveyed and distinctly marked, the
freeholders, by prescribed form, may apply to the Supreme Court for commissioners
to survey them. They may, also, at their discretion, build or purchase a workhouse
within their county, and provide for its government, and the employment of its
inhabitants; and may establish a market, once or oftener in every year, within the
county, for the sale of live stock, to continue not more than four days, and establish
laws for its regulation.
From all assessments, an appeal lies to the commissioners of appeal, who hold
stated and special meetings at the usual place of the respective town meetings, at-
tended by the proper assessor, and have power to summon and qualify witnesses,
and whose decision upon the case is final.
The township collector is charged, with the collection, within his precinct, of all
taxes, whether levied by the township, county or state; to make return of default-
ers in payment, on oath, to a justice of the peace, who is required to issue his war-
rant, to the constable of the township, for levying the tax by distress and sale of the
goods, or imprisonment of the delinquent ; and the constable must account with the
township collector. And such collector and constable are respectively required to
render to the people, in township meeting, an account of monies by them received,
and to pay, according to their direction, any overplus which may be in their hands.
All monies levied for county use are to be paid by the respective township collec-
tors, on or before the 22d day of December, annually, to the proper county collector,
who, in case of default, may proceed summarily against them. Monies levied for
State use, are to be paid to the state treasurer by the county collector on or before
the 30th December, annually ; and such tax money, as he may receive from sheriffs,
within ten days after the same shall have been paid ; and in case of the default of
any county collector, the state treasurer may recover from him, for the use of the
State, the penalty of fifxy dollars, before a justice of the Supreme Court, who has ex-
clusive cognizance thereof; and when such collectors shall not have paid over
monies received by them, the same may be recovered by the state treasurer by proper
action at law. The counties are responsible for all monies belonging to the State,
received by the county treasurer, and not paid over by him to the state treasurer.
And it is the duty of the latter to add the annual deficiency of each county, to the
quota of the county for the subsequent year ; and of the county collector to charge
such deficiency, and also deficiency of county tax, to the delinquent township.
The county collector disburses the monies of the county upon the orders of the
board of chosen freeholders, and for neglect or refusal so to do, or to perform any of
the duties connected with the levy of taxes imposed by such board, he is subjected
to a penalty of 300 dollars.
Thus, in these subdivisions of the State, we have examples of a pure democracy
and simple representative government. The people in their township meetings, (and
the word township comprehends precincts and wards,) discuss their common wants,
propose the remedies, and appoint the agents to give them effect. In the larger dis-
tricts, where legislation in their proper persons would prove inconvenient, as well by
the distance of the people from each other, as from their number when collected, the
citizens have devolved the necessary legislative power upon agents, endowed also
with an adequate executive capacity. This system works well, and might, possibly,
be beneficially extended, by enlarging the sphere of action of the chosen freeholders,
particularly, in giving effect to a general and uniform system of education.
Having thus incidentally noticed the taxation of the townships and counties, we
may give here the provisions for raising revenues for the State, to which those in
other cases are analagous. [See Note A.]
1. The legislature annually ascertains what sum of money will be requisite for
State expenses during the succeeding year, and passes an act apportioning such suril
among the several counties, in a ratio of their wealth and population, and fixes a
day for the payment of the respective quotas.
2. On certain subjects of taxation, they direct specific sums to be levied, viz: on
stud horses above three years old, any sum not exceeding 10 dollars; on other horsea
and mules of like age, any sum not exceeding six cents; and on neat cattle three
years old and upwards, any sum not exceeding four cents.
H
58 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
3. The following subjects of taxation are valued and rated at the discretion of the
assessor, viz : tracts of land at any sum not exceeding 100 dollars the hundred
acres. But houses and lots of ten acres and under, are rated with regard to their
yearly rent and value.*
Householders, (under which description all married men are included, the esti-
mated value of whose rateable estate does not exceed 30 dollars.) three dollars over
and above their certainties and other rateable estate ; merchants, shopkeepers and
traders, not exceeding ten dollars; fisheries, ten dollars; grist mills, six dollars the
run of stones ; cotton manufactories thirty dollars ; sail duck manufactories, ten
dollars; woollen manufactories, ten dollars; carding machines, unconnected with
cotton or woollen manufactories, and propelled by water or steam, three dollars; all
furnaces, (other than blast) ten dollars; blast furnaces, thirty dollars; sawmills, for
each saw, eight dollars; forges that work pig iron, and forges and bloomeries that
work bar iron immediately from ore or cinders, for each fire, six dollars ; rolling and
slitting mill.-;, ten dollars ; paper mills, eight dollars ; snuff and oil mills, nine dollars ;
powder mills, fifteen dollars; fulling mills, unconnected with woollen manufactory, four
dollars ; every ferry or toll bridge, twenty dollars; tan yards, each vat, thirty cents;
every single man, two dollars; but if he possess rateable estate, the tax whereof
amounts to that sum, then for such estate only; no person taxed as a single man
may be taxed as a householder; every male slave, able to labour, under the age of
sixty years, one dollar; distillery for grain, molasses or other foreign material, thir-
ty-five dollars; other distillery, nine dollars ; coach or chariot, five dollars; phteton,
coachee or four-wheeled chaise, with steel or iron springs, four dollars; four horse
stage wagon, five dollars; two horse stage wagon, two dollars and fifty cents;
covered wagon, with frame or fixed top, one dollar; two horse chair, curricle, and
every two horse riding chair, with steel or iron springs, one dollar and fifty cents;
riding chair, gig, sulkey or pleasure wagon, dearborn wagon, with steel, iron or
wooden springs, seventy-five cents; printing, bleaching and dying company, five
dollars; glass factory, five dollars.
The assessor is required to enter in his tax book and duplicate, a valuation of the
real estate, having regard to the yearly rent and value thereof, and the amount of
tax assessed in each township, above that raised from the certainties, is to be levied
by a per centage upon such valution.
He is required between the 20th of June and 20th August, annually, to make an
exact list of the persons, lands, chattels and estates, including certainties, made
rateable by law in that year, by which all assessments during the year is regulated ;
and persons refusing to render an account, or rendering a false one, are liable to be
doubly taxed.
The assessors of the several townships of the county meet at the seat of justice,
on the first Monday of September, annually, to ascertain the amount of the certain-
ties, and to estimate the estates, real and personal, taken by the assessors of each
township, at such valuation as a majority present shall think just, according to law,
and thereby to adjust and fix the quota of tax to be levied in each township ; and it
is their duty at such meeting to make out two abstracts of the rateables in each town-
ship, signed by the assessors present, and to deliver the same to the county tieasu-
rer, who is required to lay one of such abstracts before the legislature during the
first week of their stated annual session ; and within fifteen days after their meet-
ing, a duplicate of such assessment shall be delivered by the assessors to the town-
ship and county collectors; the last of whom is required also to laj' such duplicate,
at the time abovementioned, before the legislature.
The amount of the certainties being deducted from the quota of each township,
* The rationale of tliis arbitrary limitation to the valiu" of the lands, is not very apparent. It
is not possible in hiiv case, due rep;ard to relative value bein,e: preserved, that the valuation can
approximate to the true marketable value of lands, which is in many cases more than fifty
times the raa.\iniuni of tiie statutory limitation. Tiie assessor nuist make his valuation by
adopting a maximum or minimum, always arbiti'ary, from which to commence his gradation,
and determine the value of the several classes of pro])erty by the l)est comparison in his power.
If the rule for valuation be uniform in all the counties, the taxation v\ ill be e(|ual' But how-
ls this uniformity to be olitained — lo what standard shall an appeal be made. It is certain that
this mode of valuation alVords no means of judging of the wealth of the several counties, nor
of comparing tlie value of lands in this state with that of lands in other states. If the standard
of valuation were the marketable value of lands, though a variable one, it would be one of easy
attainment ; and inequality, desijj^ncd or accidental, could be detected by a standard that was
notorious.
EXECUTIVE POWER. 59
the remainder, with the fees of assessment, collection and paying over to the trea-
surer, is assessed on the other taxable property within the township, at such rate per
dollar as will produce the sum required. Any party aggrieved by such assessment,
may seek redress from the commissioners of appeal, who, for that purpose, meet on
the second Tuesday of November, annually.
The township collector is required, within thirty days after receipt of the dupli-
cate, to demand payment of the tax from each individual of his township, in person
or by notice left at his place of residence, and also to give notice of the time and
place of the meeting of the commissioners of appeal; and to pay the taxes, fines and
forfeitures by him received, by virtue of any law of the State, to the collector of the
county, by the 22d December, annually; and such sums as may be recovered by
prosecution, thereafter, as soon as received. If the taxes be not paid at the time
appointed, the collector is to make return to a justice of the peace, on the 22d De-
cember, annuall}', of delinquents, with the sums due from them, declaring on oath
that lie had in relation to them, respectively performed his duty according to law;
and to take a receipt for such list from the justice.
Within five days after receipt of such list, it is the duty of the justice to deliver
warrants to the constables, requiring them to levy the tax in arrears, with costs, &c.
by distress and sale of chattels of delinquent — or, in default of clialtels, to imprison
the body until payment be made ; giving four days notice, at least, by advertise-
ment, of the time and place of such sale. And i). is the duty of the constable to
pay such tax to the townsliip collector, within forty-five days from the date of the
warrant ; to return tlie warrant to the justice, with an account of the manner of his
executing the same; a copy of wliicli warrant and return, the justice sliall. if de-
manded, give to the collector, and return the original warrant, if not fully executed,
to the constable.
The constable is liable for so much of the taxes, which by sucii warrant he was
required to collect, as shall not be paid over to the collector, unless the deficiency
happen without neglect, fraud or default, on his part, in suit, by township collector,
before a judge of the Common Pleas; and like suit may be brought against township
collector, by the county collector, for monies collected by him, or received from
constable, and not paid over, according to law; and in case the constable be prose-
cuted, such warrant, on cause shown, may be taken from him, and transferred to
another.
Tenants or persons having charge of lands, and tenements and their chattels, are
liable for taxes imposed on such lands; and on payment, may deduct the amount from
their rent, or recover it by suit, where no contract prevents ; and when the tax is on
unimproved or untenanted land, or the tenant is unable to pay, the tax may be
levied by the constable on the warrant of a justice, at the instance of the collector,
by sale of timber, wood, herbage, or other vendible property of the owner, on the
premises.
The justices, constables and township collectors, render to the township commit-
tee, when required, an account of the monies they or any of them may have re-
ceived on any assessment, and not paid to the county collector, and must pay to such
committee, on demand, such monies; and in default, are liable to suit by the clerk
of the township, in the name of the inhabitants thereof.
Due provision is made for the compensation of the respective township and county
officers, for enforcing performance of their duties by proper sanctions, and for levy-
ing monies becoming due from them by virtue of their oflicial stations.
Another prominent use made of the township and county division, is in the system
for the maintenance of the poor.
The provisions for this purpose, like the political subdivisions themselves, have,
in their principal features, been copied from Great Britain. The wisdom of this
system is less than equivocal, but the genius of legislation has not yet been able to
substitute a better. Each township, or precinct, is required to maintain the poor
settled within it. A settlement is gained by the acquisition of a freehold estate of
fifty pounds value, and residence of a year; apprenticeship, or servitude by inden-
ture, for a year; residence of one year by a mariner, or a person arriving directly
from Europe; and such residence and notice to the overseer, recorded by the town
clerk, in case of other persons. From these provisions are excepted servants pro-
cured from gaols and hospitals in other states. Bastard children have the settlement
of the mothers. Penalties are inflicted upon such inhabitants as receive into their
houses, vagabonds, vagrants, sturdy beggars, and idle strolling aad disorderly per-
60 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
sons ; and they are liable to maintain such wanderers, and to pay the expenses of
their funerals in case of death. A person may remove from one precinct to another,
bearing the certificate of tiie overseers of the poor of the precinct in which he has
a settlement, attested and allowed by two justices of the peace, declaring such set-
tlement, and delivering such certificate to the overseers of the district into which
he shall remove. But sucli person, becoming chargeable, may be returned to his
place of settlement; residence under the certificate not giving settlement; and ex-
penses incurred by the township for maintenance, relief or burial of such resident,
must be paid by tlie precinct in vi^hich he has a legal settlement.
Relief is granted to paupers, on the order of a justice, at the application of the
overseers; the order fi.xing the amount, and serving as the voucher for expenditure.
And, as a check upon the overseers, they are required to register the name and de-
scription of the pauper, and such order, in the township book, together with the
account of monies received or disbursed for the use of the poor, and registry of
transactions of their office, and to lay such book before the inhabitants in town
meeting.
Before relief granted, the goods of the applicant are to be inventoried, and in case
of death, sold; and the proceeds applied to reimburse the expenditure for the pauper.
Poor children, who have no parents, or whose parents are applicants for relief,
and children of paupers brought up in sloth and ignorance, may, by the overseers,
with the assistance and application of two justices, be bound apprentices for such
number of years as they may think proper, males until 21, and females until IS years ;
inserting in the indenture, a clause binding the master to cause such apprentice to
be instructed to read and write. And the overseers and justices continue the guar-
dians of the apprentice.
Where the father deserts his family, or a widow her children, leaving them a
public charge, and leaving estate, real or personal, such estate may be taken by the
overseers, upon the warrant of two justices, and the rents of the land, and the pro-
ceeds of the sale of the chattels, applied to the maintenance of the deserted family.
The overseers, with the assent of the town meeting, may purchase or rent a
workhouse, in which to employ and maintain the poor of the precinct, applying the
proceeds of their labour to the poor fund ; and such house may be erected by two
or more townships conjointly. Or the overseers of the township may contract with
the overseers of any other place, for the maintenance and employment of the poor
of such other place ; or the chosen freeholders of the county may purchase or build
a poorhouse for the whole county. Persons claiming relief and refusing to be lodged,
kept to work, and maintained in such house, are rejected.
When the overseers have reason to believe, that any person not having a settle-
ment in their precinct is, or is likely to become, chargeable, they may bring him, by
warrant from two justices, directed to and served by the constable, before such ma-
gistrates, who shall examine such person on oath touching his last place of settle-
ment, and direct him to remove thither by a stated time; and on his neglect or re-
fusal to comply with such order, may issue their warrant to the constable, connnand-
ing him to convey such person to the constable of the next precinct; and so, from
precinct to precinct, until he reach the place of his legal settlement. And in case
such person return to the place from whicli he was removed, and does not depart
therefrom, within 24 hours after notice given, such person, if male, is liable, on
the order of a magistrate, to receive fifteen lashes; if female, in the discretion of
the magistrate, to be sent away again, or committed to close confinement, and fed, at
the expense of the township, on bread and water only ; and both to be sent back to
the place to which they may have been first ordered. But if any person complained
of, as a pauper, give bond with two sufficient sureties, conditioned to indemnify the
precinct against the charge of his maintenance, he shall not be removed.
The overseers of the townsiiip, to which such pauper shall be legally removed,
are required to receive him, under penalty of five pounds, on conviction of refusal,
before a justice, to the use of the place from which the removal was made. An ap-
peal from the order of removal lies by the pauper, or other person aggrieved, to the
sessions.
An idle vagrant, vagabond, or beggar, strolling and begging through the country,
may be ap])rehendod by the constable, or any inhabitant, and carried before a jus-
tice, who is required to examine him on oath; and if it appear that he have a set-
tlement, to grant a warrant for removal as abovementioned, but if he have no set-
tlement in the State, then to direct by such warrant that he be conveyed back by
EXECUTIVE POWER. 61
every precinct through which he had wandered, until he be transported out of the
State : and such vagrant returning into the State, is liable to punishment by whip-
ping. Tliese provisions respecting the removal of indigent persons, though in
force, are not often executed.
The fund for maintenance of the poor is augmented by fines imposed for breach
of the laws, and by the personal estates of such persons as may die intestate, with-
out any representative. The pauper may sue without costs, and have counsel ap-
pointed him by the court, who shall conduct his cause without fee or reward.
Authority is given to the respective townships to raise, as for other township
purposes, such sum of money as may be deemed proper for the education of pauper
children and children of paupers.
The father and grandfather, mother and grandmother, child and grandchild, when
competent, are liable to maintain the pauper.
A third essential benefit, promoted by the territorial subdivision of townships and
counties, is the formation and preservation of roads. The common roads of the
country are either public or private. When ten or more freeholders deem a new
public road necessary, or one existing, unnecessary or proper to be altered, they may
by petition, after giving ten days public notice in the townships through which the
road is intended to pass, obtain from the court of Common Pleas the appointment of
six surveyors of the highways, liaving regard to those of the township in which the
road lies or is to be made. When the road is to be on the county line, the applica-
tion must be made to, and the surveyors appointed by, the Supreme Court, three
being taken from each county. The surveyors, after a prescribed notice has been
given, meet and view the road or ground proposed for the road, and lay out, vacate
or alter it, as the case may require ; and return a map thereof, with the time when
the same may be opened, to the clerk of the Common Pleas, or to the clerk of the
Supreme Court, as the case may be, who records the return, and tlie road so laid out
and opened becomes, or if vacated ceases to be, a public highway ; unless a caveat be
entered thereto within fifteen days, which operates as a supersedeas of proceedings
until the succeeding court.
Upon the complaint of any one alleging himself aggrieved, the court will appoint
six of the chosen freeholders of the county, who, alter due notice as prescribed by
law, also view the road proposed to be made, vacated or altered, and concurring in
report with the surveyors, it is definitively confirmed, so that no further proceedings
may be had thereon for one year. But, if their report diff"er from that of the sur-
veyors, the latter becomes void, and tiie road or alteration may be again applied for
under a year. If no caveat have been entered, or the person entering it do not pro-
secute it according to law, or the freeholders make no unfavourable report, or be
equally divided in their opinions, the proceedings of the surveyers become valid. If
the application for review be in Cape May county, and the proposed or actual road
run through lands of any of the chosen freeholders, one or more justices of the peace
may be appointed on the review. And where the application relative to the road is
in tile Supreme Court, three such freeholders from each county are appointed to re-
view, and like proceedings are had in regard to their report, as in tlie former case.
Any neglect of the officers in regard to these proceedings, is punishable by a fine of
sixteen dollars, to the use of the prosecutor. Four of the surveyors or freeholders
where the road proposed to be made or altered is in one county, and two from each
of the counties, where there are more than one, are necessary to, and sufficient for
the return.
The proceedings for making, vacating, or altering private roads, are similar in
most respects, to those in the case of public ones. Such roads, however, are made
and preserved at the expense of those interested in them, who may hang gates
thereon, which are protected by a penalty against those injuring them. By-roads
if shut up, may be laid out by three of the chosen freeholders, and remain as private
roads until vacated, or altered in the manner abovementioned.
For the purpose of making or repairing roads, the township committee assign, in
writing to the overseers of the roads respectively, their several limits of the high-
ways within the township. And it is the duty of such overseers to provide la-
bourers, animals, implements and materials for the work, and to erect such bridges
as can be built by common labourers ; the monies for which are raised by order of
the town meeting, as in other cases of township expense, and the overseer accounts
with the town meeting.
If the township be fined upon the presentment of the grand jury, or information
62 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
of attx)rney general, for the bad condition of the roads, the overseer within whose
limits the cause arose, is responsible therefor with costs, or he maj be proceeded
against in the first instance. The road tax payable by any individual, may be paid
in labour on the road by himself or substitute; and the roads over mill-dams are to
be kept in good and safe condition by the owners of the mills respectively, so long
as they shall be upheld.
The town meeting may determine whether the highways shall be maintained by
hire or by labour. But if the resolution be to maintain the roads by labour, the
township committee divide the highways, in their township, into convenient districts,
and assign the inhabitants to them, in equitable proportions. And whatever mode
be thus adopted, must be continued for three years. Inhabitants who neglect to
perform their quota of vpork, are each finable one dollar per day, for absence them-
selves ; one dollar and a half for a horse and cart, and two dollars for wagon or cart
with two horses or oxen, which have been warned out and shall be absent. If the
township vote to maintain the roads by hire, but do not supply the money therefor,
the overseers must resort to the labour system. If the overseer neglect his duty, he
is liable to an action, and the magistrate on complaint of three freeholders, may issue
his precept against overseer, and on conviction, fine him any sum not over twenty,
nor under five dollars. The board of freeholders is authorized, at the county's ex-
pense, to erect guide posts and mile stones, where they may deem expedient.
When bridges are required in a township, or between two townships, they are
built at the county expense, and if between two counties, at their joint expense.
Where the cost does not exceed thirty dollars, the overseer and chosen freeholders
of the township, are competent to order its execution; where the cost does not ex-
ceed one hundred and fifty dollars, tlie approbation of the overseers of the township,
and of the chosen freeholders of that, and of the two adjacent townships, are neces-
sary ; and where the expense will exceed one hundred and fifty dollars, the assent
of the overseers of the highway, and of the board of chosen freeholders of the county,
is required.
In addition to his services as register of the proceedings of the Circuit Courts, the
Court of Sessions and Common Pleas, the county clerk performs many other execu-
tive duties. We have already noticed his ministry in general elections. He is the
recorder of deeds, mortgages, and other conveyances of lands in his county, and re-
gister of marriages returned to him by justices of the peace and ministersof the
gospel ; the receiver of monies for tavern licenses, which he pays over to the county
freeholders; and is the depository of the dockets of the justices of his county, after
their deaths. He is forbidden to act as surrogate, or practice as an attorney, within
his county.
The township clerk records the proceedings of the town meetings, registers es-
trays, and receives for the use of the township its share of money produced by the
sale of unclaimed beasts impounded for damage feasance; and registers all births
and deaths in his township dul^'^ communicated to him.
The present militia system of the State, is founded on the act of 18th February,
1815, and the supplements of 1818, 1819, and 1830 ; which require, that every free
able bodied white male inhabitant, of the age of 18, and under 45, years, shall be en-
rolled by the commanding officer of the company within whose bounds he may reside.
From this requisition are exempted, ministers of the gospel ; the vice president of
the United States; the officers, judicial and executive, of the government of the
United States; the judges of the Supreme Court of this State; the members of both
houses of congress, and their respective officers; all custom house officers, with
their clerks; all post ofliicers and stage drivers employed in the transit of the mail;
ferrymen; inspectors of exports ; pilots; mariners actually employed in the sea ser-
vice of any merchant within the United States ; all students of divinity and students
of the two colleges in this State, except in cases of actual invasion ; and persons who
shall have served ten years in any uniform corps of the State ; and, at the discretion
of the brigade board, an officer who has held a commission for one year in the army
of the United States, or under the authority of any one of the States, and any sol-
dier who may have faithfully served IS months in the late war.
A brigade is formed in each county, except Cape May; in that, there is an inde-
pendent regiment, under the command of a lieutenant colonel, whose field officers
form a regimental board, with the power of a brigade board, in many particulars.
The brigades are formed into four divisions, of which those of Burlington, Glouces-
ter, Salem and Cumberland, with the Cape May regiment, make the first; those of
EXECUTIVE POWER. 63
Bergen, Essex, and Morris, the second; those of Somerset, Middlesex, and Mon-
mouth, the third; and those of Hunterdon and Sussex, the fourtli.
The governor is commander in chief. There is a general staff, of which he ap-
points his four aids-de-camp, with the ranli of lieutenant colonel; one quartermas-
ter and one adjutant general, with the rank of brigadier; and, when the service
may require it, one deputy adjutant, and one deputy quartermaster general, to each
brio-ade or division, with rank of lieutenant colonel. To each division there is one
major general, and two aids-de-camp appointed by him, with the rank of major ; to
each brigade, one brigadier general, with a brigade inspector, acting also as brigade
major, one aid-de-camp taken from the line, appointed by the general, judge advo-
cate, paymaster and quartermaster ; to each regiment, one colonel ; to each battalion
or squadron, one major; to each company of infantry, light infantry and grenadiers,
one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, one drujnmer,
and one fifer ; to each troop of horse, one captain, two lieutenants, one cornet, four
sergeants, four corporals, one saddler, one farrier, one trumpeter, and the foot and
cavalry companies contain not more than 64, nor less than 40, privates. Compa-
nies of horse can be raised only bj' permission of the commander in chief. To each
company of artillery there are a captain, two lieutenants, four sergeants, four cor-
porals, one drummer, one fifer, not more than six, nor less than three, gunners and
bombardiers, nor more than 62, nor less than 15, matrosses. The regimental statf
consists of one adjutant and quartermaster, ranking as lieutenants, taken from the
subalterns of the regiment, a paymaster to each battalion ; a surgeon, surgeon's
mate, chaplain, sergeant major, drum major, fife major, and quartermaster sergeant;
all of wliom, except the paymasters, are appointed by the field officers. To each
company of riflemen there belong a captain, three lieutenants, four sergeants, four
corporals, and drummer, fifer, or bugler. Such companies are attached to the bat-
talion in whose bounds a majority of the members reside. To each troop of horse
artillery, there are a captain, four lieutenants, one quartermaster sergeant, four ser-
geants, four corporals, one saddler, one farrier, one bugler, one trumpeter, and not
more than 100, nor less than 40, privates.
All oflicers take rank from the date of their commissions, except when they are of
the same date, and then by lot. The captains, and ail other inferior officers of the
militia, are chosen by the companies; but field and general officers by the council
and assembly, and all are commissioned by the governor. The brigade and regi-
mental staff officers, are commissioned by him on certificates of their appointment by
the officers making them ; non-commissioned oflicers and musicians, are appointed
by the captains and subalterns. The uniform is that worn by officers of the United
States.
The commanding officers of each regiment, independent battalion, and squadron,
are required to convene their respective officers twice a year; and at one of such
meetings, the orderly sergeants; and at the meeting not attended by the non-com-
missioned officers, may direct the attendance of one of the companies under their
command, for the purpose of military improvement. The attendance of such com-
pany is in lieu of company training, and absence is punishable as in other cases of
neglect of military service. And the non-commissioned officers attending such drill,
is entitled to fifty cents per day.
The militia meet three times, annually, for improvement in discipline and martial
exercise ; once by companies or troops, on the 3d Monday in April ; once by batta-
lion or squadron, and once by regiment or independent battalion. The fine for non-
attendance on days of exercise, absence from roll call, or leaving parade without
permission, is, on a field officer, eight dollars ; every other commissioned officer,
four dollars; on every non-commissioned officer and private, two dollars per day;
and for appearance on parade v^ithout appropriate arms, fifty cents, where the soldier
is able to provide them. When called into active service, every militiaman must
appear fully equipped, with every article required by act of congress, under penalty,
if an officer, of ten dollars; and if a private, two dollars. No militiaman having a
substitute in actual service, is therebj' excused from duty on parade days. But no
militiaman is finable more than two dollars in one year, for neglect of duty, if he
have attained thirty-five years; provided, that when he shall attend at any one of the
days required by law, and perforin military duty, he shall be fined one dollar for
every other day's absence therefrom. And when the brigade board shall disband
any company, its officers may be exempted from military duty.
Delinquents are marked at roll call by the orderly sergeant, and reported to the
64 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
company court, composed of the officers of the company or troop, of which the of-
ficer first in rank is president. Such court is empowered, to hear and decide on,
the excuse of delinquents reported, and tlie president is required to make return
within ten days, to the commanding officer of the battalion, of all delinquents, and
the sum imposed on each. The battalion court of appeal, consists of the command-
ing officer of the battalion, the surgeon, or surgeon's mate, and the senior captain,
or, in his default, of the captain next in rank ; and is empowered to hear excuses on
appeal, and to remit fines ; and in case of permanent inability, by certificate, to dis-
charge from military duty. The president of this court, makes returns of delin-
quents and the fines imposed, to the battalion and brigade paymasters. Failure to
attend such court by its members, or the president to make return, is punishable, in
the first case, by a fine often, and in the second, by a fine not exceeding thirty, nor
less than fifteen, dollars.
The battalion paymaster, on receipt of the return, and such fines as may have
been collected by the battalion commandant, after efforts to collect, and after the
first Monday in September, delivers the list of delinquents to a justice of the peace,
who issues execution against them, as in case of taxation; the constable being re-
quired to levy the same on the goods of the delinquent, or in default of goods, to
commit him to prison, until payment, &c. But the brigade board, or any three of
them, may discharge delinquent unable to pay. If, upon levy and sale, there be a
balance in the hands of the constable which the delintjuent will not receive, he pays
it to the paymaster of the battalion, to be accounted for in his settlement with the
brigade board, and certifies the same to the judge advocate, or brigade board.
The fines and penalties imposed on minors, are payable by the parent, guardian, or
master.
The battalion paymaster returns to the brigade board the list of delinquent com-
missioned officers certified by the orderly; keeps a journal of their proceedings; an
account of fines and the modes of their payment, whether voluntary or involuntary,
and of such as may not be recovered, with the reason thereof; all which is submitted
to the brigade board. The battalion and brigade paymasters are appointed by such
board, and give bond with sureties, the first in five hundred, and the second in two
thousand dollars, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties; to which
effect, they, also, make oath before the county clerk. The brigade paymaster re-
ceives all vouchers and returns, and keeps distinct accounts of the monies arising
from fines and forfeitures in the several regiments and battalions in the brigade, and
of monies received and paid by him, subject to the examination of the brigade board ;
collects the fines imposed by the board on delinquent officers, and, in case of non-
payment for sixty days, puts the list into the hands of a justice of the peace, which
is then proceeded upon as above stated.
The brigade board is composed of the brigadier general, brigade major and
commandants of regiments, independent battalions, and squadrons of the re-
spective brigades ; a majority of whom form a quorum, meeting annually on the
third Monday in December, at a place of their own appointment, within the brigade.
The officer of first grade and seniority presides, and the board has power : To com-
pel the attendance of its members by fine, not exceeding twenty dollars — to ar-
range the regiments, battalions, squadrons, troops, and comjianies, as they may
deem expedient — to authorize the formation of new uniform companies, and to at-
tach them to such battalion or regiment as they may deem proper — to draw orders
on the brigade paymaster for lawful expenses — to make a reasonable compensation
to the brigade and battalion paymasters for their services; adjust their accounts, re-
move them in case of malfeasance, and to appoint a successor who in case of bri-
gade paymaster shall prosecute his predecessor for monies of the brigade in his
hands — and also the battalion paymasters who may be in arrears — to allow adju-
tants for extra services — to compensate brigade judge advocates — to assess fines on
delinquent officers, returned by the brigade major or battalion paymaster — to pre-
serve order at their meetings by imposition of fines not exceeding ten dollars, upon
transgressors, and to erect a covering for the protection of field artillerj' — to keep
an account of all sums by tliem received from their several battalion paymasters, and
disbursements, with an account of the expenses of the militia system, and the ap-
propriations made for arms, &c. — and make reports thereof, annually, to the legis-
lature.
The judge advocate is appointed by the brigade board, of which he is ex officio
clerk, and is required to attend its meetings and record its proceedings.
EXECUTIVE POWER. 65
The adjutant general distributes all orders of the commander in chief, to the se-
veral corps, attends public reviews, if required, when the commander in chief re-
views the troops, — obeys all orders from him, executing- or perfecting the military
system established by law, — furnishes blank forms of the different returns directed
by the commander in chief, — receives from the several officers returns of all militia
under their command, together with reports of the state of the arms, ammunition,
&c. from which he reports proper abstracts to the commander in chief, who lays
them before the legislature. He annually reports all the militia of the State to the
president of the United States — Keeps a record of all orders, returns names of com-
missioned officers, and proceedings relative to the details of the military force ordered
out by the commander in chief upon requisitions of the president or Congress of the
United States, in cases of invasion, or other emergency — Records all certificates
of election of officers before commissioned by the commander in chief — and lays
his accounts, annually, before the legislature, who appropriate, annually, one hun-
dred dollars for his services.
The brigade inspectors attend the brigade, regimental and independent battalion
meetings of the militia composing their several brigades, during the time of their
being under arms, to inspect their arms, &c. — makes returns, annually, to the ad-
jutant general of the militia of his brigade, reporting particularly the name of the
reviewing off.cer, the state of the arms, &c. and every thing which, in his judg-
ment, may advance good order and military discipline. He receives for ordinary
duty, thirty dollars per annum, and for extra duty, such allowance as the brigade
board may direct; and is subject to a fine of fifty dollars for malfeasance, and the
forfeiture of his annual salary, unless he produce the acknowledgment of the adju-
tant general for his returns. In the absence of the brigade inspector, the command-
ing officer appoints some one to perform his duties.
Company officers report their acceptance of office to the commanding officer of the
battalion, within ten days after notice of their election, otherwise the election is
deemed void. Resignations are made to the brigade commander; and where vacan-
cy happens in the company, by death, removal or resignation, such commander di-
rects his warrant to the battalion commandant, to hold an election to supply the va.-
cancy.
Persons enrolled in a uniform company are, upon the certificate of the command-
ing officer, excused from service in the militia : but such certificate may not be
given until such persons have appeared in uniform, under penalty of ten dollars
upon the officer.
The majors are charged with organizing the several companies under their respec-
tive commands. Where the militiamen of any company or district, fail to choose offi-
cers, the major may appoint a sergeant, to take command of the company until pro-
per officers are duly qualified; and to constitute his company court, such sergeant
may appoint persons from the list of the company, who may elect one of their num-
ber president.
No officer or private, on his way to, or return from, militia service, may be
charged toll or ferriage, and refusal to permit his passage is punishable by fine of
eight dollars; nor can he be arrested on civil process on any legal day for training,
nor can his arms, &c. be levied on and sold under execution.
The commander in chief may, in case of invasion or other emergency, order out
any proportion of the militia of the State, to march to any part thereof, and conti-
nue so long as he may think necessary, not exceeding two months. In such case,
substitutes may be received for any person called on to do a tour of duty, but no
substitute is admissible at ordinary training, under penalty on the officer, of ten
dollars. Horses of militiamen, taken into service, are registered and appraised,
and their value paid to the owner, in case the horse be killed or taken by the ene-
my. The accounts of the quartermaster, for rations or ammunition, must be ap-
proved by the commanding officer of the regiment or independent battalion, and by
the governor, before payment at the treasury.
Courts martial are appointed, for the trial of officers above the rank of field offi-
cers, by the commander in chief, — for field officers, by the major generals, in their
respective divisions, — for captains and subaltern commissioned officers, by the bri-
gadier generals, each in his own brigade. And the commandant of regiments and
independent battalions may institute a regimental court martial whenever they shall
find it necessary. Officers appointing such court nmst, in all cases, a[)])rove or dis-
approve its sentence, and may mitigate or remit the punishment, except where the
I
66 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
offence is of a personal nature, when the sentence is conclusive. And such officer
may, incase of emergency, appoint a judge advocate, 2''>^o tempore.
The regimental court martial is composed of five members, the president of whom
shall not be under the rank of captain. The general court martial consists of thir-
teen commissioned officers, not under the rank of captain, tlie senior of whom is
president. The concurrence of two-thirds of the court is necessary, in every sen-
tence for inflicting punishment; and each member, with the judge advocate, swears
to determine the case according to the evidence, that he will not divulge the sen-
tence until it have been approved or disapproved ; and will at no time, discover the
vote or opinion of any member, unless required to give evidence thereof in a court
of justice.
The expense of a court martial, trying an officer of the general staff, is payable
from militia fines in the State treasury ; trying an officer above the grade of major,
by the paymaster of the brigade ; trying a major, or inferior officer, by the battalion
paymaster. Members of courts martial receive $1 50 per day, and witnesses fifty
cents — payable on certificates of tlie judge advocate.
Commissioned officers guilty of unofficer-like conduct, may be cashiered by the
court, or punished by fine, not exceeding fifty dollars. The commanding officer of
a regiment, battalion, or squadron, failing to give orders for assembling his command,
as directed by his brigadier, or in case of invasion, may be cashiered, and punished
by a fine not e.xceeding one hundred dollars: and a commissioned officer of a com-
pany, guilty of like offence, under the orders of tlie commandant of the regiment,
&c., is subject to like punishment; and a non-commissioned officer, to a fine not
exceeding thirty dollars. The commanding officer of a compan}', &.C., failing to
return a list of persons, notified to perform a tour of duty, to the colonel, &c., may
be cashiered, or fined in a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars.
Non-commissioned officers, or privates, appearing drunk upon parade, disobeying
orders, using reproachful or abusive language to officers, quarrelling or promoting
quarrf'ls among fellow-soldiers, may be disarmed and put under arrest, until the
company be dismissed, and be fined by court martial, not exceeding eight dollars. A
militiaman deserting whilst on a tour of duty, may be fined not exceeding one hun-
dred dollars, and imprisoned not more than two months: and if a non-commissioned
officer, shall be degraded to the ranks. Non-commissioned officer, or private,
bringing on parade, or discharging, within a mile thereof, any loaded fire arms, on
the day assigned for improvement or inspection, without permission from a commis-
sioned officer, is subject to a fine of one dollar.
When ordered out for improvement or inspection, the militia are under military
discipline, from the rising to the setting of the sun, and none, during such time,
may be arrested on civil process: on days of exercise they may be detained under
arms, on duty, in the field, six hours; but not more than three hours without time
being allowed to refresh themselves. The retailing of spirituous liquors, on, or
within a mile of the parade, is prohibited under a penalty of forfeiture of such
liquors. The rules of discipline are such as may be established by Congress for dis-
ciplining the regular troops of the United States.
By-standers at any muster, molesting or insulting, by abusive words or behaviour,
any ofiicer or soldier, while on duty, may be put under guard, and kept at the discretion
of the commanding officer, until sundown; and if guilty of like misconduct, before a
court martial, may be fined not exceeding twent}^ dollars, and costs of prosecution.
Fines imposed by courts martial, are certified by tlie judge advocate to the brigade
board, and are collected by the brigade paymaster, in the manner above directed.
The sur])lus money in the hands of the brigade paymaster, is appropriated to the
purchase of arms, accoutrements, colours, instruments of music, and the preserva-
tion of arms (the arms being subject to the order of the commander in chief, in case
of invasion, insurrection, or war). And the judge advocate is required, after the
annual meeting of the brigade board, to transmit to the adjutant general, a statement
of the disbursements, and arms, &c., to be laid by him before the legislature. The
commandants of regiments, independent battalions, and s(]uadrons, account to the
brigade board for the monies received by them for teaching music, and oilier pur-
poses.
The commander in chief, or of brigade, when the militia may be called into actual
service, may receive uniform com[)anies from any brigade in the State as volunteers,
who having served their tour, are exempted from draft, until their battalions, regi-
ment, or brigade shall have performed like service ; and their brigade is accredited
EXECUTIVE POWER. 67
for the number so volunteering. Due authority is given to the commander in
chief for organizing companies on the sea-board when necessary for its protection:
and he may furnish any uniform company with arms, tlie property of the State ; the
officers giving bond for keeping them in repair, and returning them when required.
Uniform companies are attached to the battalion within the bounds of which a major-
ity of the company resides-
Any person desirous to be exempt from militia dut}-, is required, on or before
the first of April, annually, to report himself to the commanding officer of the com-
pany, in the bounds of which he may reside. Such officer returns the list of exempts
to the township collector, on or before the twentieth of June, annually, who taxes
each, the sum of five dollars, in addition to his other taxes ; designating it in his
duplicate, delivered to the township collector ; and he, also, furnishes the collector
of the county, on or before the first of December, annually, two certified abstracts
of the names of such exempts. The township collector pays to the county collector,
such taxes, and his certificate of the death, insolvency, or absconding of the exempt,
is a sufficient voucher against the tax ; and the county collector pays to the State
treasurer, the exempt taxes, with other State taxes, and the treasurer carries them
to the credit of the school fund.
The commanders of the respective companies enrol all persons within their
bounds liable to perform militia duty, not returned as exempts, and fine them for
non-attendance on days of parade, according to law, under the penalty of thirty
dollars for omission. But exempts may be classed as enrolled militia when called
into actual service. And due provision is made by law for classifyng the militia for
actual service when required.
The following is the state of the militia, apparent from the last return of the ad-
jutant general, viz: Commander in chief, 4 aids-de-camp; 1 quartermaster general,
4 deputies ; 1 adjutant general, 4 deputies; 4 major generals, each having two aids ;
13 brigades and brigadiers, and the independent battalion of Cape May county.
Brigade Staff, consisting of 13 brigade majors and one adjutant, 13 paymas-
ters, 11 quartermasters, 6 surgeons, 13 judges advocate.
Cavalry : — 1 brigadier general, 4 colonels, 9 majors, 31 captains, 63 lieutenants,
25 cornets, 86 sergeants, 73 corporals, 11 saddlers, 10 farriers, 36 trumpeters, and
1673 privates, making an aggregate of 1810. Cavalry arms: sabres 734, pairs of
pistols 609, holsters 733, cartridges 376, cartridge-boxes 359, horses, saddles, and
bridles, each, 963.
Artillery: — 30 captains, 54 lieutenants, 93 sergeants, 75 corporals, 40 bombar-
diers, 68 gunners, 36 drummers, 25 fifers, 1802 privates, — total 1886. Ordnance
apparatus and equipments: 18 six pounders, 8 four pounders, 1 two pounder, 1
swivel, 18 tumbrels and wagons, 25 ramrods and screws, 16 port-fire stocks, 33
dragropes, 14 handspikes, 159 muskets, 19 bayonets, 329 swords, 39 cartouche
boxes, 23 powder horns and wires, and 43 knapsacks.
Rifle Corps : — 17 captains, 44 lieutenants, 48 sergeants, 16 corporals, 22 drum-
mers, 16 fifers, 12 buglers, 1052 privates, — total 1115. Jlrrns and cqjupments : 54
swords, 336 rifles, 132 fusees, 117 muskets, 17 powder horns and pouches.
Infantry: — Colonels 47, majors 96, adjutants 58, paymasters 98, quartermasters
48, surgeons 47, surgeon's mates 37, drum majors 20, fife majors 21, sergeant-
majors 33, captains 406, lieutenants 397, ensigns 327, sergeants 1065, corporals
664, drummers 329, fifers 263, privates 28,882, — aggregate 30,456. Arms and
equipments: swords 796, espontoons 57, muskets 8268, bayonets 3565, iron rara
rods 5084, firelocks, other than muskets, 3373, cartridge boxes 1293.
68
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
RECAPITULATION.
III. The judiciary, as established under the colonial government, was recognised
by the constitution, in the general clause continuing the laws existing at the time of
its adoption, and in that, limiting the tenure of oflice of the judges. Some modifi-
cations and enlargement of jurisdiction have, however, since been made ; and tiie
judiciary power is now vested in a Court of Appeals, Court of Chancery, Supreme
and Circuit Courts, Courts of Oyer and Terminer, and General Jail Delivery:
Courts of Common Pleas, Quarter Sessions and Orphan's Court, and Courts for the
trial of small causes, holden by Justices of the Peace. These institutions will be
best viewed, passing from those of the lowest to those of the highest order ; and at-
tempting an outline of the constitution of each.
The courts for the trial of small causes or Justices' Courts, now depend upon the
act of 12th of February, 1818, and its supplements. J3y these, every suit of a
civil nature, at law, including suits for penalties, where the matter in dispute does
not exceed the value of one hundred dollars, is cognizable before a justice of the
peace of any county, who holds a court of record, endowed with the usual pow-
ers of such courts. From this jurisdiction, however, are excepted, actions of re-
plevin, slander, trespass for assault, battery, or imprisonment, and actions wherein
the title to real estate may come in question. The territorial jurisdiction of the jus-
tice is coextensive with his county, and his process is confined to it, except in the
case of the subpana ad testificandum, which may run into other counties. The con-
stables of the several townships of the county are the ministerial oilicers of the court,
who execute its process, tested on the day it is issued, and signed and sealed, by the
justice.
The initiatory process is summons or warrant. The first is required when the de-
fendant is a freeholder, and resident of the county where issued, and in cases where
defendant cannot be held to bail; and m.ay be used on all occasions, at the election
of plaintiff; the warrant may issue against persons not freeliohlers, or against free-
liolders about to abscond from the county. The summons is returnable in not less
than five, nor more than fifteen days from its date ; and must be served at least five
days before the day given therein for appearance, personally, upon the defendant,
JUDICIARY. 69
or by a copy left at his dwelling. The warrant is returnable forthwith. Upon ar-
rest the defendant either gives bond, with freehold surety, to the constable for his
appearance at a stated day, not more than eight from the service, or is carried be-
fore the justice, where he enters into recognisance with like security, conditioned
for his appearance, or is committed to prison to await the time of hearing, which
must not be more than three days from the return of the warrant ; or he is held by
the constable, until the plaintiff be notified and have time to proceed to trial.
The amount of the sum demanded is endorsed upon the writ, with the costs, and
may be paid to the constable in full discharge of the debt and arrest.
On the appearance of the parties, the trial is had, or the hearing is adjourned,
by the justice himself, or on cause shown by either party, not longer than fifteen days :
but if the defendant do not appear, judgment may be rendered by default; and by
consent of parties may be entered, without process, for any sum within the juris-
diction of the justice.
After appearance of defendant, and plea entered, and before inquiry into the me-
rits of the cause by the justice, either party may demand a trial by jury; upon
which, where the sum claimed does not exceed sixteen dollars, six jurymen, and
where over sixteen dollars, twelve jurymen may be summoned. The costs of the
jury of twelve, when finding for the applicant, above five, and not exceeding twenty-
five dollars, are paid, in part by him; but if finding for him, five dollars, or under,
then the whole costs are paid by the applicant; the costs of the jury of six, finding
in favour of the applicant, under five dollars, are wholly payajjle by him.
By consent, and at request of the parties, the justice may enter rules of refer-
ence of the matters in difiierence to such persons as shall be nominated by the par-
ties.
Upon judgment rendered before the justice, no execution can issue against a fe-
male, when the debt is under two dollars. Where the debtor is a freeholder, and
when sued by summons, he is to be taken as sucli, unless the presumption be dis-
proved, or when a sufficient freeholder of the county shall join with him in confes-
sion of judgment to the adverse party, stay of execution may be had, where the
judgment is over five, and under fifteen dollars, for one month; when over fifteen
and under sixty dollars, for three months, and when over sixty dollars, for six months.
The execution continues in force for one year from the time it is issued ; but may
be renewed upon scire facias, and judgment thereon, and takes priority from the
time of levy made, and the surplus proceeds of sale under the first execution are
applicable to the satisfaction of others, in successive order. The levy is made on
the goods and chattels of defendant ; and if another claim property in the goods le-
vied upon, the constable stays the sale for ten days, unless indemnified by plaintiff";
during which, the claimant, on application to a justice, may have his rights tried by
a jury of six men, and if the application be not made within that time, the claim is
deemed abandoned. The verdict, if against the claimant, protects the constable in
making sale of the goods. For want of goods whereon to levy, the body of the de-
fendant is liable to imprisonment until the debt and costs be paid, or until delivered
by due course of law: and where there are no personal effects an action may be
brought in the Common Pleas, on the judgment before the justice, in order to reach
the real estate.
From the judgment of the justice, on default, on absence or confession of defen-
dant, or when the matter in dispute does not exceed three dollars in value, there is
no appeal. In other cases, an appeal lies by either party to the Common Pleas to
be holdennext after rendition of judgment; the appellant giving bond, with surety,
to the other party conditioned for the prosecution of his appeal. The justice de-
termining the cause is excluded from sitting upon it in the appellate court.
The judgment of the justice may, also, be revised by the Supreme Court, by
certiorari (but not by writ of error) issued within eighteen months from the rendi-
tion. Any justice is authorized, in cases in a Justice's Court, to take the deposition
of infirm, sick, or going witnesses, and to issue commission for the examination of
witnesses.
The justices (among whom are to be esteemed the mayor, recorder, and alder-
men of any city, borough, or town corporate, within their respective territorial ju-
risdictions) are chosen by the legislature in joint meeting, for the term of five years,
and may be reappointed for such terms, indefinitely, and dismissed upon impeach-
ment by the assembly, and conviction by the council. Such justices are, by the act
of 1794, conservators of the peace, and as such, are charged and empowered to
70 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
cause the laws to be observed, and to apprehend and punish oiFenders as the laws
may direct. They exercise also many ministerial duties, as notaries in certain cases;
and act as substitutes for the coroner, &c. &c. As the Justices' Court is that which
disposes of the major part of the disputes among the citizens, we have occupied
more space in relation to it than we shall give to the courts of higher order.
The Court of Quarter Sessions, in each county, is composed of the justices of the
county, or any three of them ; and is a court of record, having cognisance of all in-
dictable offences perpetrated in the county : and authority by its precepts to the
sheriff, to summon grand and special juries, and to do all necessary things relative
thereto, as directed by law ; sending, however, all indictments found for treason,
murder, manslaughter, sodomy, rape, polygamy, arson, burglary, robbery, forgery,
perjury, and subornation of perjury, to be tried in the Supreme Court, or Court of
Oyer and Terminer. To this court the several justices of the county send their re-
cognisances for keeping the peace or good behaviour, and the examination of of-
fenders, taken before them ; and generally return to it the recognisances of witnesses
and of bail in criminal cases. It has cognisance of cases of bastardy ; may grant
tavern licenses, the sums payable for which, not less than $10 nor more than $70,
pertain to the county treasury; may recommend to the governor persons for license
as pedlars; may hear appeals from the order of justices, between master and ser-
vant, and in pauper cases, and from conviction, by justices, under the acts for sup-
pressing vice and immorality, &c.; and has, generally, the powers of a court of
record, relative to the subjects of its jurisdiction.
The Common Pleas consist of judges appointed by the legislature, in joint meet-
ing, who hold their otfices for five years. The number in each county is unlimited,
and varies from time to time. Any one of the judges may hold the court. They
choose their own president for a year, and receive no salary or compensation, but
certain bench fees, divided among them, rarely amounting to their expenses at the
court. Their territorial jurisdiction is only coextensive with the county, but they may
issue subpoenas for witnesses throughout the State. The court has unlimited ori-
ginal jurisdiction, at common law, in all personal actions where the freehold does
not come in question, with some restriction as to costs, in cases cognisable before a
justice. Its proceedings may be revised on writ of error to the Supreme Court.
The judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in the several counties, or any three of
them, constitute the Orphans' Court ; which is a court of record, and is holden four
times a year, in the same week with the Courts of Quarter Sessions, and at such other
times as the judges may deem proper. This court is empowered : to determine all
■controversies respecting the existence of wills, the fairness of inventories, the right
of administration and guardianship, the allowance of the accounts of executors, ad-
ministrators, guardians, or trustees, audited and stated by the surrogate ; to award
process lo bring before them all persons interested, or witnesses, in any pending
cause; or who, as executors, administrators, guardians, trustees, or otherwise, are
accountable for any property belonging to an orphan, or person under age. And
the ordinary, his register, and surrogates, are required to transmit into this court,
upon application, copies of all bonds, inventories, accounts, &c., relating to estates
of orphans, &c. Where insufficient surety has been taken on granting letters of
administration, or guardianship, this court has power to require administrators or
guardians to give further security ; and upon refusal, or nialfeasance in tiieir trust,
to dismiss them and substitute others: and where an executrix having minors of her
own, or is concerned for other minors, or is like to marry without securing the
minors' estates; or where an executor, guardian, or other trustee of minors' estates
is like to prove insolvent, refuses or neglects to account for such estates, to order
that he give security to those for whom he is concerned, by mortgage or bond, in
such sum as the court may deem proper; conditioned for the performance of their
respective trusts : and, where the surely in bond given by an administrator or guar-
dian, alleges that such officer is wasting or mismanaging the estate, whereby the
complainant is liable to damage, the court may compel such officer to render an ac-
count, and if tlie malfeasance be apparent, may, on pain of dismissal, compel him
to give separate security to his surety for the faithful performance of duty : and
W'here there are two or more acting executors, guardians, or administrators, the court
may, from time to time, on the application of any one of them, and sufficient reason
shown, order the executor, &c., to account with his coexecutor, &c., and compel
him to give separate security to such executor, &c., and on refusal, to authorize such
coexecutor, &c., to sue for the assets in the hands of the executors, &c., refusing.
JUDICIARY. 71
The court has also authority, to make partition of the lands of an intestate,
among his heirs, when any of them are under the age of twenty-one years ; and also
of the landis devised to two or more devisees, under such age, where the bounds of
each devisee's share is unascertained ; and to appoint commissioners for the ad-
measurement of dower. But where the lands of such intestate or devisor lie in two
or more counties, the duty of partition devolves upon the surrogate general. The
court may order sale of lands for the payment of debts when the personalty is ex-
hausted, either upon application of the executor, administrator, or creditor ; or the sale
of lands of orphans, when necessary for their maintenance and education ; and direct
the fulhlment of contracts for the conveyance of real estate, made by the testator or
intestate, in his life time: and may also compel creditors of the estates of decedents,
to render their accounts, within astated time, under penalty of being barred of tiieir
actions. And in case the estate prove insolvent, may direct distribution of pro-
ceeds among creditors; and where the debts are paid, may divide the balance among
the representatives of decedent.
This court has jurisdiction, also, in the settlement of the accounts of assignees,
under the assignment of a debtor for the benefit of creditors.
By the 8th article of the constitution the governor is tx officio ordinary, or sur-
rogate general. One deputy or surrogate, in each county, is appointed by the legis-
lature, for five years, whose power is confined within the same, and whose duty
is — to take the depositions to wills, (ten days after death of testator) adminis-
trations, inventories, and administration bonds, in cases of intestacy, and issue
thereon letters testamentary and of administration ; but where doubts arise on
the face of the will, or a caveat be put in against proving it, or disputes hap-
pen respecting the existence of a will, the fairness of an inventory, or tiie right of
administration, he is to issue citations to all persons concerned, to appear at the
next Orphans' Court, of the county, where the cause is determined in a summary
way, subject to an appeal to the Prerogative Court, to which all other proceedings
of the surrogate may, also, be carried directly by appeal: To record all wills and
inventories proven before him, or the Orphans' Court, with the proofs ; all letters of
guardianship and letters testamentary by him granted, a copy of which, under his
hand and seal, is evidence in any court of the State. He transmits to the register
of the Prerogative Court, on the first Mondays of February, May, August, and
November, annually, all wills and inventories proved by him, and a return of all
letters of administration granted during the preceding three months, to be filed in
the register's office. Files all administration and guardianship bonds, and other
writings, required by law, in conducting the business of his office: Gives bond for
the faithful performance of his duties, with sureties in the sum of two thousand
dollars : Audits and states the accounts of executors and administrators, exhibited
to him, and report the same to the Orphans' Court, giving at least two months' no-
tice of his intention, in at least five of the most public places of the county, as near
as may be, to tlie place of residence of the parties concerned. He is required to
keep up in his office, at all times, in some conspicuous place, a true list of all fees
lawfully demandable by him as surrogate, or as clerk of the Orphans' Court; and he
is punishable for extortion by fine.
The jurisdiction of the ordinary or surrogate general extends only to the grant-
ing of probate of wills, letters of administration, letters of guardianship and the
hearing and finally determining all disputes that may arise thereon. For the last
purpose, he holds, at stated periods, a Prerogative Court, at the times and places
for holding the Court of Chancery, where he hears, and finally determines, all
causes that come before him, either directly or by appeal from any of the surrogates
or from the Orphans' Court. Of this court the secretary of state is register, and is
required to record the names of the testators of all wills he may receive, in alpha-
betical order, with the year in which they were proved, and to file such wills in his
office, the wills of each year and county to be put by themselves ; and in like man-
ner to record the names of all intestates, and all inventories in manner aforesaid ;
and transcripts of any will or testament registered by him are receivable in evidence
in all courts of the commonwealth.
Supreme and Circuit Courts. — The first consists of a chief justice and two as-
sociates, and holds, annually, at Trenton, four terms, commencing on the last
Tuesday of February, the second of May, the first of September, and the second
of November, by the chief justice or any one of the justices. Issues in this
court, determinable by jury, are tried in the county where the lands in question
72 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
lie, or the cause of action arises ; unless upon motion upon behalf of the State,
when the State is party, or where the amount in dispute is three thousand dol-
lars, and either party order the trial at bar, which he may do, receiving only
the costs of a Circuit Court if he do not recover that sum. Transitory actions,
at the discretion of the court, are tried in the county in which the cause of action
arose ; and trials by foreign juries may be had where the court deem it proper.
The court has original jurisdiction in all cases without regard to amount, but the
party recovering not more than two hundred dollars, exclusive of costs, is not entitled
to costs, unless the freehold, inheritance or title to real estate may come in question,
or the suit be removed into this court by the defendant. But no suit may be re-
moved from an inferior court by habeas corpus unless the value of the matter in con-
troversy exceed two hundred dollars. It has power to appoint commissioners of bail,
and to make rules for justifying such bail ; to try treason committed out of the State;
to review proceedings of justices in eases of landlords and tenants; to authorize
the filing of an information in the nature of a quo warranto; to make partition of
land and tenements between jointtenants and tenants in common ; to appoint com-
missioners to ascertain county lines; to entertain prosecutions against vessels seized
for engaging in tiie slave trade; to issue writs of dower, and admeasurement of
dower, &c.; and writs of error in all cases to the Common Pleas, and to determine
thereon, and also to determine causes removed hither by certiorari from the Or-
phans' Cijurt : to apjjoint viewers of roads in certain cases, and to receive and de-
termine on tlieir report.
The chief justice, or one of his associates, twice in a year, holds a Circuit Court
in every county except in that of Cape May, for the trial of issues which have been
joined in, or brought into tlie Supreme Court, and which may be triable in the county:
but the same judge does not hold the court twice in succession in the same county,
unless on special occasions; and the clerks of the Common Pleas, in the several
counties, are clerks of the Circuit Courts, and of tlie Courts of Oyer and Terminer
and General Jail Delivery.
The Court of Oyer and Terminer is holden semi-annually, in each county, except
that of Cape May, where it is holden annually only, by one of the justices of the Su-
preme Court, and the judges of tiie Courts of Common Pleas, or any three of them.
It has cognisance of all crimes and offences within the county; and authority to de-
liver the jails of tlie prisoners therein. Its process runs into all the counties of the
State, and it may direct that indictments found in it for offences indictable in the
Quarter Sessions be sent to the sessions for trial.
The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in criminal cases, and appellate ju-
risdiction from the Court of Oyer and Terminer, &c.
The governor is, by the constitution, chancellor of the State, and holds at Tren-
ton, annually, four stated terms on the third Tuesday of January, the first in April,
the second in July, and the second in October, and such stated terms as he may from
time to time ajjpoint. If the court be not opened at any of tlie said terms, the pro-
cess returnable, and the suits pending tiierein, are continued, of course, until the
court shall sit. This court is considered as always open for the granting of injunc-
tions, writs of nc ticat to prevent the departure of defendants from the State, and
other writs and process in vacation. The chancellor may call to his assistance<the
chief justice or other justice of the Supreme Court, or one or more masters of chan-
cery, to advise with on the hearing of a cause, argument, or motion; or he may send
any matter of law to the Supreme Court for its opinion ; or if a matter of fact ren-
der the intervention of a jury necessary, he may send an issue for trial to such court.
The masters in chancery are appointed by the chancellor, and the clerk of the court
formerly named by him, is now, by virtue of the act of 1 1th February, 1831, ap-
pointed by the legislature in joint meeting, and continues in office five years.
In addition to the subjects of jurisdiction abovementioned, we may add here, that
of foreclosure of mortgages as a prominent one. But the jurisdiction of this court
is extensive and complex, embracing those many subjects on which the law cannot
justly operate, by reason of its generality, and is not defined by the statutory law.
A knowledge of it can be obtained, therefore, only from the thousand volumes of
Eno-lish and American law, and it must remain a mystery to all but the erudite
student.
To the Supreme and Chancery Courts a reporter is attached, whose duty is, to re-
port and publish their decisions.
The governor and council, seven of whom make a quorum, constitute the court of
appeals in the last resort, in causes of law or equity removed from the Supreme
JUDICIARY. 73
Court, or from Chancery, after final judgment; and possess the power of granting
pardons to criminals after condemnation, in all cases of offence. This court holds
annually at Trenton, two terms ; one commencing on the third Tuesday in May, and
the other on the first Tuesday of November ; but, if the legislature be elsewhere in
session at either of the said terms, the court is holden wliere the legislature may be ;
and the governor, with the advice of the council, or three of them, may hold ano-
ther term, at Trenton, annually. The secretary of state is the elerk of the court.
The members of council, sitting as judges, receive the same pay and mileage, as
when sitting in council ; and the clerk, as when acting as clerk of council. If a suf-
ficient number of members do not attend the court, on the first day of term, it may
adjourn from day to day, or until the next term, and all proceedings therein are con-
tinued, of course.
Compensation of Officers. The compensation of the chancellor, judges of the
Common Pleas, Orphans' Courts, Quarter Sessions, and justices, and of tlie clerks,
sheriffs, coroners and constables, engaged therein, secretary of state, attorney gene-
ral and deputies, is by fees, respectively, allotted to them by law.
The chief, and other justices of the Supreme Court, are allowed a per diem com-
pensation for attending the Circuit Courts, in addition to their annual salaries, and
certain fees on law proceedings, and an allowance for travelling expenses, which may
increase their compensation on the whole to $1,300 or $1,400 per annum. The
statutes regulating fees are perpetual ; but those which fix salaries are annual ; and
thus the chief officers of State are kept dependent upon the legislature. The act of
2d Nov. 1832, allotted for the then next succeeding year, to the governor, at the
rate of $2,000; chief justice, $1,200; associate justice of Supreme Court, $1,100;
treasurer, $1,000; law reporter and chancery reporter, each $200; attorney gene-
ral, $80; quartermaster general, $100; adjutant general, $100. All of which are
payable, on warrants signed by the governor or vice president. Tiie salary ceases
on the removal of the officer by death or otherwise.
The same act, allotted to the vice president of council and speaker of assembly,
$3 50; and to every member of council and assembly, $3 per day; and $3 for
every twenty miles of travel to and from the seat of government; to the secretary
of council and clerk of assembly, each $3 50 per diem ; and eight cents per sheet
of 100 words, for recording minutes, and the like for copy for the printer, and per
sheet to engrossing clerk. To the sergeant at arms and door keepers, $2 per day.
IV. Having, as fully as our limits will permit, pourtrayed tlie physical and poli-
tical condition of the State, it remains, to complete our view, that we trace an out-
line of the provisions which exist for religious, moral, and intellectual improvement.
The principal religious associations are the Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Dutch
Reformed, Quaker, and Catholic. Beside these, there are several other Christian
denominations, such as Universalists, Chris-ti-ans, &c. &c., but the number of mem-
bers pertaining to them, are inconsiderable. We have sought to give the condition
of each fiom their records, and where such documents were not accessible, from
other authentic sources.
The Synod of the Presbyterian Church of New Jersey, comprises the Presbyteries
of Newark, Elizabethtown, New Brunswick, Newton, and Susquehanna. But we
do not note the latter. The reader will observe, that in the following table, P. at-
tached to a minister's name, denotes that he is pastor of some church, and P. at-
tached to a church, that it has a pastor. W. C. stands for, without charge; S. S.
for stated supply; O. S. for occasional supply; V. for vacant; Fresh, for Presby-
tery ; Prest. for president of some college ; Prof, for professor in some college or
theological seminary ; Miss, for missionary ; Chai). for chaplain to the navy or some
public station; Ch. for church; Cong.^ox congregational. Tlie expense of each
church will not exceed :
74
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78
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The Baptists in New Jersey have sixty-one churclies, whose location and condition,
in some measure, appears from the following table. Their general affairs are directed
by a state convention, which assembles, annually, on the first Wednesday of Novem-
ber, at such place as may be fixed at the prior meeting. It maintains six missiona-
ries, and its funds, in 1832, amounted to $1143 74. The cost of maintaining each
church, including the funds raised for all kinds of ecclesiastical purposes, is esti-
mated at $300, making in the whole, $18,300.
STATISTICAL TABLES OF ASSOCIATIONS AND CHURCHES.
NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION.—" There is a healthful action in this body. Sabbath schools, tracts,
temperance and inissioniiry operations, are encouraged to a very laudibl'.i extent by the churches; and in
many of them seasons of rel'resliing have been enjoyed during the year past. There is an efficient body of
ministers belonging to the association, most of them in the prime of manhood."
CHURCHES.
Cohansey,
Cape May,
Salem,
Dividing Creek,
Tuckahoe,
Pemberton,
Pittsgrove,
Upper Freehold,
Manahawkin, -
Jacobstown,
West Creek,
Burlington,
Mount Holly, -
Evesham,
Trenton and Lam-
berton,
Williamsburg,
Port Elizabeth,
Haddonfield, -
Canton, -
Bordentown, -
Woodstown,
2d Cohansey,
AUowaystown,
2d Cape May, -
Churches 24.
MINISTERS.
H. Smalley, TV. Sheppard,
Samuel Smith,
Charles J. Hopkins,
Thomas Brooks, -
William Clark, -
Clarence W. Mulford, -
William Bacon,
James M. Challiss,
C.C.Park, - - - -
— Ezekiel Sexton,
— G. Allen, P. Powell, J. Boozer,
J. Sheppard, J. Maylin,
J. E. Welsh, £. W. Dickerson,
Morgan J. Rhees,
John Sisty, 5. Hervey,
E. M. Barker; J. P. Thompson,
J. C. Harrison,
Ambrose Garrett,
Ministers 24.
POST OFFICES.
Roadstown, -
Cape May, -
Salem, - -
Dividing Creek,
Tuckahoe, -
Pemberton, -
Pittsgrove, -
Imlaytown, -
Manahawkin,
New Egypt, -
Burlington, -
Mount Holly.
Evesham,
Trenton, - -
Princeton,
Millville, - -
Haddonfield,
Canton, - -
Bordentown,
Bridgetown,
AUowaystown,
Cape May, -
Bap.
Total
Consti.
55
18S
1900
7
80
1712
5
141
1755
5
55
20
1762
28
170
1764
4
34
1771
16
196
1766
5
25
1770
6
62
1785
4
33
1792
1
77
1801
7
92
1801
12
58
1803
20
159
1805
2
38
1805
2
11
1805
2
54
1818
12
64
1811
36
1821
11
43
'1821
5
74
3
50
1830
42
1828
l213
1802
NEW YORK ASSOCIATION.
CHURCHES.
MINISTERS.
CLERKS.
POST OFFICES.
Bapt.
Total
Consti.
Middletown, -
. ,
.
Middletown, -
14
132
1688
Piscataway, -
. -
-
New Brunswick,
18
129
1689
Scotch Plains,
John Rogers,
E. Frost, • -
-
Scotch Plains,
18
126
1747
Morristown, -
P. C. Broome,
.
Morristown, -
1
39
1752
Mount Bethel,
M. R. Cox, -
-
-
22
83
1767
Lyon's Farms,
P. Sparks, -
J. Wilcox, -
-
-
14
58
1769
Northfield, -
A. Elliott, -
.
-
o
72
1785
Samptown,
L. Lathrop, -
.
-
30
133
1792
Newark, - -
Daniel Dodge,
.
Newark,
8
120
1801
Randolph,
— M. Quin, sup.
-
-
20
1802
New Brunswick,
G. S. Webb, -
P. P. Runyon,
New Brunswick,
29
111
1816
Perth Amboy,
Jacob Sloper,
.
-
1
35
1818
Plainfield,
D. T. Hill,
D. Dunn, -
Plainfield,
24
113
1818
Paterson,
D. D. Lewis, -
-
Paterson,
1
48
1825
Churches 15.
Ministers 14.
Totals
190
1319
79
WARWICK ASSOCIATION.
CHURCHES.
JIINISTEUS.
CLERKS.
POST OFFICES.
Bap.
Total
Consti.
1st Wantage,
2d Wantage,
Newfoundland,
Hardiston, -
1st Newton, -
Hamburg, -
Tim. Jackson,
A. Harding, -
Henry Ball, -
T. Teasdale, -
John Teasdale,
Ministers 4.
H. Martin, -
Israel Dillison,
I. Deaii; - -
T. Beardslcy,
J. B. Maxwell,
I. H. Wood,
Deckertown,
Newfoundland,
Newton^ - -
Hamburg,
Totals
1
4
23
11
24.5
39
27
C3
50
88
1756
1797
Churches 6.
39
512
CENTRAL ASSOCIATION.
CHURCHES.
MINISTERS.
POST OFFICES.
Bap.
Total
Consti.
1st Hopewell,
John Boggs,
Hopewell,
7
172
1715
Hightstown,
John Seger,
Hightstown,
5
220
1745
Amwell,
C. Bartolett, Thos. Burrass,
Wm. Pollard, E. Burrass,
-
23
164
1798
2d Hopewell,
C. Suydam,
-
1
48
1803
Sqiian,
—
Manasquam,
40
Nottingham Square,
—
Trenton, -
115
Sandy Ridge, -
Joseph Wright,
-
7
79
Lambertsville, -
D.B. Stout,
Lambertsville, -
4
27
Oxford,
—
-
18
30
1831
Washington,
J. C. Goble,
South River,
27
129
Churches 10.
Ministers 10.
Totals
92
1024
HUDSON RIVER ASSOCIATION.
2d Newark,
P. L. Piatt,
Newark,
15
33
1831
PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION.
Kingwood,
Wm. Curtis, j3. lVilliamson,\Kingwood,
W. R. Robinson, - I
198 1742
CENTRAL UNION ASSOCIATION.
Camden, -
— A. Smith, C. Sexton, Camden,
33 1818
UNASSOCIATED CHURCHES.
Schooly's Mountain,
Hackensack,
— Michael Quin,
Henry Tonkin, -
Schooly's Mountain,
Hackensack,
14
1832
1832
SUMMARY VIEW.
ASSOCIATIONS.
rn
d
6
>
i
o
21
9
13
4
1
1
2
2
53
a
'a
o
c
o
MEETINGS IN 1833.
New Jersey, -
Central, - .
New York,
Warwick, - -
Hudson River.
Philadelphia, '-
Central Union,
Unassociated chs.
24
10
15
6
1
1
1
3
61
9
3
3
1
1
17
3
1
1
fi
7
213
92
190
39
15
7
4
560
1802
1024
1319
512
33
198
33
GO
1811
1791
1791
1815
1707
1832
Upper Freehold, Sept. 24.
Washington, Oct. 16.
1st. Ch. N. Y. city. May 28.
Orange, N. Y. June U.
Oliver Street Church, June 19.
Spruce Street Church, Oct. 1.
Second Street Church, May 28.
Totals
3981
80
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The clergymen report, that during the years 1831 and 1832, 1000 persons have
been baptized in the State, and that a spirit of enlightened liberality is diffusing
itself among the churches.
In addition to what is done for the objects of the convention, from two to three
hundred dollars are annually raised for foreign missions.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, in New Jersey, is divided into three districts,
each under the charge of a presiding elder, always a minister, appointed by the
bishop, and changed at least once in four years. Each district is divided into cir-
cuits and stations ; thus, the district of West Jersey, compreliending Burlington
county, and the country south thereof, contains eight circuits and three stations, and
supernumeraries included, twenty-three ministers ; the district of East Jersey, in-
cluding the country as far north as Flemington and Belleville, four circuits and ten
stations, and twenty-three ministers ; and Asbury district, comprehending the re-
mainder of the State, eight circuits, three stations, and eighteen ministers.
Circuits are formed of territories of greater or less dimensions, including several
churches, under the charge of one pastor, aided, commonly, by one or more assistants,
who serve the churches in rotation. Stations consist, generally, of one church, but
occasionally, of more, confided to the care of one pastor, who, sometimes, where
there are more churches than one, has an assistant. The circuits and stations de-
pend, in their government, upon the annual conference of Philadelphia, and upon
the quarterly conferences held in them respectively. Disputes among the members
of any church, may be considered, in the first instance, by a committee of their
church, from whose decision an appeal lies to the quarterly conference, composed of
the pastor, local preachers, exhorters, stewards, and class leaders, at whose head is
the presiding elder of the district; and its determination is conclusive, unless one of
the parties be a minister ; in such case, he may appeal to the annual conference ; and
if he be a travelling minister, from the annual, to the general, conference.
The whole number of clergymen of this denomination, in the State, is sixty-four;
the cost of whose maintenance, including donations of every character, together
with the expenses of maintaining the churches, is estimated at about $412 each, per
annum ; which, distributed among the whole number of members, (15,467,) gives an
average charge of $1 77, annually, upon each member. And the annual cost of
establishing and repairing churches, is stated at twenty-five cents, each member;
so that the whole average annual charge, for religious instruction, upon each mem-
ber of the Methodist Church, may be set down at about two dollars.
The following table shows the circuits and stations of the several districts, with
the number of communicants and clergymen, in each, for the year 1832.
WEST JERSEY DISTRICT.
Men's. Min's.
Burlington, - - 424 2
Pembertoii, - - 878 4
Tuckerton, - - 848 2
Baigaintnvvn, - 989 2
Cumberland, - 894 2
Bridgeton, - - 357 1
Gloucester, - - 955 2
Salem, - - - IIBO 5
CamdeB, - - 713 2
Presiding Elder, - - 1
7218 23
EAST JERSEY
New Brunswick and
Somerville,
Freebold,
Trenlon,
Crosswicks, -
Pennington, -
Plainlield,
Railway,
Elizabcthtown,
Woodbridge,
Bloomfield and Oran,
Belleville,
Newark,
Somerset Mission, -
Bergen Neck, do. -
Presiding Elder,
DISTRICT.
Mem's. Min'i
}
268
678
360
539
156
32
152
136
75
;e, 450
160
779
106
33
3924
ASBURY DISTRICT.
Mem's. Min's.
Kingswood, - - 170
Asbury, - - 698
Belvidere and Warrent. 167
Newton and Hamburg, 937
Jlilford,
IFaverstraw, -
Paterson,
Essex, -
Morristown, -
New Providence,
30
210
420
445
178
150
4425 18
3924 23
7218 23
15,567 64
The condition of the Episcopalian Church is drawn from the report of the gene-
ral convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States of Ame-
rica, held in the city of New York, October 1832, and from the report of the 50th
annual convention of the church in the diocese of New Jersey, lield at Camden in
May 1833. From these it appears that during the year, ending October 1832, there
were three persons admitted to the order of the priesthood, and one to that of dea-
con: That there have been eleven institutions within the last three years; that
eight clergymen have been received in the diocese, and there were therein eighteen
resident, all presbyters: That the number of Episcopal families is 310 ; of comma-
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
81
nicants, 900; baptisms reported, 517; persons confirmed, 168; candidates for the
ministry, 2 ; and congregations, 33; located and supplied, as mentioned in the fol-
lowing list.
NAME.
Christ,
St. Matthew's,
St. Paul's,
Trinity,
Christ Chapel,
St. John's,
St. Mark's,
St. Peter's,
Christ,
St. Luke's,
St. James's,
St John's,
St. Peter's,
St. Peter's,
Christ,
Christ,
St. Peter's,
St. James's,
Trinity,
St. Thomas's,
St. Michael's,
Trinity,
St. Mary's,
St. Andrew's,
St. Mary's,
St. Paul's,
St. Peter's,
Trinity,
St. Thomas's,
St. John's,
St. Stephen's,
St. John's,
St. George's,
PLACE.
New Brunswick,
Jersey City,
Paterson,
Newark,
Belleville,
Elizabethtown,
Orange,
Morristown,
Newton,
Hope,
Knowlton,
Johnsonsburgh,
Spots wood.
Freehold,
Shrewsbury,
Middletown,
Perth Amboy,
Piscataway,
Woodbridge,
Alexandria,
Trenton,
Princeton,
Burlington,
Mount Holly,
Colestown,
Camden,
Berkeley,
Swedesborough,
Glassborough,
Chew's Landing,
MuUica Hill,
Salem,
Penn's Neck,
INCUMBENTS.
J. Croes.
E. D. Barry, D. D.
R. Williston, Minister.
M. H. Henderson.
(Vacant.)
B. G. Noble.
B. Holmes.
H. R. Peters.
C. Dunn.
P. L. Jaques, dea. M'y.
P. L. Jaques, dea. M's.
P. L. Jaques, dea. M'y.
J. M. Ward.
J. M. Ward, Minister.
H. Finch.
H. Finch.
J. Chapman.
W. Douglass, Minister.
W. Douglass, Missionary.
W. Douglass, Missionary.
F. Beasley, D. D.
(Just organized.)
C. H. Wharton, D. D.
G. Y. Morehouse.
(Vacant.)
(Vacant.)
(Vacant.)
N. Nash, Rector Elect.
(Vacant.)
(Vacant.)
(Vacant.)
H. M. Mason.
H. M. Mason.
It also appears, that the Sunday schools flourish, and are gradually connecting
themselves with the diocesan Sunday school society ; that the missionary fund
amounts to $4,500, which contributes to aid, most materially, in reviving and sup-
porting eld and decayed, as well as new congregations; the episcopal fund, to
$2,049.33 ; that the fund for the relief of widows and children of deceased clergy-
men, has of late years rapidly increased, and now amounts to almost $15,000; and
that the Episcopal Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge and Piety pur-
sues the even and noiseless tenor of its way, doing good by the distribution of Bi-
bles, prayer books, tracts, and aiding the missionary fund, and candidates for orders.
Its permanent fund exceeds $1,500. Six hundred dollars per annum is estimated as
the annual expense of each church.
The want of full parochial reports renders it impracticable to give an accurate
statement of the actual condition of the respective churches.
The Reformed Dutch Church of New Jersey consists of three classes, attached
to the particular synod of New York, the condition of which is apparent from the
annexed tables. We are unable to furnish a detailed account of the cost to the
members of maintaining this cliurch, but we are instructed, from good authority,
that $650 will amply cover all the expenses of each church. There are 36 churches,
and consequently the whole charge, about $23,400, annually, including theological
and missionary contributions.
82
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
CLASSIS OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
CHURCHES.
PASTORS.
Census.
Comniun
cants.
Ba
pt.
S
O m
a
i^ • —
o
c
o
o .
o o
15 bi
a
.is
1^
Rc'd.
•T3
a
E
"3
Q.
-d
3
e
s
o
o
.S c
c
to
«
'J
■Jo
3
o
fi
c
o
O
Q
cn
Q
O
s
25
<
3
New Brunswick,
Samuel B. Howe,
20
24
5
2
345
Six Mile Run,
Vacant,
Hillsborough,
J. L. Zabriskie,
130
279
8
14
9
8
2S4
26
4
Rarilan,
A. Messier,
310
1700
7
12
8
11
355
16
Bedminster,
Isaac M. Fisher,
North Branch,
A. D. Wilson,
Rockavvay,
Jacob I. Shultz,
78
508
101
9
1
]
108
17
2
Lebanon,
Do.
110
cm
100
1
3
3
1
100
12
1
Spotswood,
Henry L. Rice,
208
1160
15
1
115
21
5
Freehold,
S. A. Van Vranken,
Middletown,
J. T. Beekman,
110
GOO
125
17
142
8
12
25
Minisink,
C. C.Ellinge,
90
2
2
2
190
11
Mahakkamak,
Do.
]
29
2
3
130
4
5
Walpack,
Vacant,
(
CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
Bergen,
Hackensack,
E. Neighbourhood,*
Belville,
Fairfield,
Pompton Plains,
Pompton,
Montville,
Ponds,
Preakness,
Wyckoff,
Bergen Neck,
Jersey City,
Schraalenberg,
Stonehouse Plains,
B. C. Taylor,
J. V. C. Romeyn,
Philip Duryea,
Gustavus Abeel,
Henry A. Raymond,
James R. Talmage,
Isaac S. Demund,
Frederic F. Cornell,
Z. H. Kuypers,
Do.
Do.
Ira C. Boice,
Vacant,
Vacant,
Vacant,
185
90
100
120
170
170
130
100
65
55
78
64
56
166
1050
1000
1060
500
353
251
4.57
384
254
195
98
118
133
108
100
50
46
48
62
35
63
157
12
10 198 24 2
71
145
132
114
111
70
65
53
67
39
61
Minister without charge — Rev. John Duryea.
* N. B. The Report from the Church at English Neighbourhood is for four years.
CLASSIS OF PARAMUS.
Tappan,
N. Lansing,
161
617
150
1
13
4
5
155
34
3
Clarkstown,
Alex. H. Warner,
159
714
3
3
5
160
11
Saddle river and ~)
Pasgack 5
Stephen Goetchius,
147
61]
248
1
5
3
2
3
250
16
Do.
72
225
51
51
8
ParannK«»&lstRef )
W. Ellingc,
170
incin
286
10
3
o
291
25
D. C. ofTotowa, 5
Do,
130
765
112
!l
121
23
2
Warwick,
J. I. Ciiristie,
o
5
7
1
3
1
2dRef. D.C.Tolowa,
Isaac D. Cole,
ion
450
11
5
4
90
23
Aquackinunck,
Wm. R. Bogardus,
200 1068
119
3 42
o
160
29
2
West New-Hamp- )
J. Wvnkoop,
stead «& Ramapo, \
Do.
The Quakers, or Society of Friends, as is well known, have been divided into
two great parts, each claiming to hold the ancient doctrines of the church. Ai tiieso
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS. 8S
parts do not concur in the account of their former or present condition, we have
deemed it proper to publish the statement of each. Both parties claim the vene-
rated name of "Friends," but we are compelled to distinguish them by the titles
they give to each other. The first of the following statements is given by the
Hic/isUe, and the second by the Orthodox party.
1st. "Friends' meetings in New Jersey, and members. — Burlington quarterly meet-
ing, before the division, was composed of five monthly meetings, eighteen meetings
for worship, and 1S49 members.
Burlington quarterly meeting of Friends, since the division, is composed of four
monthly meetings, fourteen meetings for worship, and 1049 members.
And that of the Orthodox Friends, four monthly meetings, thirteen meetings for
worship, and 800 members.
Haddonfield quarterly meeting, before the division, was composed of five monthly
meetings, ten meetings for worship, 1686 members. — Haddonfield quarterly meet-
ings of Friends, since the division, is composed of four monthly meetings, six
meetings for worship, 859 members. That of the Orthodox Friends consists of five
monthly meetings, nine meetings for worship, and 827 members.
Salem quarterly meeting, before the division, was composed of five monthly
meetings, ten meetings for worship, 1536 members. — Salem quarterly meeting of
Friends, since the division, is composed of five monthly meetings, ten meetings for
worship, and 1238 members. And that of the Orthodox Friends, three monthly
meetings, four meetings for worship, and 298 members.
Shrewsbury quarterly meeting, before the division, was composed of four monthly
meetings, eight meetings for worship, and 925 members. — Shrewsbury quarterly
meetino- of Friends, since the division, is composed of four monthly meetings,
eight meetings for worship, and 750 members. And that of the Orthodox Friends,
of two monthly meetings, three meetings for worship, and 175 members. About
6000 members, in New Jersey, in all."
2d. " The following statement of the number of members in the Society of Friends
previous to the late division, and also of the two portions into which it has been
senarated, is made out from authentic sources, and a careful examination of the
state of the respective meetings.
At the time of the separation, there were in the state of New Jersey four quarterly
meetings, nineteen monthly meetings, and forty-six meetings for divine worship.
Friends now hold five quarterly meetings, fourteen monthly meetings, and twenty-
nine meetings for divine worship.
The quarterly meetings are as follow: — Burlington quarterly consisted, before the
separation, of five monthly meetings, and eighteen meetings for worship, comprising
two thousand one hundred and twenty-five members. Since the separation, it has
four monthly meetings, twelve meetings for worship, and one thousand one hundred
and eighty-eight members. The Hicksites, in this quarter, are nine hundred and
thirty-seven in number, and hold four monthly meetings.
Haddonfield quarterly meeting, both before and since the separation, consisted
of five monthly meetings, and ten meetings for worship, embracing one thousand
seven hundred and eighty-eight members, of whom six hundred and forty-four
went with the Hicksites, and forty-seven remained undivided, leaving one thousand
and ninety-seven Friends. The Hicksites, in this quarter, hold four monthly
meetings.
Salem quarterly meeting, before the division, had five monthly meetings, and ten
meetings for worship, including one thousand six hundred and three members.
Since the separation. Friends hold four meetings for worship, and three monthly
meetings, embracing four hundred and fifty-four members. The Hicksites have
one thousand one hundred and forty-five members, and hold five monthly meetings.
Shrewsbury and Rahway quarterly meeting, at the time of the separation, was
composed of four monthly meetings, eight meetings for worship, and eight hundred
and eighty-eight members. Friends now hold two monthly meetings, and three
meetings for worship, including two hundred and thirty-three members. The
Hicksites, in this quarter, are six hundred and fourteen in number, and hold four
monthly meetings. There were forty-one members who did not side with either
party."
84 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
The whole number of Friends in New Jersey is, 2 972
Hicksites, 3,344
Neutrals, 81
Total, 6,404
See Foster's Report, vol. II. p. p. 388 and 395.
Of the forty-five meeting houses in which meetings of Friends were held previous
to the separation, there are now five, in the exclusive possession of Friends — fifteen
which are occupied by Friends and Hicksites, jointly, — and twenty-five in the exclu-
sive possession of the Hicksites."
RECAPITULATION.
Thus it appears that the Presbyterians have 85 churches.
Baptists, - - - 61 do.
Methodists, - - 64 ministers.
Episcopalians, - 33 churches.
Dutch Reformed, 36 do.
Quakers, - - - 67 meetings.
Other denominations, conjectural, 10
Total number, 356
In this summary, we have given, wc believe correctly, the number of churches of
each denomination, save that of the Methodist, which has many more churches than
ministers; but we have not been able to ascertain the number of churches, although
we have taken much pains for that purpose. In the circuits, there are commonly
not less than two churches or congregations to a minister ; but in such cases the
congregations consist of few members. Many of the churches have no pastors.
The Quakers, it is well known, have none; and of the 289 churches which remain
in the list after deducting their meeting houses, we consider that 39 may continue
constantly vacant. We have then 250 churches whose maintenance maybe deemed
a steady charge upon the people.
In the maintenance of the churches, we include all the expenditures for religious
purposes, comprehending the sums conventionally paid to the pastors, the donations
of every kind, made directly to them or for their use, the amount expended in the
erection and repair of churches, and in aids to bible missionary and tract societies;
and we, upon consultation with distinguished clergymen of various denominations,
set down as an average expenditure for each church, the sum of $480 per annum,
which, multiplied by 250 churches, make the actual charge of ,f 120,000, upon the
state for all the expenses of religion, and which we consider sufficiently liberal to
cover the expenses of the Society of Friends for the like purpose. The Quakers,
have no salaried clergy; and the expenses of their association consist of the very
small sums requisite to keep their meeting houses and grave yards inrepair, and the
contributions for the support and education of their poor members. Demands of this
kind are rare and occasional, only; and the interest of funds vested for schools, by
Friends, has been employed in the education of the poor children of other denomi-
nations.
In addition to the 356 churches of all'denominations, which the State contains, the
inhabitants have exemplified their disposition to sustain and improve their moral
condition, by the establishment of bible societies, missionary societies, Sunday school
unions, and temperance societies. In every county there are bible societies, in
most, considerable sums are collected for the missionary cause, and almost every
thickly settled neighbourhood has its Sunday school. Temperance societies, in
many districts, have effectually bruised the head of the worm of the still.
The cultivation of literature and science has, until of late years, been too little
regarded ; but not less, than in the adjacent and more wealthy states. Yet in the
higher departments the " College of New Jersey," at Princeton, has for more than
^'^'it^y years maintained a reputation unsurpassed in the Union ; Rutger's College,
at New Brunswick, has, for several years, been in successful operation ; academies
have been established in most of the county towns and large villages ; and common
schools are every where seen in populous districts. The " School Fund," which has
lately been established, will rapidly increase, and will, at no distant day, furnish
LITERARY INSTITUTIONS. 86
means to teach the rudiments of science to the whole population. We proceed to
give a more particular notice of the colleges and the school fund.
The " College of New Jersey" was first incorporated in the year 1746, and in
1748 obtained, through the aid of Governor Belcher, an ample and liberal charter
from George II., which, after the revolution, was confirmed by the legislature of this
State. The institution was located, first, at Elizabethtown, under the direction of the
Rev. Jonathan Dickenson. Upon his death, in 1748, it was removed to New-
ark, and the Rev. Aaron Burr became its president. In the year 1756, it was per-
manently established at Princeton, whither president Burr removed with his pupils,
and where for nearly eighty years it has maintained a high and unvarying repu-
tation, as a seat of literature and science; and, with occasional diminution of num-
bers, has continued to command a large share of public confidence and patronage.
The present number of under graduates (1833) is one hundred and forty-four.
The faculty consists of a president, seven professors, and three tutors.
Provision is made for imparting instruction in the Greek, Latin, French, Spanish,
German, Italian, and English languages ; in mathematics, (the study of which is
pursued to an extent, not excelled by any college in the country,) in natural philoso-
phy, in chemistry, and the various branches of natural history ; in belles lettres, in
mental and moral philosophy, in logic, political economy, natural theology, the evi-
dences of Christianity, and the exposition of the holy scriptures ; in anatomy and
physiology, in architecture, and civil engineering. The libraries of the college, and
two literary societies connected with it, contain about twelve thousand volumes. The
college has a very valuable philosophical and chemical apparatus, a museum of
natural history, a small anatomical museum, and a mineralogical cabinet.
The principal edifice, called Nassau Hall, is one hundred and seventy-six feet long
fifty wide, and four stories high, and is used chiefly for the lodging of students :
another building, erected for the same purpose in 1833, is one hundred and twelve
feet in length, and four stories high. There are two other buildings, each sixty-six feet
in length, by thirty-six in breadth, and three stories high. One of them contains the li-
brary and recitation rooms ; the other the refectory, museum, and chemical laboratory.
There are also, at Princeton, several other literary institutions, (see Princeton,)
among which, the theological seminary claims the first place.
This school was founded by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of
the United States, and is under its control and patronage. The plan of the insti-
tution was formed in 1811, and carried into effect in May, 1812, by the appoint-
ment of trustees, and a professor of didactic and polemical theology. The latter
was inaugurated, and entered upon his duties, with three students only, on the 12th
August following. In May, of 1813, a professor of ecclesiastical history was
named, and ten years afterwards, the plan was completed by the nomination of a
professor of oriental and biblical literature.
The edifice for the use of the seminary, commenced in 1813 and rendered habit-
able in the autumn of 1817, is of stone, one hundred and fifty feet long, fifty wide
and four stories high, including the basement; and is regarded as a model of econo-
mical, neat, and tasteful architecture. Besides the apartments for the library reci-
tations, refectory, and the steward, there are accommodations for eighty students.
This institution is conducted on very liberal principles ; for, though founded and
supported by the Presbyterian church, and primarily intended to promote the train-
ing of a pious and learned ministry for that church, students of all Christian denomi-
nations are admitted into a full participation of its benefits, upon equal terms. It is
wholly unconnected with the college, but enjoys, by contract, the free use of the
college library.
The funds of the institution, though considerable, are yet inadequate to the full
support of its officers. The endowment of four professorships has been commenced
but none is fully completed. Twenty-three scholarships have been founded, by as
many benevolent individuals, and maintain that number of poor and pious youth in
a course of theological study. There are, here, two public libraries; one called after
the Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D. L. L. D., one of the most ardent and liberal of its
contributors ; and the other presented by the synod of the Associate Reformed Church,
and named the " Mason Library," in honour of the Rev. John M. Mason, D. D. by
whose exertions, chiefly, it was collected. The former contains six, and the latter
four thousand volumes.
The course of study is extended through three years. The first is devoted to the
Hebrew language, exegetical study of the scriptures, biblical criticism, biblical anti-
86 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
quities, introduction to the study of the scriptures, mental and moral science, evi-
dences of natural and revealed religion, sacred chronology, and biblical history.
The second to the continued exegetical study of the Hebrew and Greek scriptures,
and to didactic theology and ecclesiastical history. The third to polemic theology,
church government, pastoral theology, composition and delivery of sermons. The
classes are distinguished, numerically, into First, Second and Third. The members
of the first, or highest class, are required to exhibit original compositions, once in
two weeks ; those of the second class, once in three weeks ; and those of the third
class, once in four weeks.
There are three vacations in eacli year. The first of si.^ weeks, from the first
Thursday of May ; the second of six weeks, from the last Wednesday of September;
and the third of two weeks, in the month of Feb., at the discretion of the professors.
Board may be obtained at various prices, from ,fl 25 to $1 75 per week; fire-
wood from $4 to $6 per annum; washing, $7; each student pays to the seminary
$10 per annum, towards the general expense fund; but there is no charge for tui-
tion, use of library, «&c. The number of students on the catalogue of the institution
for the current year (1833) is 132.
Rutgers' College, located at New Brunswick, was chartered by George III. in
1770, and was called Queen's College, in honour of his consort. The present name
was substituted by the legislature of the State, in 1825, at request of the trustees,
in honour of Col. Henry Rutgers, of New York, to whom the institution is indebted
for liberal pecuniary benefactions. The charter was originally granted to such Pro-
testants as had adopted the constitution of the reformed churches in the Netherlands,
as revised by the national synod of Dordrecht, in the years 1618 and 1619. That
synod, composed of distinguished delegates from almost all denominations of Protes-
tant Europe, formed one of the most august ecclesiastical assemblies of modern
times. Their doctrines as embodied in the confession of faith and catechisms of the
Reformed Dutch Church in America, substantially comports with the 39 articles of
the church of England, and entirely with the doctrines of the Presbyterian church
in the United States ; and the government of the church is strictly Presbyterian.
This denomination of Christians is established chiefly in New York, New Jersey,
and Pennsylvania. In the city of New York, alone, it has twelve churches, in
which divine worship has long been exclusively conducted in the English language.
Dr. Jacob R. Hardenburg, an American, was appointed first president of the col-
lege, in 1789 ; he was distinguished by a powerful mind, great piety and industry,
and success in the ministry. He died in 1792.
The Theological College of the Reformed Dutch Church is established here, and
intimately blended with the literary institution. At a meeting in New York, Oct.
1771, of Coetus and Confercntie, until then, contending parties in the church, peace
was restored, and a plan laid for the organization of this, the first theological school
in America. Its completion, however, was delayed by the revolutionary war, until
1784, when the Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston, was chosen professor of didactic and
polemical theology, who performed the duties of this office, in New York, in con-
nexion with his pastoral services. In 1807, by a covenant between the trustees and
the synod, the professorate was united with the college; of which, in 1810, Dr.
Livingston was chosen president, on the death of Dr. Ira Condict. The duties of
the literary institution were at this time suspended, for want of funds. Dr. Li-
vingston died, 20t]i Januarj^ 1825, in the 79th year of his age, the 55th of his mi-
nistry, and the 41st of his professorial labours.
At a general synod, convened at Albany, in February, 1825, the Rev. Philip
Milledoler, D. D., was chosen professor of didactic and polemical theology ; and in
the September following, was elected, by the trustees, president of the college, and
professor of the evidences of Christianity and moral pliilosophy. At the same time
a plan was matured for reviving the literary institution ; by which, one of the theo-
logical professors must alwa3's be chosen president of the college, and each of such
professors must hold a professorship therein, and be a member of its faculty.
The effect of this amalgamation of theology and literature, is said to have been
highly favourable to the moral character of tlie institution, and not to have imparted
to it a sectarian influence.
The college edifice, of dark red freestone, is a handsome spacious building, sur-
mounted by a cupola. It is reared on an eminence near the town, a site of great
beauty, presented to the institution by the honourable James Parker, of Amboy.
The views from thence, embracing great variety of scenery, of mountain and valley,
LITERARY INSTITUTIONS. 87
forest and river, are delightfully picturesque, and the country is as healthy as it is
lovely. The institution may be considered in a flourishing condition. The number
of students in September, 1833, was eighty, with the prospect of much increase
during the session. The charge for board and tuition is about f;12.5 per annum.
The students board in re.spectable private families, under the supervision of the
faculty, where their habits, morals, and manners are duly regarded. The number of
students in theology has varied from sixteen to thirty. There are three libraries ;
that of the college is large and valuable, and those pertaining to the Peithesopian
and Philoclean Societies, are respectable. The cabinet of minerals is considerable,
and increasing ; and the philosophical and chemical apparatus extensive.
The faculty (in 1833) consists of the Rev. Philip Milledoler, D. D., president,
professor of moral philosophy and didactic and polemical theology ; the Rev. Jacob J.
Janeway, D. D. vice president and professor of rhetoric, evidences of Christianity,
political economy, &c.; the Rev. James S. Cannon, D. D., professor of metaphysics
and piiilosophy of the human mind, of ecclesiastical history, church government,
and pastoral theology ; Theodore Strong, A. A. S., C. A. S., professor of mathematics
and natural philosophy; the Rev. Mezander M' Clelland, D. D., professor of oriental
and biblical literature; Leicis Black, M. D., professor of chemistry and natural his-
tory ; Joh7i D. Ogilby, A. M., professor of languages; and Frederic Ogilby, A. B.,
assistant instructer of languages.
Tlie grammar school attached to the college, and under the immediate inspection
of the trustees and faculty, is committed to the rectorship of the Rev. Cornelius
D. Wcsibrook, D. D., assisted by Isaac A. Blauvelt, A. M., an alumnus of the college.
The location of this college equidistant from Philadelphia and New York, the
healthfulness and beauty of the adjacent country, the excellent morals which prevail
in the city as in the college, the high character and capability of the professors, and
the cheapness of tuition and subsistence, give this institution strong claims to the
attention of the public.
The first step towards the establishment of the school fund of this Slate, com-
menced with the act of 9th February, 1816, which directed the treasurerto in-
vest in the public six per cent, stocks of the United States, the sum of $15,000,
arising from the payment of the funded debt, and from the dividends on the stock
held by the State in the Trenton Bank ; and at the end of every year, to invest the
interest on the capital, in the same manner.
On the 12th February of the succeeding year, the " Act to create a fund for free
schools" was passed, setting apart the stock and its accumulations vested under the
act of 1816 ; the dividends on the stock held by the State, in the Cumberland Bank,
and in the Newark Turnpike Company, the proceeds of the sale of a house and lot,
in New Brunswick, the property of the State, and one-tenth part of all monies, there-
after raised by tax for State use; and the treasurer was instructed to vest these as
they came to-his hands, in the public stocks of the United States. By the act of 12th
February, 1818, the governor, vice-president of council, speaker of assembly, the
attorney general, and secretary of state, for the time being, were appointed " Trus-
tees for the support of Free Schools;" and the treasurer was directed to transfer
to them the school funds, to be by them applied in the mode to be prescribed by the
State, reserving to the legislature the authority to change the existing fund, and to
dissolve the trust at pleasure; and requiring an account of the fund to be annually
laid before the legislature. This act made the following additions to the fund. —
The balance of the old six per cent, stock, due 12th February, 1817, with the
interest and reimbursement thereof since 9th Feb., 1816; the three per cent, stock
of the U. States, belonging to the State on the 12th February, 1817; the shares of the
State in the Trenton and Cumberland Banks, with the dividends since 9th February,
1816; all monies receivable from the foregoing items, future appropriations, and
such gifts and grants, bequests and devises, as should be made for the purposes con-
templated by the act; and one-tenth part of the State tax for the year 1817. The
last appropriation, being, specifically, one-tenth of the tax, has been construed as
repealing the general appropriation on the tax under the act of 1817.
The fund thus augmented and transferred to the trustees amounted to $113,238 78,
and consisted of the following sums : —
1st. Six per cent, stock U. States, purchased under the law of 1816, $15,000 00
2d. Six percent, stock United States, purchased under act 1817, 16,224 15
3d. Stock in Newark Turnpike Company, .... 12,500 00
4lh. Three per cent, stock of United States, .... 7,00912
88 GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
5th. Interest, and reimbursement, of the principal of the deferred six
per cent, stock of United States, - . . . . 7,810 73
6th. Twelve hundred'shares Trenton Bank stock, - - - 36,000 00
7th. Forty shares in the Cumberland Bank, .... 2,000 00
8th. Interest and dividends from the several .stocks since 9th Feb. 1816, 10,429 66
9th. Cash and one-tenth of State tax for 1817, ... - 6,265 12
Since 1818, there have been added to the principal of tlie fund the following
items by legislative appropriation : —
1st. Proceeds of sale of the State House in Jersey City, - - $4,907 64
2d. Twenty-two shares in Sussex Bank, - - . - . 1000 00
3d. Donation from William J. Bell & Co. .... 23 15
4th. Bonus of People's Bank at Paterson, reed. 26th Sept. 1825, 4,000 00
5th. Bonus from Monmouth Bank, 9th June, 1825, - - - 800 00
6th. Sale of part of a lot in Trenton, 1,061 00
7th. Under the act 28th December, 1824, one-tenth of State tax, and
tax on Monmouth bank for the year 1826, - - - 2,200 00
Same, 1827, 2,200 00
Same, 1828, 3,200 00
8th. Under the act 5tli March, 1828, repealing act of 28th December,
1824, and in lieu of one-tenth of the State tax, giving all the tax
from banking, insurance and other incorporated companies, which,
in the year 1829, amounted to - . . . . 11,709 58
And estimated to produce, annually, $10,000.
$31,101 37
Making whole amountof appropriations by legislature, in 1830, $144,240 15
In the management of the fund, great advantage has arisen from the act of 18th
Feb. 1829, directing the investment of the annual income in advance, by which the
trustees were empowered, to invest on or before the first of March, annually, an
amount equal to the estimated receipts of the fund during the year, to be advanced
by the State treasurer, and to be replaced by him as the monies accruing from the
fund shall be received ; thus enabling the trustees to invest at one time all the in-
come of the year.
The sources of income of the school fund, are now, the dividends on the various
stock which the trustees hold, and which, in October 1832, amounted to $228,611 75.
And the annual tax of half per cent, upon the dividends of the several bank and in-
surance companies of the State, which amounts annually to near $11,000.
The first expenditure which has been directed out of the fund, was by the " act
establishing common schools," passed 21st February, 1829, appropriating annually
$20,000 from the income of the fund, for the establishment and maintenance of
schools. This act was altered and amended by the act of 1st March, 1830. But both
acts were repealed by that of 16th February, 1831, by which the system of common
schools is now regulated. That act appropriates $20,000 annually, from the in-
come of the school fund, to the establishment and maintenance of such schools; and
directs, in case sucii annual income shall not have been received in full on the first
Monday of April, or shall be insufficient to cover the appropriation, the trustees to
draw from the State treasury for the deficiency ; such amount to be replaced from
the annual receipts of the school fund. The act further provides, that the trustees
shall apportion the sum, so appropriated, among the several counties, in the ratio of
their taxes paid for the support of government, and shall file a. list of such appoition-
ment with the treasurer, that he may notify tiie collectors of the several counties, to
draw for the same ; that the boards of chosen freeholders, of the respective coun-
ties, shall at their annual meetings, apportion among the several townships, the mo-
nies received by the collectors, in the ratio of the county tax paid by the several
townships, a list of which api)ortionments, the clerk of the freeholders is required, to
file, to deliver a copy thereof, to the county collector, and to notify the collectors
of the several townships of the amounts so apportioned, suce collectors report such
amounts to the inhabitants, at their next annual town meeting ; thatj'.may, (and they
are recommended so to do,) at such meetings, raise, by tax or otherwise, such addi-
tional sum for the same object, as they may deem proper ; and may authorize the
township collector, to draw on the county collector, for the amount apportioned, and
LITERARY INSTITUTIONS. 89
may (ipply the sum received from the State, to schooling the Indlgentpoor of tlie town-
ship, if they so elect; that the inhabitants at their town meetings, annually, shall
choose, as other town officers are chosen, three or more persons, who shairconstitute
the sciiool committee, and whose duty is to recognise and ascertain the number of
common schools within their respective townships ; that the patrons, supporters, or
proprietors of the several common schools in the respective townships, be authorized to
organize such schools, by tlie appointment of a board of trustees, in such form, and
consisting of such number, as they may deem proper ; and any board of trustees so or-
ganized shall transmit to the school committee, of the proper township, a certilicate of
its organization, and sliall thereon be recognised by the committee as entitled to an ap-
portionment of the monies assigned to such township from the school fund. And
such trustees are required to render to the school committees, on or before the first
Monday of April, annually, a statement of the average number of scholars resident
in the township, taught in such school during each quarter of the preceding year,
and where from convenience, scholars from an adjoining township attend such
school, to report their number &.c. to the school committee of such adjoining town-
ship; to visit and inspect the affairs of their respective schools, to apply the mo-
nies received, at discretion, for their benefit, and at the end of every year, to exhibit
to the school committee, a correct account of the expenditure of such monies; that
the school committees, at or before the end of their term of service, shall apportion
the whole of the monies assigned to their respective townships, and raised therein,
amonc such common schools, in the ratio of the number of scholars reported to
them, respectively, during the preceding year ; or where any township may elect to
appropriate such funds exclusively to the education of the poor, to apportion the
same among the several schools, in proportion to the number of poor children taught;
and shall draw in favour of the boards of trustees respectively, for the amount
of their several dividends, on the town collector; and shall on or before the first
Wednesday of May, yearly, transmit to the clerk of the board of chosen freeholders
of their respective counties, a written statement, embracing the number of common
schools duly organized within tlieir respective townships, the number of scholars
taught therein, the amount of the monies received by them from the township col-
lector, and raised by the township, and the manner in which the same has been ap-
plied; that such clerk shall condense such statements into a report, in writing, and
transmit the same to the trustees of the school fund, to be laid before the legislature,
in a condensed form. No compensation is allowed under this act.
It will be observed, that in framing this system, no attempt has been made to co-
erce the respective townships into raising monies, in addition to their allotted share
of the sum appropriated from the school fund ; but, in accordance with the spirit of
the government of the State, which considers the townships as integral corporations,
vphose inhabitants are competent to judge of their wants, and possess the means to
supply them, the legislature has, we think, wisely left with each township, the li-
berty to tax itself for the purposes of education, as to it may seem meet ; whilst
it has promptly offered all the aid which it has to bestow. It is possible, that learn-
ing may advance less rapidly, than if urged by a forced culture ; but we are not sure,
that the happiness of the people will be less promoted. We would not be under-
stood to mean that literature is not a source of happiness; but it is not the only one.
He who is compelled to a diet which is unacceptable to his appetite, will not boast
of his enjoyment; and we have no difficulty in determining, which is the most hos-
pitable host, he who forces manna upon the revolting stomach of his guest, or he,
who, placing the dish before him, permits him to eat at pleasure, whilst he expa-
tiates upon its agreeable and nourishing properties. None, properly instructed,
would reject the joys of paradise; but, were paradise a prison, we should long to
leap its crystal walls. Emulation, we think, will soon be awakened among the
townships of each county, and among the counties, upon this all-important subject;
and although the sum of $20,000 is a small one to distribute among a population of
330,000 souls, it will have one excellent effect; it will turn, periodically, the at-
tention of the people to the means of mental improvement, will set them to com-
pare their condition with that of their neighbours, and when inferior, to improve it.
For it may be taken as a truism, that when the people are at liberty to consider and
improve their condition, they will, when dissatisfied, amend it.
Among the provisions for enlightening the public mind, we may justly include
those for publishing the laws, not only of the State, but also of the general govern-
M
90
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.
ment. The act of 7th June, 1820, directs : 1st, That the secretary of state ehall
cause the laws of the State to be published immediately after the passing thereof,
in one of the public newspapers, of the city of Trenton ; and that they shall also be
published in a pamphlet form, together with the votes and proceedings of assembly,
the journals of council, and minutes of joint meetings, and delivered by the printer
within sixty days from the rising of the legislature, to the State treasurer, who shall
distribute them in the following manner, at the expense of the State, viz : — to him-
self, two copies ; to the governor, for himself, three copies, and also to be forwarded
by him, and presented to the secretary of%tate of the United States, four copies ; to
the executive of each state, and territory of the United States, for the use of the
executives and legislatures, three copies ; to each of the senators, and representa-
tives of this State, in congress, one copy; to the president of the American Anti-
quarian Society, one copy ; to the justices of the Supreme Court, the attorney ge-
neral, secretary of state, clerk of council, assembly, Courts of Chancery and Su-
preme Court, each one copy ; to the clerk of the council, for the use of council
and assembly, sixty copies; and the remainder among the several counties in the
ratio they contribute to the support of the government, directed to the county
collector. The county collector, retaining a copy for himself, transmits, at the ex-
pense of the county, one set of the laws and proceedings, to each of the following
officers: — the judges and clerk of the Common Pleas, the justices of the peace, the
magistrates of corporate towns, the sheriff, surrogate, clerk of the board of chosen
freeholders, and the representatives of the county in the legislature, and each incor-
porated library company ; and divides the remainder among the several townships
of the county, transmitting equal proportions to the clerk of each township, who,
retaining one copy for the use of the township, causes the residue to be distributed
amonor the officers of the township, giving preference in the following order : — to
the assessor, collector, chosen freeholders, and overseers of the poor, each one set.
The laws of the United States, apportioned to this State by Congress, are distributed
by the treasurer, at the expense of the State ; to himself, to the governor, attorney
general, justices of Supreme Court, secretary of state, members of the legislature,
each one set ; to the clerk of council, and the clerk of the assembly, four sets ; to the
librarians of Princeton college, and to the two library societies in the college, each
one set ; and the remainder, among the counties in proportion to their quota of State
taxes, to be transmitted to the collectors, and by them distributed to the clerk and
judges of the court of Common Pleas, each one set, and to every public library one
set; and the residue, as may be directed by the board of chosen freeholders.
Reports of the decisions of the Supreme and Chancery Courts are annually pre-
pared by officers appointed by the legislature for a term of five years, who re-
ceive a compensation of $200 per annum. Such reports are printed, and distri-
buted, annually, with the pamphlet laws.
Lastly, and certainly not least, among the agents of moral improvement, we must
rank the periodical journals of the State. The commonwealtii partakes largely in
the benefits flowing from the press, in the cities of Philadelphia and New York, and
we therefore might suppose would not extensively encourage newspapers within her
own boundaries ; yet she has not less than thirty-one weekly papers, engaged in
sowing broadcast the germs of literature and science. Of these useful auxiliaries
we annex the following table.
NEWSPAPERS.
Bergen County Courier,
Sussex Register,
N. J. Herald,
Belvidere Apollo,
Warren Journal,
Palladium of Liberty,
Jersey man.
Railway Advocate,
Fredonian,
Times,
Sentinel of Freedom,
Daily Advertiser,
Newark Monitor,
Do. Eagle,
Hall,
Grant Fitch,
Franklin Ferguson,
Fitch & Co.
John R. Eyres,
Robbins,
Thomas Green,
Randolph and Carman,
George Bush &Co.
S. L. B. Baldwin,
Bartlett and Crowell,
WHERE PCBLISHED.
Jersey City, Bergen Co.
Newton, Sussex Co.
Do. do.
Belvidere, Warren Co.
Do. do.
Morristown, Morrii Co.
Do. do.
Rahway, Middlesex.
New Brunswick, do.
Do. do.
Newark, Essex.
Do. do.
Do. do.
Do. do.
LITERARY INSTITUTIONS.
91
Princeton Courier,
American System,
Somerset Messenger,
State Gazette,
National Union,
Emporium,
Hunterdon Gazette,
Monmouth Enquirer,
Burlington Herald,
Mount Holly Mirror,
Camden Mail,
National Republican,
Village Herald,
Salem Statesman,
Do. Messenger,
Washington Whig,
Bridgeton Observer,
Baker and Connolly,
J. Robinson & Co.
Gore and Allison,
George Sherman,
E. B. Adams,
Joseph Justine,
Chas. George,
John J. BartlesoH,
Joseph Pugh,
Nathan Palmer,
Sickler and Ham,
Josiah Harrison,
Joseph Sailor,
H. H. Elwell,
Elijah Brooks,
Nelson and Powers,
F. Pierson,
Princeton, Somerset.
Do. do.
Somerville, do.
Trenton, Hunterdon.
Do. do.
Do. do.
Flemington, do.
Freehold, Monmouth,
Mount Holly, Burlington.
Do. do.
Camden, Gloucester.
Do. do.
Woodbury, do.
Salem, Salem.
Do. do.
Bridgeton, Cumberland.
Do. do.
GAZETTEER OF NFIW JERSEY.
ACQ
Absecum, post town of Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester cc, 50 miles S. E.
from Woodbury, 95 from Trenton,
and 105 from W. C, upon Absecum
creek, about two miles above Abse-
cum bay, contains a tavern, store,
and 8 or 10 dwellings, surrounded
by sand, and pine forest.
Absecum Creek rises by several
branches, on the line between Gallo-
way and Egg Harbour t-ship, Glou-
cester CO., and flows S. E., by a
course of 8 or 9 miles, into Abse-
cum bay. It gives motion to several
saw mills.
Absecum Bay, a salt marsh lake,
Gloucester co., on the line of Egg
Harbour and Galloway t-ship, cir-
cular in form, and about 2 miles in
diameter, communicating with Reed's
bay, and by a broad channel, called
Absecum Inlet, 4 miles in length, with
the ocean.
Absecum Beach, on the Atlantic
Ocean; extends, eastwardly, from
Great Egg Harboin- Inlet, about 9
miles to Absecum Inlet ; broken, how-
ever, by a narrow inlet, near mid-
way between its extremities.
Ackerman's R^in, small stream, 2
miles long, flowing to the Passaic
River, about 3 miles below Pater-
son, from Saddle River t-ship, Ber-
gen CO.
Acquackanonck, t-ship, Essex co.,
bounded on the N. W., N. E. and
E. by the Passaic river, wliich forms
a semi-ellipsis, N. by Paterson t-ship,
and S. by Rloomficld and Caldwell
t-ships ; centrally distant, N. from
Newark, 10 miles; greatest length,
E. and W. 7, breadth N. and S.' Gi
miles; area about 14,000 acres.
Mountainous on the W., rolling on the
E. ; soil red shale, and where well
cultivated, productive. Acquackan-
onck, Little Falls, and Weasel are
ALA
villages, of the t-ship ; the two first,
post towns. Acquackanonck, on the
Passaic river, distant 5 miles S. E.
of Paterson, is at the head of tide
water, and consequently the outport
of Paterson. Pop. in 1830, about
1,300. In 1832, the t-ship contained
300 taxables, 125 householders, 47
single men, 7 merchants, 6 grist
mills, 2 cotton factories, 5 saw mills,
1 paper mill, 13 tan vats, one print-
ing and bleaching establishment, 1
woollen factory, 345 horses and
mules, and 766 neat cattle above 3
years of age ; and it paid state tax,
$230 62 cents; county, $607 37 c. ;
poor, $500; and road, $700. Aquack-
anonck town is a p-t, 8 miles N. E.
of Newark, 224 from W. C, 58 from
Ti-enton, 10 from New York, to which
there is a turnpike and rail road. It
contains 3 taverns, 6 stores, about
80 dwellings, and a Dutch Reformed
church; has six sloops trading whh
New York. A small stream, which
maj?^ be termed the Fourth river, runs
near the town, and gives motion to se-
veral mills. Blatchley's mineral
spring lies about 1^ miles W. of the
town. This is the depot of lumber for
the neighbourhood.
Alamuchc, p-t. of Independence
t-ship, Warren co., on the eastern part
of tlie t-ship ; by the post route 228
miles N. E. of'W. C, and 65 from
Trenton, and 17 from Belvidere the
C. T.; vseated on a small tributary of
Request creek, and near a lake of the
same name, contains a grist and saw
mill, a grain distillery, a store, tavern,
and 12 or 1.5 dwellings. It is sur-
rounded by a limestone soil of excel-
lent quality, well cultivated.
Alamuchc Lake is one of the many
mountain ponds whicli characterize
this country, and which are, in many
cases, reservoirs formed in limestone
ALL
93
ALL
yock. This is about a mile in diame-
ter, and sends forth a tributaiy to the
Pequcst creek.
Alamuche Mountain is one of the
chain of hills which bounds the valley
of the Musconetcong creek in War-
ren county.
Alberson's Brook, a tributary of
Spruce Run, a fork of the south
branch of the Raritan river, rises at
the south foot of the Musconetcong
mountain, and flows easterly by a
course of 7 or 8 miles to its reci-
pient.
Alexandria, p-t. of Alexandria
t-ship, Hunterdon co., on the bank of
the Delaware river, at the junction of
Nischisakawick creek with that
stream, 11 miles W. of Flemington,
35 N. of Trenton, 189 from W. C;
contains a tavern, store, grist mill,
and 8 or 10 dwellings, a Presbyte-
rian and an Episcopalian church.
Alexandria t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded on the N. E. by Bethlehem
t-ship, N. W. by the Musconetcong
creek, which separates it from War-
ren CO., and S. W. by the river Dela-
ware; centrally distant, N. E. from
Flemington, 12 miles ; greatest length,
E. and W., 12 miles ; breadth, N. and
S., 9 miles ; area 33,000 acres. Sur-
face on the N., mountainous, the
Musconetcong mountain running N.
W. across the t-ship. Soil, on the S.
E., red shale ; at the foot of the moun-
tain, grey limestone; and on the
mountain, clay, sand and loam. It is
drained, S. W. by the Nischisakawick,
the Hakehokake, and other small
mill streams. Alexandria, Milford,
Mount Pleasant, and Pittstown are
p-towns of the t-ship. Pop., in 1830,
3,042. In 1832, the t-ship contained
10 saw mills, 7 grist mills, 4 oil
mills, 4 ferries and toll bridges, 6
distilleries, 8 stores, 861 horses, 1287
neat cattle above the age of 3 years ;
and it paid poor tax, $1000; road
tax, $800 ; and state and county tax,
$1413 48 cents.
Allentown, p-t. of Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., near the west-
ern line of the county, between Doc-
tor cre-ek and Indian run, on the road
from Bordentown to Freehold, 8 miles
from the former and 18 from the lat-
ter, 177 from W. C, and 11 from
Trenton; contains from 75 to 80
dwellings; 1 Presbyterian church,
with cupola and bell, handsomely si-
tuated on the hill on the west; an
academy, 2 schools, 1 Methodist
Church, grist mill, saw mill, and tilt
mill, on Doctor creek, and saw mill
on Indian run; below which, at a
short distance west of the town, is a
cotton manufactory. This is a com-
pact pleasant village, with some very
good frame and brick houses ; but the
lands around are sandy, and not of
the best quality. A considerable
business is done in the town.
Alexsocken Creek, a small miU
stream of Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon
CO., which flows westerly into the
Delaware river, by a course of 5 or
6 miles, about a mile above Lam-
bertville.
Alloways Creek, Salem co., rises
in the N. W. angle of Pittsgrove
t-ship, and flows by a S. W. course
of more than 20 miles, through Up-
per and Lower Alloways, and Elsin-
borough t-ships, to the Delaware ri-
ver, below Reedy island. It is na-
vigable above Allowaystown, in Up-
per Alloways t-ship, a distance of
about twelve miles from the mouth,
for wood shallops ; along its margin
for about 10 miles, are some excellent
banked meadows.
Allowaystown, p-t. of Upper Al-
loways t-ship, Salem co., about 7
miles E. of Salem, 177 N. E. from
W. C, and 71 S. from Trenton; con-
tains from 70 to 80 dwellings, 2 ta-
verns, 4 or 5 stores, 1 Methodist,
and 1 Baptist church. The Messrs.
Reeves, have here 2 very powerful
saw mills, engaged principally in
cutting ship timber, and a valuable
grist mill, on the Alloways creek.
They employ from 75 to 100 horses
in drawing timber &c., to their works.
Alloways Creek, Upper, t-ship,
Salem co., bounded N. E. by Pitts-
grove t-ship, S. E. by Deerfield,
Hopewell, and Stow creek t-ships,
Cumberland co. ; S. W. by Lower
ALL
94
AND
Alloways creek t-ship, and N. W.
by Elsinborough and Mannington
t-ships ; centrally distant, S. E. from
Salem 7 miles. Greatest length
E. and W. 10^, breadth iV. and Sl 9
miles. Area, about 34,000 acres;
of which more than 10,000 are unim-
proved. Soil upon the N. E., stiff
clay and loam; on the S. E. sand
and gravelly loam, with rolling sur-
face. The forest known as the
" Barrens," runs here, producing
much white oak and pine wood for
market, which finds its way to Phi-
ladelphia, by Alloways creek. By
the census of 1830, the township
contained 2136 inhabitants, and by
the assessor's abstract of 1832, 415
taxables, 5 grist mills, 10 saw
mills, 2 carding machines, 1 ful-
ling mill, 2 distilleries, 416 horses
and mules, and 854 neat cattle,
upwards of 3 years old; and it
paid t-ship tax, $400; county tax,
$834 10; State tax, $218 74. The
t-ship is drained by Alloways creek,
which runs centrally through it, by a
S. W. course, and by Stow creek,
which forms part of the southern
boundary. Allowaystown and Quin-
ton's Bridge, are villages and post-
towns of the t-ship. Guineatown is
a name given to a few negro huts, on
the northern boundary. Friesburg,
lies near the south line.
Alloways Creek, Lower, t-ship,
Salem co., bounded N. by Elsinbo-
rough, Salem and Upper Alloways
creek t-ships; on the E. by Upper
Alloways creek t-ship; on the S. by
Stow creek, which divides it from
Stow creek and Greenwich t-ships,
of Cumberland co., on the W. by
the river Delaware ; centrally distant,
S. from Salem, 9 miles; greatest
length N. and S. 12 miles; breadth
E. and W. 9 miles ; area, about
30,000 acres; surface level; soil on
the W. for more than half the t-ship,
marsh meadow, much of which is
embanked; and on the E. a deep
clay and loam well cultivated. It is
drained by Alloways creek on the
N., and Stow creek on the S., and
by Hope creek, Deep creek, and
Muddy creek, small streams which
flow into the Delaware, from the
marsh between them. Pop. of the
t-ship by census of 1830, 1222. By
the assessor's abstract of 1832, it con-
tained 260 taxables, 3 stores, 2 grist
mills, 2 distilleries, 255 horses and
mules, and 881 neat cattle above 3
years old. It has 3 schools, 1 Metho-
dist, and 1 Friend's meeting house.
Amboy. See South Amboy, Perth
Amboy.
Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. by Lebanon t-ship, N.
E. by Readington t-ship, E. by Hills-
borough t-ship, of Somerset |Co., S.
E. by Hopewell t-ship, and S. W. by
the river Delaware, and N. W. by
Ringwood t-ship. Greatest length
N. and S. 16; breadth E. and W.
15 miles; area, 77,000 acres; sur-
face hilly on the N. W. and S. E. ;
on the first, there being a clay ridge
well timbered and productive, and on
the latter, a chain of trap hills, rough,
broken, and barren. The interven-
ing space is undulating valley, of red
shale, which, where covered with suf-
ficient soil, is grateful for the care
bestowed upon it, producing particu-
larly fine crops of grass. The t-ship
is drained on the N. E. by the south
branch of the Raritan, on the N. W.
by the Laokatong and Wickheche-
coke creeks; S. W. by the Alex-
socken and Smith's creeks, on the
S. by Stony brook, flowing easterly
to the Raritan river. Pop. in 1830,
7385; in 1832, the t-ship contained
2 Presbyterian churches, 4 stores, 8
fisheries, 15 sawmills, 21 grist mills,
3 oil mills, 2 ferries and toll bridges,
88 tan vats, 12 distilleries, 4 carding
machines, 2 fulling mills; and it
paid poor tax, $1200; road tax,
$2500 ; State and county tax,
$3722 62. Flemington, Scrgeants-
ville, Ringoes, Prallsville, Lamberts-
ville, are p-ts. of the t-ship.
Anderson, p-t. of Mansfield t-ship,
Warren co., on the turnpike road
leading from Philipsburg to Schoo-
ley's mountain, and between the Mor-
ris canal and Musconetcong creek,
within a mile of cither; distant by the
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post route from W. C. 205, from
Trenton 49, and from Belviderc, the
CO. town, E. 11 miles; 16 miles from
Easton, and 25 from Morristown;
contains 2 stores and 15 dwellings;
situate i in a fertile limestone vall«y.
Lands valued at $50 the acre.
Andover p-t., Newton t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., on the south angle of the
t-ship on the Newton turnpike road,
distant by the post-route Irom W. C.
228, from Trenton 65, and from
Newton 5 miles.
Andover Forge, Byram t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., on the N. bank of the Mus-
conetcong river, at the junction of
Lubber run with that stream, and
within 2 miles of the Morris canal, is
situate in a very narrow valley, and
has around it a store, saw mill, and
some 6 or 8 dwellings.
Anthony, hamlet on Schooley's
mountain, Lebanon t-ship, Hunterdon
CO., 18 miles N. E. of Flemington, on
Spruce run ; contains a saw mill, and
some half dozen dwellings.
Arneystown, p-t. of Hanover t-ship,
Burlington co., near the eastern line;
13 miles N. E. of Mount Holly, 175
from W. C, 11 from Trenton S. E.,
and 8 E. from Bordentown ; contains
a store, tavern, 15 dwellings, and a
large meeting house pertaining to
" Friends," surrounded by a country
of fertile loam.
Arthw^s Kill. Sec Staten Island
Sound.
Arties' Brook, tributary of the
north branch of the Raritan river,
Bedminster t-ship, Somerset co., unites
with its recipient after a S. course of
five miles.
Ashiiry, p-t. of Mansfield t-ship,
Warren co., in the S. W. angle of
the t-ship near the Musconetcong
creek, by post-route 199 miles from
W. C, and 40 from Trenton, 11
miles S. E. from Belvidere; lying in
a deep and narrow valley on a soil
of rich limestone, contains a Me-
thodist church, 2 giist mills, 1 saw
mill, an oil mill, a woollen factory, 1
tavern, 3 stores, and about thirty
dwellings.
Assiscunk Creek, Burlington co.,
rises on the line between Mansfield
and Springfield t-ships, and flows
westward about 14 miles, forming,
for the greater part of that distance,
the boundary between the t-ships,
uniting with the Delaware river, be-
tween the city of Burlington and the
point of Burlington island. It has one
or two mills upon it.
Atqnatqiia Creek, branch of the
Atsion river, rising on, and forming
part of the S. W. boundary of Bur-
lington CO. It may be deemed the
main stem of the river under another
name.
Atsion, p-t. and furnace, on the
Atsion river, partly in Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester co., and partly in
Washington t-ship, Burlington, co.,
9 miles above the head of navigation,
12 miles from Medford, 17 from
Mount Holly, on the road leading to
Tuckerton, and 57 from Trenton.
Besides the furnace, there are here, a
forge, grist mill, and three saw mills.
The furnace makes from 800 to 900
tons of castings, and the forge from
150 to 200 tons of bar iron annually.
This estate, belonging to Samuel
Richards, Esq., embraces what was
formerly called Hampton furnace and
forge, and West's mill, and contains
about 60,000 acres of land. There
are about 100 men employed here,
and between 6 and 700 persons de-
pending for subsistence upon the
works.
Atsion River, main stem of Little
Egg Harbour river, forming in part,
the boundary between Gloucester and
Burlington cos. It bears this name
for about 14 miles above Pleasant
Mills, and is formed by the union
of the Atquatqua and Tuscomusco
creeks. Atsion furnace is on the
north side of the river, in Burling-
ton CO.
Augusta, p-t. of Frankford t-ship,
Sussex CO., distant by post-route from
W. C. 233, from Trenton 75, and
from Newton 7 miles, contains 7 or
8 dwellings and a Presbyterian
church.
Bahcock^s Creek, Hamilton t-ship,
Gloucester co., rises by 4 branches.
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viz: North, East, Main, and Jack
Pudding, which, uniting near May's
landing, flow westerly into the Great
Egg Harbour river at that village.
Back Creek, Fairfield t-ship, Cum-
berland CO., flows about 6 miles into
Nautuxet cove, Delaware bay.
Back Water, branch of Maurice
river, Millville t-shi]), Cumberland
CO., has a westerly course to its re-
cipient, of about 7 miles.
Bacon Creek, a tributary of Pe-
quest creek. Independence t-ship,
Warren co., having a westerly course
of 2 or 3 miles.
Bacon's Neck, a strip of rich land,
in Greenwich t-ship, Cumberland co.,
between Cohan sey and Store creeks.
Back Neck, a strip of land of Fair-
field t-ship, Cumberland co., compre-
hended by the bend of Cohansey
creek and Cohansey cove.
Bambo Creek, small tributary of
the Lamington river, rising in Ches-
ter t-shi]), Morris co., and flowing by
a southerly course of about 4 miles, to
its recipient in Bedminster t-ship, So-
merset CO.
Baptisttown, Middletown t-ship,
Hunterdon co. See Holindel.
Baptisttown, p-t. Ringwood t-ship,
Hunterdon co., 9 miles W. of Flem-
ington, 33 N. of Trenton, and 187
from W. C, contains a tavern, a store,
8 or 10 dwellings, and a Baptist
church. There ' is a Presbyterian
church within a mile of the town.
The surrounding country is level,
with soil of red shale, of good quali-
ty, and carefully cultivated.
Bargaintoivn, Egg Harbour t-ship,
Gloucester co., p-t., on Cedar Swamp
creek, 4 miles from Great Egg Har-
bour bay, 45 S. E. from Woodbury,
90 from Trenton, and 200 by post-
route from W. C, contains 2 taverns,
1 store, a gristmill, Methodist church,
and about 30 dwellings.
Barnegat Bay, Monmouth co.,
extends N. from Barnegat Inlet to
Mctctecunk river, the distance of 20
miles, varying in breadth from 1 to
4 miles. It is separated from the
ocean by Island Beach and Squani
Beach, narrow strips of land no where
exceeding a mile in width. It receives
the waters of Metetecunk river. Kettle
creek, Toms' river. Cedar creek, and
Forked river. The inlet from the
ocean is over a mile wide. By act of
assembly, 21 Feb. 1833, authority
was given to a company, by a canal,
to connect the head of this bay with
Manasquan Inlet, by which much
time and space will be saved to ves-
sels bound thence to New York. The
capital proposed for this undertaking
is $5000.
Barnegat, p-t. of Stafford t-ship,
Monmouth co., near Barnegat Inlet,
36 miles S. from Freehold, 78 S. E.
from Trenton, and 202 N. E. from
W. C, contains about 50 dwellings,
3 taverns, 4 stores, ozi a sandy soil,
surrounded by pine forest.
Barneshoroiigh, village, of Green-
wich t-ship, Gloucester co., 6 miles
S. W. from Woodbury, contains a
store, tavern, and 12 or 15 dwellings.
It lies on the edge of the pines.
Barrentown, Freehold t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., on the road from Free-
hold to Middletown, 4 miles from the
one, and 10 from the other, contains
some 6 or 7 dwellings, in a poor sandy
country.
Baskingridge, p-t. of Bernard
t-ship, Somerset co., 11 miles N. E.
of Somerville, 213 from W. C, and
47 from Trenton, beautifully situ-
ated in a high, rich, well cultivated,
and healthy country ; contains a Pres-
byterian church, an academy for
young gentlemen, in much repute,
formerly under the care of Drs.
Brownlee and Findlay. The resi-
dence and estate of General Lord
Sterling were near this town.
Bass River Hotel, p-o.. Little Egg
Harbour t-ship, Burlington co., 183
miles N. E. from W. C., and 71 S.
E. from Trenton.
Batsto River, Washington t-ship,
Burlington co., a large branch of
Little Egg Harbour river, which rises
in Northampton t-ship, and flows by a
southerly course of 16 miles, to the
7\.tsion river, below Pleasant Mills ;
the united streams form the Little Egg
Harbour river. Batsto Furnace is
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on the former within 2 miles of their
junction, and near the head of the
stream, are Hampton Furnace and
Forge, now in ruins.
Batsto Furnace is about 8 miles
above Gloucester Furnace, about 30
miles S. E. from Woodbury, and one
from Pleasant Mills. There are made
here 850 tons of iron, chiefly castings,
giving employment to 60 or 70 men,
and maintaining altogether near 400
persons. There are here also, a grist
and saw mill, and from 50 to 60,000
acres of land appurtenant to the
works.
Bear Fort Mountain, near the W.
boundary of Pompton t-ship, Bergen
CO. It is broken through by Wood-
ruff's Gap, from which runs a branch
of Belcher's creek, and by which
passes the Ringwood and Long Pond
turnpike road. The whole length of
the range of hills in this t-ship is about
11 miles.
Bear Brook, western branch of
Pequest creek, rises in Hunt's Pond,
Green t-ship, Sussex co., and flows
S. W., through the S. E. angle of
Hard wick t-ship, Warren co., and
joins the main stream, in the Great
Meadows, Independence t-ship, hav-
ing a course of about 10 miles.
Bear Swamp, a noted swamp of
Downe t-ship, Cumberland co., near
Nantuxet or Newport, through which
flows the Oronoken creek. The
timber upon it is chiefly oak and
poplar.
Bear Stvamp, Burlington co., near
the west boundary of Northampton
t-ship, about 2 miles in length by 1
in breadth.
Beasley''s Point, Upper t-ship,
Cape May co., on Great Egg Harbour
Bay. There are here, upon a neck
of land, between the salt marshes, of
about 1 mile wide, 2 taverns, and se-
veral farm houses, where visiters to
the shore may find agreeable accom-
modations.
Beatty''s Town, on the N. E. angle
of Mansfield t-ship, Warren co., on
the bank of the Musconetcong creek,
and at the west foot of Schooley's
Mountain, within 2 miles of the mine-
ral spring, and 16 E. of Belvidere.
The Morris Canal is distant 2 miles
from it on the north. The village
contains 1 store, 1 tavern, a grist and
saw mill, a school, and from 15 to 20
dwellings. The land around it is
limestone, of excellent quality, and
valued, in large farms, at 50 dollars
the acre.
Beaver Brook, tributary of the
Rockaway river, Pequannock t-ship,
Morris county, flows by a S. W.
course of 8 miles through a hilly
country, giving motion to several
forges.
Beaver Brook, Warren co., rises
by two branches, one in Hardwick
t-ship, from Glover's Pond, the other
in Knowlton t-ship, from Rice's Pond,
which unite in Oxford t-ship, near to,
and south, from the village of Hope,
and thence join the Pequest creek,
about 3 miles from its mouth, having
a course of about 14 miles.
Beaver Run, Galloway t-ship,
Gloucester co., a tributary of Nacote
creek, flowing to its recipient below
Gravelly Landing.
Beaver Dam Run, a tributary of
the south branch of Rancocus creek,
which flows to its recipient, by a north
course of about 4 miles, at Vincent-
town.
Beaver Branch, of Wading river,
rises in Little Egg Harbour t-ship,
and flows westerly by a course of
about 6 miles, to its recipient, about a
mile below Bodine's bridge and mill.
Beden^s Brook, a mill stream, rises
in the Nashanic mountain, Hopewell
t-ship, Hunterdon co., and flows E.
about 8 miles, through Montgomery
t-ship, Somerset co., to the Millstone
river, receiving several tributaries by
the way.
Bedminster Township, Somerset
CO., bounded N. by Washington,
Chester, and Mendhain t-ships, Mor-
ris CO. ; E. by the north branch of the
Raritan, diWding it from Bernard
t-ship; S. by Bridgewater t-ship, from
which it is divided by Chamber's
brook and Lamington river; and W.
by Lamington river, forming the
boundary between it and Tewksbury
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and Readington t-.ships, Hunterdon
CO. ; Centrally distant, N. W. from
Somerville, 8 rniles ; greatest length,
N. and S., 8 miles; breadth, E. and
W., 4^ miles; area, 19,300 acres;
surface, hilly; soil, lime, clay, and
red shale; generally well cultivated
and fertile. Pepack, Little Cross
Roads, Pluckemin, Lamington, and
Cross Roads, are villages; the three
first, p-ts. of the t-ship. Pepack and
Artie's brooks are tributaries of the
N. branch, flowing through the t-ship.
Pop. in 1830, 1453. In 1832, the t-ship
contained about 300 taxables, 60
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30, 40 single men, 8 mer-
chants, 6 saw mills, 6 grist mills, 19
tan vats, 3 distilleries, 499 horses and
mules, and 818 neat cattle, 3 years
old and upwards ; and paid state tax,
$242 48; county tax, 626 30.
There is a Dutch Reformed church in
the t-ship.
Belcher Creek rises near the cen-
tre of Pompton t-ship, Bergen co., and
flows northerly about 7 miles, to min-
gle its waters with those of Long
Pond, or Greenwood lake.
Belle Mount, a circular hill in the
N. W. angle of Hopewell t-ship, Hun-
terdon CO., on the shoi'e of the Dela-
ware river, between which and an
oval hill on the south, flows Smith's
creek.
Belvidere, p-t., and seat of justice
of Warren co., situate on the river
Delaware, in Oxford t-ship, at the
junction of the Pequest creek, with
that stream; hy the post road, 210
miles from W. C., and 54 from Tren-
ton, 69 from Philadelphia, 13 from
Easton, 70 from New York, and 1 9
fi*om Schooley's mountain springs.
The town is built on an alluvial flat,
based on limestone, and extends for
about half a mile, on both sides of
the ci-cek, over which there arc 2
bridges for carriages, and 1 for foot
passengers. The town, v.'hich rapidly
increases, contains a spacious court
house, of brick, with oflices attached,
and a prison in the basement story ;
the doors of which, to the honour of
the county, are commonly unclosed,
and its chambers tenantless, save by
the idle warder ; a very large and neat
Presbyterian church, a Methodist
church, an academy, in which the
classics are taught ; a common school,
2 grist mills, 2 saw mills, a clover
mill, 6 stoi-es, 3 taverns, a turning
lathe, driven by water, and an exten-
sive tannery; a bank, chartered in
1829, with a capital of $50,000, but
which may be extended; a county
bible society, a county Sunday school
union, auxiliary to the great charity
established at Philadelphia ; tract and
temperance societies ; 2 resident
clergymen, 3 lawyers, and 2 physi-
cians ; 2 weekly journals, viz : The
Apollo, edited by Franklin Ferguson ;
and the Warren Journal, by James J.
Browne; and above 80 dwellings,
most of which are neat and commo-
dious, and many of brick and stone;
among which, the residence of Dr.
Green deserves particular notice, as
well from its size and finish as from
its beautiful and commanding situa-
tion. A very extensive business is
done here, in general merchandise, in
flour and lumber, the saw mills being
abundantly supplied with timber from
the Delaware. The Pequest creek
having a large volume of water, and
a rapid fall, aflbrds very advantageous
mill sites. Within 144 chains from
the mouth of the creek the available
fall is 49 feet 64-100, equal to 768
horse power, the whole of which is
the property of Garret D. Wall, Esq.,
who ofters mill seats for sale here on
advantageous terms. But in addition
to this great power derived from the
creek, the Delaware river, within 2
miles of the town, offers a still greater,
where the whole volume of that stream
may be employed. A company has
been incorporated, with a capital of
$20,000, for erecting a bridge across
the river at or near this place, for
which thj-ee sites have been proposed.
1st. At the Foul Rift, where the chan-
nel is 170 yards wide. 2d. The
mouth of the Pequest, where it is 205
yards. 3d. At the Deep Eddy, above
the creek, where the channel is divid-
ed by Butz's island, and the stream,
on the Jersey side, is 127 yards, the
island 86 yards, and the remaining y
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water 23 yards. The proposed rail
road through New Jersey, from ]3]iza-
bethtowii, is designed to cross the
Delaware here, and to connect with
tlie Delaware and Susquehanna rail
road.
Belleville, p-t. of Bloomfield t-ship,
Essex CO., beautifully situated on the
I'ight bank of the Raritan river, 3^
miles N. E. from Newark, 218 from
W. C, 52 from Trenton, and 9 from
New York. The margin of the river,
here, has width sufficient lor a road
or street, and for dwellings with spa-
cious lots on both its sides, from which
the gently sloping hill, clad in rich
verdure, has a very pleasant appear-
ance. Including North Belleville the
town is considered as extending 3
miles along the river, and in that dis-
tance contains a handsome Dutch Re-
formed church, having a very large
congregation, 1 Methodist and 1 Epis-
copalian church, 2 large schools for
boys, a school for girls, under the su-
perintendence of a lady, a boarding
school for males and females, under
the care of the Rev. Mr. Lathrop ; 2
public houses, one a very large and
well finished hotel, kept by Mr. Chand-
ler, where many summer boarders
may be accommodated, in this de-
lightful retreat, from the bustle and
noise of the great neighbouring city ;
6 stores, and about 200 dwellings.
Two streams, which flow into the Pas-
saic, at about 3 miles distance from
each other, and which, within 2 miles
of their course have, respectively, a
fall much over an hundred feet, render
this place as interesting for its manu-
factures as for its beauty. There are
here 1 brass rolling mill and button
manufactory, belonging to Messrs.
Stevens, Thomas, and Fuller, occa-
sionally engaged in copper coinage
for Brazil ; the copper founderies and
rolling mills of Messrs. Isaacs, and
of Hendricks and brothers ; the calico
print works of Mr. Andrew Gray, the
silk printing establishment of Messrs.
Duncan and Cunningham ; the Brit-
tania metal factory of the Messrs.
Lee ; the lamp factory of Stephens
and Dougherty, and the grist mill of
Mr. Kindsland. These works are
estimated to produce, annually, manu-
factured articles worth two millions
oi" dollars. Two thousand tons of
merchandise are supposed to be trans-
ported to and from the wharves of
Belleville annually.
Belleville, p-o., Sussex co., 241
miles N. E. from W. C, and 75 from
Trejiton.
Ben Davis' Point, W. Cape of
Nantuxet cove, in the Delaware bay,
and in Fairfield t-ship, Cumberland co.
Bergen Countij, was established
with its present boundai'ies, by the
act of 21 January, 1709-10, which
directed " That on the eastern divi-
sion, the county shall begin at Con-
stable's Hook, and so run up along the
bay and Hudson river, to the parti-
tion point betvv^een N. Jersey and the
province of N. York, and along that
line between the provinces, and the
division line of the eastern and west-
ern division of this province, to Pe-
quanock river; thence by such river
and the Passaic river, to the Sound ;
thence by the Sound to Constable's
Hook, where it began." Bounded
N. E. by Orange and Rockland co.,
N. Y.; E. by N. Y. bay and North
river ; S. by the strait, which con-
nects N. Y. bay with Newark bay,
S. W. by Essex and Morris co., and
N. W. by Sussex co. It is shaped
like an '1 . Greatest width N. W.
and S. E. 32 miles ; greatest breadth
N. E. and S. W. 28 miles. Area
267,500 acres, or about 418 square
miles.
S. E. of the Ramapo mountain, the
county consists of the old red sandstone
formation, which ap]iears under the
form of red shale, and of massive stone,
well adapted to buildings; large quar-
ries of which, have been worked on
the Passaic near Belleville, and at
other places. This formation is in
places, covered with trap rock, which
in the Closter mountain, assumes a
columnar form, in the palisades, 400
feet high, on the North river; and the
same form is visible in the continua-
tion of the First and Second mountains
across the Passaic at Paterson and
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Little Falls. ]n the Ramapo moun-
tain, and upon the N. VV. ofit, the
primitive lljrmation prevails, and the
large township of Pompton is broken
into ridges and knolls, of considerable
elevation. Limestone is found in the
valleys, here, and magnetic iron ore
in the hills. The great vein of such
ore, which is first discoverable in the
White Hills of New Hampshire, may
be traced through this county.
The surface of the country W. of
the Saddle river, is hilly, with broad
and fertile valleys. The left bank of
that river, is also high ground, and a
very fine valley lies between it and
the Clostcr mountain, which is drain-
ed by the Hackcnsack river. The
southern part of the valley is low, and
admits the tide to the town of Hack-
cnsack, 20 miles from the sound. In
this distance, there is a body of salt
marsh and valuable cedar swamp.
The northern part of the valley and
its banks, on the Saddle river, the
Passaic and the Hudson, are divided
into small well cultivated farms, whose
neat, cleanly, and cheerful appearance,
declare the thrift and content of their
owners. There are few spots in New
Jersey presenting more pleasing at-
tractions than this country above the
Hackensack, and on the highlands on
each side of the river. The houses,
generally, built in the ancient Dutch
cottage form, of one full story, with
its projecting pent houses, and dormi-
tories witliin the slopes of the roof,
are sometimes large, always painted
white, and surrounded with verdant
lawns, shrubbery, and well cultivated
gardens. And we may here remark,
that the taste for horticiil'.urc and or-
namental slirubberies, appears more
general in the central and northern
parts of New Jersey, than in the
southern parts, or in the state of
Pennsylvania.
Extensive deposits of copper are
found on the banks of the Passaic, in
Lodi t-sliip, about 1 mile S. K. of
Belleville.
The county is well watered, having,
beside the rivers on its boundaries,
Ring wood, Ramapo, and Saddle
rivers ; all of which, rising in New
York, flow S. to the Passaic; each
having considerable tributaries, which
though sliort, are by their rapid falls
made available lor hydraulic purposes.
Ringwood river receives a consider-
able accesion to its waters, from Long
pond or Greenwood lake, in a high
and narrow valley between a ridge
of the Wawayanda mountains and
Sterling mountain. The lake is near-
ly 5 miles long, but only about a mile
of its lensth is within the state of New
Jersey. It pours forth its tribute
through Long Pond river.
Hohokus Brook is a rapid stream
of Franklin t-ship, which, after hav-
ing, in a course of 9 miles, given
motion to many mills, unites with the
Saddle river. The Hackensack, also
rising in New York, has an indepen-
dent course to Newark bay, and re-
ceives several tributaries from either
hand.
In this county, the first settlements
of the state by Europeans were made.
The Hollanders were here the pio-
neers of civilization, aided probably
by some Danes or Norwegians, who
adopted the name of Bergen from the
capitol of Norway. Their descend-
ants occupy the lands of their ances-
tors, and retain much of their primi-
tive habits and virtues, their industry,
cleanliness, and love of flowers; for
the latter is a taste so pure and de-
lightful, that we dare to rank it among
the virtues. New York is much in-
debted to the Dutch gardeners for her
supplies of flowers and vegetables.
After the country was reduced un-
der the English rule, in 1764, Eng-
lish settlers came in considerable num-
bers from Long Island and Barbadoes.
They were not so numerous, how-
ever, as immediately to lose their
character of strangers, and they re-
sided chiefly in the ^'■Emrlisk Neigh-
boiirJi oofi ,'"' and at New Barbadoes.
In 1830, the population of the coun-
ty was 22,412, divided as follows:
white males 10,299, white females
9634, free coloured males 1061, fe-
males 834, male slaves 306, female
slaves 280. Of these, there were
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aliens 213; deaf and dumb whites 10,
blacks 3; blind, whites 12, blacks 5.
The provisions for moral instruc-
tion are the religious societies, con-
sisting of the German Reformed,
Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Baptist,
and Methodist ; a county bible socie-
ty, Sunday schools, and temperance
societies ; academies in the larger vil-
lages, and common schools in every
populous vicinity.
The chief towns are Jersey City,
Hoboken, Bergen, Hackensack, the
seat of justice, Closter, New Milford,
New Prospect, Godwinsville, New
Manchester, Ryerson's, Ramapo,
Boardville, Ringwood, Stralenberg,
Old Bridge, New Bridge, New Dur-
ham, English Neighbourhood, Com-
munipaw, and Pamrepaw.
In 1832, the county contained
5796 taxables, 1262 householders,
whose rateables did not exceed 30 dol-
lars, 533 single men, 75 merchants, 7
fisheries, 84 run of stones for grind-
ing grain, 16 cotton factories, 5 wool-
len factories, 10 carding machines, 4
furnaces and 16 forges, 93 saw mills,
3 paper mills, 4 fulling mills, 127 tan
vats, 13 distilleries, 1 flint glass, and
1 china manufactory, both extensive ;
1 printing, dyeing and bleaching es-
tablishment, and 4025 horses and
mules, and 10,188 neat cattle above
3 years of age ; and it paid state tax
$2631 43, county tax $5000, poor
tax $2500, school tax $100, road
tax $6000.
The county is extensively agricul-
tural, raising a large surplus of grain
and esculent vegetables for its ma-
nufacturing population, and for the
New York market.
The improved means for trans-
porting its produce to market, are
beside the ordinary country roads,
nine turnpikes and two rail-roads, ex-
clusive of that made by Mr. Stephens
along the North river. The turn-
pikes are, two from Jersey City to
Newark, one from Hoboken to Pa-
terson, one from Hoboken to Hack-
ensack, one from Hackensack to
Paterson, one from New Prospect
to the Ramapo works, in the State of
New York, the Ringwood and Long
Pond road, the Newark and Pomp-
ton, and the Paterson and Flamburg.
These have been made, and others
have been authorized by law. A
rail-road has been completed from
Jersey City to Paterson, and another
is now being made from the Hudson
river through Newark, Elizabeth-
town, Rahway and Woodbridge, to
New Brunswick.
The courts of the county are holden
at Hackensack; the common pleas,
orphans' and general quarter ses-
sions, on the following Tuesdays, viz.
4th January, 4th March, 2d August,
4th October; and the circuit courts,
on the Tuesdays of 4th March and
4th October.
Bergen sends 1 member to the le-
gislative council, and 3 to the assem-
bly.
The following notice of the coun-
try embraced by this county, taken
from Smith's History of New Jersey,
will be interesting to its present inha-
bitants. " Near the mouth of the
bay, upon the side of Overprook
creek, adjacent to Hackensack river,
several of the rich valleys were then,
(1680,) settled by the Dutch; and
near Snake hill was a fine planta-
tion, owned by Pinhorne and Eickbe,
for half of which, Pinhorne is said to
have paid £500. There were other
settlements upon Hackensack river,
and on a creek near it, Sarah Kiex*-
stcd, of New York, had a tract given
her by an old Indian sachem, for
services in interpreting between the
Indians and Dutch, and on which
several families were settled; John
Berrie had a large plantation, 2 or 3
miles above, where he then lived,
and had considerable improvements;
as had also near him, his son-in-law,
Smith, and one Baker, from Barba-
does. On the west side of the creek,
opposite to Berrie, were other plan-
tations; but none more northerly.
There was a considerable settlement
upon Bergen point, then called Con-
stable Hook, and first improved by
Edsall, in NicoU's time. Other small
plantations were improved along Ber-
BER
102
BER
gen neck, to the cast, between the
point and a large village of 20 fii-
milics ( Commwdpaw). Further along
lived 16 or 18 families, and opposite
New York about 40 families were
seated. Southward from tliis, a k\v
families settled together, at a place
called Duke's farm; and further up
the country was a place called Ho-
buck, formerly owned by a Dutch
merchant, who, in the Indian wars
with the Dutch, had his wife, chil-
dren and servants murdered by the
Indians, and his house and stock de-
stroyed by them ; but it was now set-
tled again, and a mill erected there.
Along the river side to the N. were
lands settled by William Lawrence,
Samuel Edsall, and Capt. Beinfield;
and at Haversham, near the High-
lands, governor Carteret had taken up
two large tracts; one for himself, the
other for Andrew Campy ne, and Co.,
which were now but little improved.
Tlie j)lantations on both sides of the
neck, to its utmost extent, as also
those at Hackensack, were under the
jurisdiction of Bcrgentown, situate
about the middle of the neck ; where
was a court held by selectmen or
overseers, consisting of 4 or more
in number, as the people thought
best, chose annually to try small
causes, as had been the practice in
all the rest of the towns at first; 2
courts of sessions were held here
yearly, from which, if the cause ex-
ceeded £20, the party might appeal
to the governor, council, and court of
deputies or assembly."
" Bergen, a compact town which
had been fortified against the Indians,
contained about 70 families; its in-
habitants were chiefly Dutch, some of
whom had been settled there upwards
of 40 years."
STATISTICAL TABLE OF BERGEN COUNTY
,d
Population.
Townships, &lc.
ri
Surface.
1810
1820
1830
Barbadoes, New,
7
4
11,500
level,
2835
2592
1693
Bergen,
13
4
20,000
part hilly.
2690
3137
4651
Franklin,
10
9
45,000
hilly, rolling,
2839
2968
3449
Hackensack,
9
n
24,000
hill and valley,
1918
2076
2200
Harrington,
9^
7
34,000
do. do.
2087
2296
2581
Lodi,
10
5
22,000
flat,
1356
Pompton,
14
12
70,000
mountainous.
2060
2818
3085
Saddle River,
10
8
41,000
267,500
do.
2174
2291
3397
16,603
18,178
22,412
Bergen, village, of Bergen t-ship,
Bergen co., about 16 miles S. of
Hackensack, and .3 west of Jersey
city, upon the summit of Bergen
ridge, and equiflistant between the
turnpike roads leading to Newark,
contains a Dutch Reformed church,
and some twenty or thirty houses.
This town was scittled about 161G,
])robably by Danes, who accomjja-
nied \\\v. Hollanders.
Bergen t-ship, Bergen co., is
boundc^d N. by Hackensack t-ship,
I*', by Hudson river and New York
bay, S. by the .strait r.iiled Kill Van
Kuhl, W. by the Hackensack river
and Newark bay; greatest length
N. and S. 13, breadth 4 miles; area,
20,000 acres. Surface hilly on the
N. E., on the W. and S. level. Soil,
red shale and marsh. A large body
of the latter, with Cedar swamp, lies
on the Hackensack river, extending
from the head of Newark bay, through
the t-ship. The t-ship is intersected
by several turnpike roads running in
various directions. New Durham,
Weehawk, Hoboken, Jersey City,
Bergen, ('ommuni])aw, and Pamre-
paw, are towns of the t-ship. Tfeere
are post-oflices at Jfsrsey City and
Hoboken. Pojiulation in 1830, 4651.
BER
103
BIL
In 1832, there were in the t-ship 1 167
taxables, 366 householders, whose
ratable estate does not exceed 30
dollars, 191 single men, 22 mer-
chants, 2 grist mills, 1 saw mill, 3
ferries, 1 toll bridge, 10 tan vats, 1
grain distillery, 1 glass and 1 china
manufactory, and 1 woollen manu-
factory, 446 horses and mules, and
1287 neat cattle above the age of
three years. The t-ship paid state
tax, $422 74; county, $613 36; poor,
$800; road, $1500.
Berkely. (See Sandtown.)
Berkshire Valley, the S. W. part
of Longwood valley, Jefferson t-ship,
Morris co., W. of Greenpond moun-
tain, 12 miles N. W. from Morris-
town, 237 from W. C, and 71 from
Trenton. A wild and rocky spot,
through which runs a branch of the
Rockaway river, giving motion to se-
veral forges, &c. There is also a
post-office and a Presbyterian church
liere.
Bernard t-ship, Somerset co.,
bounded N. by Mendham t-ship,
Morris co.; E. by the Passaic river,
dividing it from Morris t-ship, of the
said county; S. E. by Warren t-ship,
S. W. by Bridgewater t-ship, and W.
by Bedminster t-ship*. Centrally,
distant N. E. from Somerville, 7
miles ; greatest length, N. and S. 9 ;
breadth, E. and W. 7 miles; area,
25,000 acres; surface hilly, and in
great part mountainous ; soil on hills,
clay and loom; in the valleys, lime-
stone ; well cultivated by wealthy far-
mers. The north branch of the Ra-
ritan flows on the western boundary,
and receives from the t-ship Mine
brook and smaller tributaries. Dead
run flows to the Passaic, on the S. E.
line. Baskingridge, Liberty Corner,
Logtovvn and Vealtown, are villages
of the t-ship ; the two first post-towns.
Population in 1830, 2062. In 1833,
the t-ship contained about 400 taxa-
bles, 68 householders, whoso ratable
estate did not exceed 30 dollars, 34
single men, 5 stores, 8 saw mills, 3
grist mills, 1 fulling mill, 5 distille-
ries, 461 horses and mules, and 1105
neat cattle 3 years old and upwards.
and paid state tax, $306 70 ; county
tax, $695 50.
Berry''s Creek, a marsh creek of
Lodi t-ship, Bergen co., has a south-
erly course of about 4 miles.
Bethany Hole Run, small tributary
of Hains' creek, Evesham t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., flows by a course of
about 3 miles into the dam of Taun-
ton furnace.
Bethel, mount and church, Mans-
field t-ship, Warren co., 12 miles E.
of the town of Belvidcre.
Bethlehem t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. W. by the Musconetcong
river, which divides it from Wari*en
CO., N. E. by Lebanon t-ship, S. E.
by Ringwood, and S. W. by Alexan-
dria. Centrally distant N. W. from
Flemington, 13 miles ; greatest length
E. and W. 9 miles, breadth N. and
S. 9 miles ; area 25,000 acres ; sur-
face mountainous on the north, else-
where hilly ; soil, clay, red shale, and
loam, with a vein of hmestone on the
cast foot of the Musconetcong moun-
tain; drained chiefly by Alberson's
brook, a tributaiy of Spruce run, and
some small tributaries of Musconet-
cong creek. Charleston, Bloomsbury,
Hickory, Pattenburg, are villages of
the t-ship — Vansyckles and Perry-
ville, post-towns. Population in 1830,
2032. In 1832, the t-ship contained
a Presbyterian church, 3 stores, 3
saw mills, 5 grist mills, 1 oil mill, 25
tan vats, 5 distilleries, 480 horses and
mules, and 820 neat cattle above the
age of 3 years; and paid poor tax,
$900; road tax, $700; county and
state tax, $791 68.
Bevens, p-o., of Sussex co., named
after the postmaster, James C. Be-
vens, 241 miles N. E. from W. C,
and 83 from Trenton.
Billingsport, more properly writ-
ten Byllingsport, named after Edward
Bylling, a merchant of England, the
purchaser of Lord Berkeley's undi-
vided moiety of the province. It lies
upon the river Delaware below the
mouth of Mantua creek, and 12 miles
below Camden, and was rendered fa-
mous by the fort erected here during
the revolutionary war, for defence of
BLA
104
BLO
the channel of tlic river, remauis of
which are still visible. It contains a
tavern and ferry, and some half dozen
dwellings.
Birmingham, small hamlet of
Trenton t-shi]), Hunterdon co. 5 miles
N. W. from the city of Trenton, con-
tains a tavern and some half dozen
dwellings.
Birmingham, formerly called New
Mills, village, on the north branch of
the Rancocus creek, Northampton
t-ship, Burlington co., 4 miles S. E.
of I\Iount Holly, contains a cotton
manufactory, a grist mill, saw mill,
fulling mill, a cupola furnace, and
from 15 to 20 dwellings. Shreve's
calico printing works are within two
miles of the village, upon the same
stream.
Black Creek, Vernon t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., rises on the S. E. foot of the
Pochuck mountain, flows northward-
ly, about 5 miles to the Warwick
creek.
Blackwoodtown, village of Glou-
cester CO., uj)on the main branch of
Big Timber creek, near the head of
navigation ; 8 or 9 miles from its
mouth, 5 miles S. E. of Woodbury,
and 11 miles from Camden; contains
1 Presbyterian and large Methodist
church, an extensive woollen manu-
factory chiefly employed on kcrsey-
nctte, telonging to Newkirk and Co.,
3 stores, 1 tavern, and about 50
dwellings; a 2 horse stage plies daily
between this town and Camden.
Black's Creek, S. W. boundary of
Chcsterheld t-ship, rising by several
branches in Hanover t-ship, flowing
W. and N. W. about 8 miles to the
river Delaware, below Bordentown.
The Amboy rail-road crosses its
mouth over a wooden bridge. Ba-
con's run is a branch oC the stream,
and part of the aforesaid boundary ;
the creek drives several mills.
Black Horse. (Sec Columbus.)
Black Run, tributary of the S.
branch of Toms' river, Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co.
Black Brook, tributary of tlic Pas-
saic river, rises ;U the N. E. base of
Long hill, Chatham t-ship, Morris
CO., flows westerly along the hill, by
a course of 7 or 8 miles to its reci-
pient in I\Iorris t-ship.
Blackleifs Mineral Spring, Ae-
quackanonk t-ship, Essex co., 10
miles N. W. from New York, 4 S.
E. from Paterson; formerly much
frequented as a useful chalybeate.
Blackicood Meadow Brook, a
small tributary of the Passaic river,
flowing W. to its recipient in the N.
W. angle of Livingston t-ship, Essex
CO.
Black River, is the name given to
the Lamington river, above Potter's
Falls. It rises by 2 small branches,
on the borders of Roxbury and Ran-
dolph t-ships, flows under this name
a S. W. course of about 16 miles, to
the falls at the point of junction, be-
tween Hunterdon, Somerset and Mor-
ris CO., draining a valley of conside-
rable extent, and in parts very fertile.
Black River, or Cooper''s Mills,
is also the name of a small village
on the above stream, situate in Ches-
ter t-ship, Morris co., on the turnpike
road leading from Morristown to
Easton, 14 miles N. W. from the for-
mer; contains 1 grist mill, 2 saw
mills, a store, and 6 or 8 dwellings ;
it is a place of considerable business ;
the country around it is hilly, and
not very fertile.
Blackwells, hamlet of Hillsbo-
rough t-ship, Somei'sct co., on the
left bank of the Millstone river,- 62
miles S. of Somerville, pleasantly si-
tuated, in a fertile country ; contains
a large grist mill, fulling mill, store,
and several dwellings ; a bridge
crosses the Millstone river here.
Black Point, at the confluence of
the Shrewsbury and Nevisink rivers,
Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.
Blazing Star Ferry, over Staten
Island Soimd, on the road from
Woodbury to Staten Island, about 7
miles N. E. from Amboy ; the post-
route to New York, formerly lay by
this ferry.
Bloomfnld 1-shi]), Fssex county,
bounded N. by Acquackanonck t-sp,
li. by the Passaic river, which di-
vides it from Bergen co., E. by New-
BLO
105
BLU
ark t-ship, S. and S. W. by Orange,
and W. by Caldwell. Centrally dis-
tant N. from Newark, 6 miles ;
greatest length 5, breadth 4^ miles ;
area, 14,000 acres; surface hilly;
mountainous on the west; on the
eastern boundary, the ground rises
gradually from the river, and offers
beautiful sites for country seats,
many of which are thus occupied. It
is drained by two streams which rise
near the foot of the mountain, and
flow by tortuous courses to the river,
known as the Second and Third ri-
vers. The first has a length scarce
exceeding 6 miles, and the last,
which forms a semi-ellipsis, and rises
in the notch in Acquackanonck t-ship,
may be double that length. These
streams are the source of the wealth
of the t-ship, and have converted it
almost wholly into a manufacturing-
village. The soil is based on red
sandstone, in which are exhaustless
quarries of fine building stone, vast
quantities of which have been sent to
New York, and other places. The
villages of the t-ship are Belleville,
Bloomfield, Spring Garden, and
Speertown. At the two first are
post-offices. Pop. in 1830, 4309; in
1832, the t-ship contained 500 taxa-
bles, 206 householders, whose ratable
estate did not exceed $30 ; 82 single
men, 17 merchants, 6 grist mills, 2
cotton manufactories, 5 saw mills, 4
rolling mills for copper, 3 paper mills,
1 paint factory, 2 calico printing and
bleaching works, 1 very extensive;
40 tan vats, 3 woollen factories, and
several very extensive shoe factories ;
387 horses and mules, and 862 neat
cattle above three years old. And
the t-ship paid state tax S754 50;
county $238 37; poor $1200; and
road $1200. The annual value of
manufactured products, probably ex-
ceed 2^ millions of dollars.
Bloomfield, p-t. of the above t-ship,
3^ miles N. of Newark, extending
for near 3 miles in a N. W. direc-
tion, and including what was former-
ly known as West Bloomfield. The
chief part of the town lies upon the
old road, but part of it on the turn-
O
pike; it contains about 1600 inhabi-
tants, above 250 dwellings, 2 hotels,
an academy, boarding school, 4 large
common schools, 12 stores, 1 Pres-
byterian church, 2 Methodist church-
es ; a very extensive trade is carried
on here in tanning, currying, and
shoemaking, and the following manu-
factories are considei'ed as annexed
to the town: 2 woollen factories, 1
mahogany saw mill, 1 cotton mill, 1
rolling mill, 1 calico printing work,
2 saw mills for ordinary work, 1
paper mill, and 1 grist mill.
Bloomingdalc, village on the Pe-
quannock creek, Pompton t-ship, Ber-
gen CO., 20 miles N. W. from Hack-
ensack, upon the Paterson and Ham-
burg turnpike road ; contains 1 forge,
a saw mill, grist mill, machine fac-
tory, bark mill, 1 tavern, 2 stores,
and some 8 or 10 dwellings; the
country around it is mountainous and
barren.
Bloomshury, p-t. of Greenwich
t-ship, Warren co., on the turnpike
road from Somerville to Philipsburg,
and on both sides of the Musconet-
cong creek, part of the town being in
Hunterdon co. ; by the post-route
198 miles from W. C, 49 from Tren-
ton, and 14 S. from Belvidere, 18
miles N. W. from Flemington; con-
tains 1 grist mill, 1 oil mill, a cotton
manufactory, 2 taverns, 1 store, and
from 30 to 40 dwellings; the soil of
the valley around it is rich limestone.
Bloomshury, village of Notting-
ham t-ship, Burlington co., a suburb
of the city of Trenton, below the As-
sunpink creek, and at the head of
the sloop navigation of the river.
The bridge across the Delaware runs
from the centre of the village ; there
are here a Presbyterian meeting,
several taverns and stores, steam-boat
landings and wharves, with about 150
dwellings and 900 inhabitants. The
race-way of the Trenton water power
company, will pass through the vil-
lage. (See Trenton.)
Bine Ball, village of Howell t-ship,
Monmouth co., 4 miles S. from Free-
hold ; contains a tavern and store, 10
or 12 dwellings, 1 Presbyterian and
BUR
106
BOR
1 Methoelist church. The soil here
ha6 been so greatly improved by
marl, that lands which 15 years
since would not bring S|20 the acre,
now command $oO.
Blue Anchor, tavern and hamlet
of Gloucester t-ship, Gloucester co.,
in the heart of the pine forest, about
25 miles S. E. from Camden.
Boonton, manufacturing village of
Hanover t-ship, Morris co., on the N
side of Rockaway river, 9 miles N. of
Morristown, situate on the side of a
high hill, at the entrance ofa dark, nar-
row, rocky valley ; contains the works
of the East Jersey Iron Manufactur-
ing Company, consisting of an exten-
sive rolling mill, a blast furnace and
foundery, 3 stores, and about 40 dwell-
ings, a school house and a handsome
church. In forcing the Trowbridge
mountain here, the stream has form-
ed a rapid and a picturesque cascade
of about 30 feet fall, and this circum-
stance has made the site a very ad-
vantageous one for hydraulic works.
The Morris canal ascends from the
valley by an inclined plane 800 feet
long, having a lift of 80 feet, which
is passed over in from 12 to 15 mi-
nutes. Pop. between 300 and 400,
principally English j the village was
founded in 1828, and is one of the
most romantic spots in the state.
Bonhiunfown, Woodbridge t-ship,
Middlesex co., 5 miles N. E. from
New Brunswick, on the turnpike road
leading thence to Woodbridge, from
which it is distant G miles; contains
10 or 12 dwellings, 2 taverns, 1 store
and school house; surrounded by a
gravelly .and poor soil.
Boardville, on Ringwood river,
and on the Ringwood and Longwood
turnpike; road in Pomi)ton t-ship, Ber-
gen CO., 21 miles N. W. from Hack-
ensack; contains a Dutch Reformed
church, a forge, distillery, a school
house, and several farm houses. The
narrow valley in whicii it lies is rich
and well cultivated.
Bordcntown, borough and p-t., of
Chesterfield t-ship, Burlington co., si-
tuate on the bank of the Delaware
river, nl the junction of tiie Cross-
wick's creek with that stream, 11
miles N. W. from Mount Holly, 170
N. E. from W. C, 30 from Phila-
delphia, 10 from Burlington, and 7
S. E. from Trenton; contains about
1000 inhabitants, 200 dwellings, a
Quaker meeting house, a Baptist and
a Methodist church, 5 stores and 5
taverns, and is surrounded by a fer-
tile and well cultivated country of
sandy loam. The Camden and Am-
boy rail-road passes through the
town, by a viaduct beneath its prin-
cipal streets ; and stages run from the
town, daily, to Trenton, Princeton,
New Brunswick, Long Branch, New
Egypt, Mount Holly, &c. &c., and
4 steam-boats, to Bristol, Burlington,
and Philadelphia.
This town was founded by Mr. Jo-
seph Borden, an early settler here,
and a distinguished citizen of the
state, and has borne his name for
nearly a century. It was incorpo-
rated 9th December, 1825. Its site
is perhaps the most beautiful on the
Delaware, and the village is alike re-
markable for its healthiness and clean-
liness, and the neatness of its dwell-
ings. Built upon a plain 65 feet
above the surface of the river, and
from which there is a descent upon
three sides, its streets, speedily drain-
ed after the rain, are dry ; and lined
by umbrageous trees, furnish always
an agreeable promenade during the
summer season. From the brow of
the hill, there is a delightful view of
the majestic Delaware, pursuing for
miles its tranquil course through the
rich country which it laves. The
beauty of this scene is greatest in the
autunm, when the thousand varied
and brilliant tints of the forest trees
are contrasted with the deep a/Aire of
the sky, and the limpid blue of the
mirror like waters. The attractions
of the scene determined Joseph Buo-
naparte, C'ount (le Surveilliers, in his
choicf! ofa residence in this country ;
and this distinguished exile, who has
tilled two thrones, and has preten-
sions based on popular suffrage to a
third, has dwelt here many years in
philosophic retirement. He has in
BOT
107
BRI
the vicinity about 1500 acres of land,
part of which possessed natural beau-
ty, which his ta^te and wealth have
been employed to embellish. At the
expense of some hundred thousand
dollars, he has converted a wild and
impoverished tract, into a park of sur-
passing beauty, blending the charms
of woodland and plantation scenery,
with a delightful water prospect. The
present buildings, plain but commo-
dious, are on the site of the offices of
his original and more splendid man-
sion, which was destroyed by fire,
together with some rare pictures from
the pencils of the first masters, whose
merit made them invaluable. With
characteristic liberality, the Count
has opened his grounds to the public,
but we regret to perceive, that he has
been ungratefully repaid, by the de-
facement of his ornamental struc-
tures, and mutilation of his statues.
Bordentown is much resorted to by
the citizens of Philadelphia during the
hot months, who find excellent enter-
tainment in the large commodious
public houses, and in private and
more retired mansions. Few places
near the city are more desii-able as a
summer residence, which is now ren-
dered uncommonly convenient to ci-
tizens by the almost hourly means of
communicating with Philadelphia and
New York. The benefit of these ad-
vantageous circumstances to the town,
becomes apparent in its increase, ma-
ny new houses having been built in
1832 and 1833. The outlet lock of
the Delaware and Raritan canal is in
front of the town, which will in all
probability become a depot, for much
produce of the surrounding country
destined for the New York or Phila-
delphia market. Under these pros-
pects the value of property here, we
are told, has risen 50 per cent, within
two years.
BorderCs Run, an arm of the S.
branch of Toms' river, Upper Free-
hold t-ship, Monmouth co., flows E.
about 7 miles through the S. E. an-
gle of the t-ship.
Bottle Hill, p-t., Chatham t-ship,
Morris co., on the turnpike road from
Elizabethtownto Morristown, 13 miles
from the one, and 4^ from the other ;
223 N. E. from W. C. and 57 from
Trenton; contains a tavern, three
stores, a Presbyterian church, an
academy, and above 40 dwellings,
genei'ally very neat ; the surrounding
country gently undulating, and well
cultivated.
Bound Brook, p-t., of Bridgewater
t-ship, Somerset co., on the S. W.
boundary of the county, at the con-
fluence of the Green Brook with the
Raritan river. A part of the village
is in Piscataway t-ship, of the adjoin-
ing county of Middlesex, on the turn-
pike road from New Brunswick to
Somerville, 7 miles from the one, and
4 from the other. The town, in-
cluding Middle Brook, extends a mile
from Green Brook to Middle Brook,
and contains a large and neat Pres-
byterian church, an academy, 3 ta-
verns, 4 stores, a large grist mill,
&c., and about 50 dwellings. There
is a bridge over the river here. The
surrounding country is fertile. The
Delaware and Raritan canal runs
near the town.
Bound Brook, small stream rising
in Newark t-ship, and running S. E.
through the marsh, into Newark bay,
forming the boundary between Eliza-
beth and Newark t-ships.
Bound Brook. (See Green Brook.)
Boicentmvn, Hopewell t-ship, Cum-
berland CO., a small hamlet, of
some half dozen houses, midway
on the road from Bridgetown to
Road's town, about 2| miles from
each.
Branchville, p-t., of Frankford
t-ship, Sussex co., on the Morris
turnpike road, by the mail route, 235
miles from Washington city, 77 from
Trenton, 7 from Newton, and 2 from
Augusta. There are several mills
here upon a branch of the Paulins-
kill, within the space of two miles.
Bread and Cheese Run, tributary
of the south branch of Rancocus
creek, Northampton t-ship, Burling-
ton CO., unites with that stream 8 or
10 miles below its source.
Brigantine Inlet, Old, formerly
BRI
108
BRI
through Bngantine Beacli, on the
Atlantic, now closed.
Brlgantine Beach, on the Atlantic
ocean, Galloway t-ship, Gloucester
CO., extends from Quarter's Inlet,
eastwardly, to Old Brigantine Inlet,
about 6 miles, by about a half a mile
in width. Several salt works have
been established here.
Brick.shoroiigh, village, of Maurice
t-ship, (J umber land co., upon the left
bank ol" Maurice river, 12 miles I'rom
its mouth, within 2 of I'ort Elizabeth,
and 14 of Bridgcton, contains from 12
to 15 dwellings. It lies at the conflu-
ence of Muskee run, with the river.
Bridgeport, small hamlet of Wash-
ington t-ship, Burlington co., upon
the left bank of Wading river, 29
miles S. E. from Mount Holly, and
5 from the confluence of Wading with
the Little Egg Harbour river, contains
a tavern, store, and some 4 or 5 dwell-
ings, in sandy, pine country. The
river is navigable above the town.
Bridgcton, p-t. and seat of justice
of Cumberland co., upon the Cohan-
sey creek, 20 miles from its mouth,
175 N. E. from W. C, and sixty S.
of Trenton. The town is built on
both sides of the creek, over which is
a wooden drawbridge, from whence
it has its name. It formerly bore that
of Cohansey. It contains a court-
house of brick, in the centre of a
street, upon the W. bank of the creek,
a prison of stone, and public oflices,
on the E., a Presbyterian, a Baptist,
and a Methodist church ; a bank with
an authorized capital of $200,000, of
which $50,000 have been paid in ; a
public library, a Masonic lodge, an
academy, a woollen manufactory, a
grist mill, an extensive rolling mill,
foundery, and nail factory. It ex-
ports lumber, flour, grain, nails, and
iron castings. Thirty schooners and
sloops, of from 50 to 80 tons bur-
then, sail from the port, which is one
of entry and delivery. The collection
district of Bri<igeton comprehends the
counties of Gloucester, Salem, Cum-
berland, and Cape May; excepting
such parts of Gloucester and Cape
May, as arc included in the district
of Egg Harbour. The collector re-
sides at Bridgeton. — 250 licenses is-
sued from his office in the year 1832.
The country around is a sandy loam,
rich and productive in wheat, corn,
and rye. The most remarkable
object, here, is the iron works of
Messrs. Reeves and Whitaker, which
occupy a number of stone buildings
on the W. side of the creek, above
the bridge, and are driven by a water
power of 15 feet head and fall. They
were originally built in 1815, but were
consumed by fire in 1822, and rebuilt
and enlarged in the same year. The
rolling mill is capable of manufactur-
ing into hoop and round iron, from
blooms, 25,000 tons per annum. The
nail factory contains 29 nail machines,
competent to make 1500 tons of nails
annually ; and the foundery will make
250 tons of castings, from a cupola
furnace, with anthracite coal. These
works give employment to 12.5 men
and boys, who receive their wages,
monthly, in cash, to the amount of
$30,000 per annum; and yield the
means of support to nearly 500 per-
sons. Two vessels are constantly
employed in bringing, coal to the
works from Richmond, and one in
the intercourse with the city of Phila-
delphia. There are some very good
houses in the town, which has quite
an air of business.
Bridgeville, small hamlet of Ox-
ford t-ship, Warren co., 4 miles E.
of Belvidere, the county town.
Bridgewater t-ship, Somerset co.,
bounded N. by Bedminster and Ber-
nard t-ships, N. E. by Warren t-ship,
S. E. by Greenbrook, dividing it
from Piscataway t-ship, Middlesex
CO., S. by the Raritan river, separat-
ing it from Franklin and Hillsborough
t-sliips, ;md S. W. by Readington
t-ship, Hunterdon co. Greatest length
N. E. and S. W. 13 miles; breadth^E.
and W. 11 miles; area, about 35,000
acres; surface, on the N. E., moun-
tainous, elsewhere level, or gently un-
dulating; soil, generally, red shale,
and well cultivated in grain and grass.
The N. branch of the Raritan unites
witli the Lamington river, on the N.
BRU
109
BRU
boundary, and flows thence, S. to meet
the S. branch, about 4 miles W. from
Somerville; the latter river receives
from the W., Holland and Campbell's
Brooks ; Middle Brook crosses the E.
part of the t-ship to the main branch
of the Raritan, about 5 miles E. of
Somerville. Somerville, the county
town. North Branch, Bound Brook,
and Middle Brook, are villages, the
three first named, post-towns. Popu-
in 1830, 3549. In 1832 the t-ship
contained about 700 taxables, 152
householders, whose ratable estate
did not exceed 30 dollars, 93 single
men, 17 stores, 5 saw mills, and 3
grist mills, 3 fulling mills, 29 tan vats,
4 distilleries for cider, 6 carding ma-
chines, 858 horses and mules, and
1570 neat cattle, 3 years old and up-
wards ; and paid state tax, $464 96 ;
county, 81145 32.
Broadway, village, of Mansfield
t-ship, near the S. W. boundary line,
Warren co., on the turnpike road
from Phihpsburg to Schooley's moun-
tain, about 10 miles from the former,
and 14 from the latter, contains a
store and tavern, 2 grist mills, 1 saw
mill, and 10 or 12 dweUings. It lies
in the valley of the Pohatcong creek,
upon a soil of fertile limestone.
Broad Oyster Creek, Downe t-ship,
Cumberland co., flows from Orano-
ken creek, through the salt marsh,
into the Delaware bay.
Brooklyn, hamlet, of Piscataway
t-ship, Middlesex co., on Dismal
Brook, 6 miles N. E. from New
Brunswick, contains a grist mill, saw
mill, and some 8 or 10 dwellings.
BrowrCs Point, on the Raritan bay,
at the mouth of Middletown creek,
Middletown t-ship, Monmouth co., 5
miles S. E. from Perth Amboy, 14
miles N. E. from Freehold. There
are here, a good landing, 2 taverns,
3 stores, and 12 or 15 dwellings; sur-
rounding country, flat and sandy, but
made productive by marl.
Brunswick, North, t-ship, of Mid-
dlesex CO., bounded N. by the river
Raritan, E. by South Amboy t-ship,
S. by South Brunswick, and W. by
Franklin t-ship, Somerset co. Great-
est length E. and W. 9 miles ; breadth
N. and S. 7 miles; area, 23,000
acres, of which 5000 are unimproved ;
surface level ; soil red shale and sandy
loam, drained on the N. by the Rari-
tan, N. E. by South river, centrally
by Lawrence's Brook, and N. W. by
Six Mile run and its branches. The
Princeton and Brunswick, and the
Trenton and Brunswick turnpike
roads run alons; and throuch the
t-ship; the first on the W. boundary
of the t-ship and county. New Bruns-
wick, the seat of justice of the county,
Washington, Six Mile Run, and Old
Bridge, are villages, and the three first,
post-towns of the t-ship. Population
in 1830, 5274. In 1832 the t-ship
contained about 1050 taxables, whose
ratable estates did not exceed 30 dol-
lars, 111 single men, 47 stores, 1 saw
mill, 4 run of stones for grain, 1
plaster mill, 3 carding machines and
fulling mills, 90 tan vats, 4 distilleries
for cider, 593 horses and mules, and
831 neat cattle, above the age of 3
years ; and it paid state tax, $456 84 ;
county, i561 76 ; road, $200 ; poor,
$1250.
Brunswick, South, t-ship, of Mid-
dlesex CO., bounded on the N. E. by
North Brunswick, E. by South Am-
boy, S. by East and West Windsor,
and W. and N. W. by Franklin t-ship,
Somerset co. Centrally distant from
New Brunswick S. W. 12 miles;
greatest length N. and S. 10 ; breadth
E. and W. 7 miles ; area, about 36,000
acres ; surface, generally, level, with
some hills on the west ; soil sandy
loam and red shale; in places ex-
tremely well cultivated and produc-
tive; drained N. E. by Lawrence's
Brook, S. W. by Millstone river and
its tributaries. Cranberry Brook,
Devil's Brook, Heathcoat's Brook.
Kingston, and Cranberry, are post-
towns, lying partly in the t-ship ; and
Plainsborough Cross Roads and Ma-
plestown are hamlets of the t-ship.
Population 2557, in 1830. In 1832
the t-ship contained 527 taxables,
whose ratables did not exceed 30 dol-
lars; 32 single men, 10 merchants, 7
saw mills, 8 run of stones for grist, 5
BUR
110
BUR
tan vats, 10 distilleries for cider, 755
horses and mules, and 1275 neat cat-
tle; and it paid state tax, $438 79;
county, $539 49 ; poor, $700.
Buck Pond, Pompton t-ship, Ber-
gen CO., near Bear Fort mountain,
covers about 150 acres, and sends a
small tributary to the Pequannock
creek.
Buckshutem, hamlet, near the con-
fluence of Buckshutem creek with
Maurice river, Milleville t-ship, Cum-
berland CO., 3 miles from Port Eliza-
beth; contains 8 or 10 dwellings, a
grist and saw mill, and store.
Buckshutem Creek, tributary of
Maurice river, Cumberland co., rises
by 2 branches, one on the line between
Milleville and Fairfield t-ships; the
other on the line between Fairfield
and Downe t-ships, and the main
stream divides Milleville from Downe.
It is a fine mill stream.
Buddstoum, hamlet, Northampton
t-ship, Burlington co., on Stop the
Jade creek, a tributary of the south
branch of the Rancocus ; contains a
tavern, store, and saw mill, on the
edge of the pines.
Budd's Pond, small lake of Rox-
bury t-ship, Morris co., on the sum-
mit of Schooley's mountain, 17 miles
N. W. of Morristown, and 7 from the
mineral spring, from which the visiters
resort hither, for amusement, in boat-
ing and fishinw.
BulVs Creek, small tributary of
Little Egg Harbour river. Sooy's
mill is near its mouth.
BulVs Island, in the Delaware
river, 23 miles above Trenton, near
Saxtonville. The feeder of the Dela-
ware and Raritan cana! communi-
cates with tin; Delaware here.
Burlington County : the first I'ecog-
nition we find of the bounds of this co.
is in the act of Assembly, 1(J94, but its
limits were more definitely settled by
the act 21st Jan. 1710, declaring, that
the line of partition between Burling-
ton and Gloucester counties begins
at the mouth of Pensauken, otherwise,
Cropwell creek ; thence up the same
to the fork ; thence along the southern-
most branch thereof, sometimes called
' Cole Branch, until it comes to the
head thereof; thence by a straight
line to the southernmost branch of
Little Egg Harbour river; thence
down the said branch and river, to
the mouth thereof; thence to the next
inlet, on the S. side of Little Egg
Harbour's most southerly inlet ;
thence along the sea coast, to the line
of partition between East and West
Jersey ; thence on such line, by
Maidenhead and Hopewell, to the
northernmost bounds of Amwell t-ship;
thence to the i-iver Delaware, and by
the river, to the first mentioned sta-
tion. This surface has been reduced
by the act which established Hunter-
don county, March, 1714, making the
Assunpink creek the N. boundary of
the county. It is now bounded N. by
Hunterdon co., E. by Monmouth co.,
S. E. by the Atlantic ocean, S. VV. by
Gloucester co., and N. W. by the
Delaware river. Central latitude,
39° 50' ; longitude E. from W. C,
2° 18'; greatest length, N. W. and
S. E. 54; breadth, E. and W., 31
miles; area, 553,000 acres, or near
833 square miles.
Except immediately on the border
of the Assunpink creek, where some
primitive rock appears, the whole of
this county is alluvial, composed of
sand, gravel, loam and clay, various-
ly blended. It would seem that the
diluvian of the mountainous country
above has been spread by the Dela-
ware river, over the northwestern
border of the county, for some 12 or
14 miles from the present bank, form-
ing with the aggregations from the
sea a very fertile loam, which,
manured with stable dung, ashes, or
marl, produces abundant crops of
rye, corn, oats, beans, peas, grass, and
potatoes. Strips of sand occur in
this loamy belt, and sometimes
masses of stiff clay, which were pro-
bably once washed by the tides of the
ocean. East of the belt of loam, is a
mass of sand overlaying clay, and ex-
tending, for near 40 miles, to the
marshes, which border the sea shore.
In this sandy district, there are occa-
sionally spots where the clay, ap-
BUR
111
BUR
preaching the surface, mingles with
the sand, and forms tolerable soil,
producing oak; and in low grounds,
where marl is near the surface, some
natural meadow, easily brought to pro-
duce the reclaimed grasses. But the
great wealth of this portion of the
county is the pine timber, with which
it is covered, and which is cut into
valuable lumber, or fed to the fur-
nace of the iron foundery or steam-
boat. Bog ore is found in many
places; marl generally through the
western part of the county, and possi-
bly may be turned up every where,
by digging sufficiently deep. In the
marl pits, animal rcliques, such as
shells, bones, and also petrified vege-
tables, are frequent. But the most
extraordinary relic, yet discovered in
these deposits, is a piece of wrought
copper bolt, about an inch square, and
two inches long, bearing the marks of
tools, taken about 10 years since,
from a marl pit, 10 feet below the sur-
face, and within a short distance of
Mount Holly, on the farm of Mr.
Thomas Howell. Of the time when,
and the means by which such a de-
posit was made, it is scarce possible to
form a plausible conjecture.
The waters of the county flow,
either N. W. to the Delaware river,
or S. W. to the Atlantic ocean. The
former consist of the Ass\mpink,
Crosswick's, Black's, Craft's, Assis-
cunk, Rancocus, and Pensauken
creeks, and their tributaries ; the lat-
ter of the Wading and Mullica rivers,
and their branches. The dividing
ridge between these streams runs
nearly parallel with the Delaware,
and at about 20 miles distant from it.
The streams are generally crooked,
and sluggish ; and the larger are na-
vigable for 10 or 15 miles from their
mouths. In Springfield t-ship, on the
farm of Mr. James Shreve, is a well,
whose water petrifies wood. Blocks
of hickory, cut into the form of hones,
have been converted into stone, in
5 years, by immersion therein.
The chief villages, and post-towns
of the county are, Arneytown, Atsion,
Bass River Hotel, Bordentown, Bur-
lington, Columbus, Crosswicks, Eves-
ham, Jacksonville, Jobstown, Julius-
town, Medford, Moorcstown, Mount
Holly, the seat of justice, Pemberton,
Recklcsstown, Tuckerton, Vincenton,
Wrightstown, &c. &c.
The county contained, by the re-
port of the assessors of 1832, 123,.524
acres of unimproved land, which
might, with propriety, be nearly
doubled; 14,210 neat cattle, 6055
horses over the age of three years, 19
stud horses, 3256 householders, with
taxable property not exceeding $30 in
value; 1095 single men, 86 mer-
chants, 16 fisheries, 48 saw mills, 91
grist mills, 4 furnaces, 3 forges, 2 pa-
per mills, one extensive, and of the
most approved construction ; 1 calico
printing factory, 7 fulling mills, 4
cotton factories, 1 plaster mill, 350
tan vats, 11 carding machines, 35 dis-
tilleries for cider, 29 coaches and
chariots, 6 phaetons and chaises, 8
four horse and 19 two horse stages,
392 dearborns, 977 covered wagons,
206 chairs and curricles, and paid
state tax, $4607 12 ; county tax,
$15,000 ; and township tax, $13,450.
The population of the county, in
1830, was 31,705; of whom 14,710
were white males; 15,033 white fe-
males ; free coloured males, 869 ; free
coloured females, 901 ; male slaves,
77 ; female slaves, 115 ; 174 aliens ;
12 white, deaf and dumb; 7 white, and
3 blacks, blind. The county sends 5
members to the Assembly, and one to
the Council.
BUR 112 BUR
STATISTICAL TABLE OF BURLINGTON COUNTY.
j=
J3
Population.
Townships, &c.
fco
B
1)
Area.
Surface
0^
pa
generally level.
1810
1820
1830
Burlington,
Chester,
7
7
9,702
2419
2758
2670
7
6
22,000
1839
2253
2333
Chesterfield,
8
6
16,000
1839
2087
2386
Egg Harbour, Little,
20
10
76,800
913
1102
1490
Hanover,
16
13
44,000
2536
2642
2859
Mansfield,
10
6i
21,000
1810
1957
2083
Evesham,
15
10
67,000
3445
3977
4239
Northampton,
33
18
135,000
4171
4833
5516
Nottingham,
10
7
25,000
2615
3633
3900
Springfield,
10
6
18,000
1500
1568
1534
Washington,
20
19
112,000
1273
1225
1315
Willingboro',
6
4
7,500
787
782
553,002
24,360
28,822
31,107
Burlington t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. E. by Mansfield and
Springfield t-ships, S. E. by North-
ampton, S. W. by Willingboro', and
N. W. by the River Delaware. Cen-
trally distant N. W. from Mount
Holly, 6 miles ; length N. and S. 7 ;
breadth E. and W. 7 miles; area,
9702 acres; surface, level; soil,
sandy loam, very well cultivated, and
abundantly productive, in grass, corn,
wheat, and garden vegetables, and
fruits ; drained by the Assiscunk creek
on the north, and a branch of the
Rancocus on the south. Burlington
city is in the t-ship. Population in
1830, 2070. In 1832 the t-ship con-
tained, including the city, 575 taxa-
bles, 145 single men, 6 stores, 2 fish-
eries, 2 grist mills, 1 ferry, 34 tan
vats, 1 distillery for cider, 14 coaches
and chariots, 2 two horse stages, 27
dearborns, 57 covered wagons, 9
chairs and curricles, and 30 gigs and
sulkies ; and it paid state tax, $373 45;
county tax, $1292 16 ; and t-.ship tax,
$1000.
Burlington Island, in the river
Delaware, above the city of Burling-
ton, and opposite the town of Bristol,
originally termed Matenicunk, and
also Chygoes island. (Sec Burling-
ton City.)
Burlington Collection District
comprehends that part of West Jer-
sey lying on the eastward and north-
ward of Gloucester, and all the wa-
ters thereof within the jurisdiction of
the state. Burlington city is the port
of enti'y, and Lamberton a port of
delivery only ; the collector resides at
the latter.
Burlington City, of Burlington
t-ship, Burlington co., 20 miles N. E.
from Philadelphia, 158 from W. C,
and 12 S. W. from Trenton, upon the
river Delaware, and opposite to the
town of Bristol; contains about 300
dwellings, and 1800 inhabitants; one
Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and 2 Methodist
churches, one of which are for co-
loured people, and 1 Friend's meet-
ing house; 1 large and commodious
boarding school for girls, beautifully
situate on the river bank, and 1 large
boarding school for boys ; the former
under the direction of S. R. Gum-
mere, and the latter of Jolm Gum-
mere ; a free school maintained chief-
ly from the rents of Matenicunk or
Chygoes island, lying near the town,
and which was given to it for that
purpose by the proprietaries, by act
of Assembly, 28th September, 1682.
This island contains about 300 acres,
and yields a rent of about $1000 an-
nually. There arc here also a board-
ing school endowed by the "Scx;iety
of Friends ;" five common schools for
white, and one for coloured children.
BUR
113
BYR
The town is laid out upon 9 streets
running N. and S., and 4 E. and W.
The lots are generally deep, admit-
ting of spacious gardens, in which
much and excellent fruit is produced,
among which grapes of various kinds
are common. Upon the main street,
the houses are closely built, but in
other parts of the town they are wide
asunder, and surrounded by gardens,
orchards, and grass lots. Many of
the buildings are very neat and com-
modious, and occupied as country
seats by citizens of Philadelphia —
those on the river bank, below the
town, are beautifully situated, with a
fine verdant velvet sward to the wa-
ter's edge, giving them a perpetual air
of freshness and coolness, most desi-
rable in the summer months. There
are here, also, a public library, seve-
ral fire companies, a beneficial so-
ciety, a distinguished nursery of fruit
trees, 7 considerable stores, 5 taverns,
3 practising attorneys, 3 physicians,
and extensive manufactories of shoes,
employing near 300 hands. Bur-
lington was laid out as a town in the
year 1677, by the first purchasers
from Lord Berkeley, and was incor-
porated by the proprietary govern-
ment, including the island only, in
1693, and subsequently by Governor
Cosby. The present incorporation
is by act of the state legislature, 21st
December, 1784, constituting the
town and port of Burlington, of the
length of 3 miles on the Delaware,
and such jmrt of the river and islands
opposite thereto, within the jurisdic-
tion of the state, and extending fx-om
the river at right angles one mile into
the county, '■'■ilie city of Burlington;''''
and authorizing its government, bv a
mayor, recorder, and 3 aldermen, an-
nually elective, with power to hold a
commercial court monthly. Prior to
May, 1676, the site of this town was
holden by 4 Dutch families, one of
whom kept a public house for the en-
tertainment of travellers passing to
and from the settlements on the west
shores of the Delaware, and New
York. The river here is about a
mile wide, the harbour pretty good.
but the town has no commerce. A
great portion of the city is isolated by
a creek, over which there are several
bridges; the tide has been stopped
out, and the marshes, which it for-
merly covered, are good meadows.
The town is deemed healthy. Four
steam-boats pass this town, to and
from Philadelphia, daily.
Burnt Cabin Brook, principal
branch of the Rockaway river, rises
in Greenpond, in the valley between
Greenpond mountain and Copperas
mountain. It has a S. W. course of
about 8 miles, before it unites with the
main stream.
Burnt Meadow Brook, small tri-
butary of Ringwood river, Pompton
t-ship, Bergen co., into which it flows
eastwardly by a course of about 6
miles.
Bustleton, hamlet, of Mansfield
t-ship, Burlington co., 7 miles N. W.
from Mount Holly, and 4 from Bur-
lington city; contains a Friends'
meeting house, and some half dozen
farm houses, surrounded by a well cul-
tivated country of fertile sandy loam.
Butcher''s Forge, on Metetecunk
river, on the line between Howell and
Dover t-ships, Monmouth co., at the
head of navigation, 18 miles S. E.
fi'om Freehold. There are here a
forge, a grist mill, a tavern, 2 stores,
and 15 or 20 dwellings. The mill
pond is the largest in the state, having
a length of nearly 3 miles, by nearly
half a mile in breadth. Wood from
the surrounding forest is boated on it
to the furnace.
Byram t-ship, Sussex co., bounded
N. W. by Newton t-ship ; E. by Har-
diston t-ship, and by Jefierson t-ship,
Morris co.; S. by Roxbury t-ship, of
the same eo., and W. by Green t-ship,
of Sussex CO. Centrally distant S.
E. from Newton 8 miles; greatest
length N. and S. 10 miles, breadth
E. and W. 8 miles; area, 21,760;
surface mountainous, the t-ship being
wholly covered by the South mountain.
The t-ship is drained chiefly by Lub-
ber run, which receives the waters
of Lion pond, Hopatcong lake upon
the E., and by Musconetcong river,
CAL
114
CAM
which courses the whole of the south-
era boundary. It is crossed N. W.
by the Morris and Newton turnpike
road. By the census of 1830 it con-
tained 958 inhabitants; and in 1832
187 taxables, 5 stores, 5 saw mills,
10 forge fires, 6 tan vats, 1 distillery,
123 horses and mules, and 497 neat
cattle, over the age of 3 years.
Andover, Lockwood, Columbia, and
Stanhope, are the names of the forges
within the t-ship; Brooklyn forgo lies
on the S. E. boundary. The Morris
canal touches the south boundary of;
the t-ship at Stanhope. The t-ship is
noted for its iron and other minerals.
Cabbagetown, hamlet, of Upper
Freehold t-ship, Monmouth co., on
the line between that county and Mid-
dlesex, 17 miles from Freehold, and
12 from Trenton, contains some half
dozen dwellings, a wheelwright, smith
and joiner's shop.
Calais, Randolph t-ship, Morris
CO., on the road from Morristown to
Stanhope forge, 6 miles N. W. from
the former ; contains a Presbyterian
church, store, tavern, and 12 or 15
dwellings.
Caldwell t-ship, Essex co., bound-
ed on the W. and N. by the Passaic
river, which separates it from Hano-
ver t-ship, Morris co., E. by Acquack-
anonck and Bloomfield t-ships, S. by
Orange and Livingston t-ships. Cen-
trally distant N. E. from Newark 10
miles; greatest length E. and \V. 7;
breadth^N. and S. 6; area, 1G,500
acres; surface mountainous on the
E., elsewlicre rolling, except in the
valley of the river; drained, or rather
watered, by Deep and Green brooks;
soil red shale and aikivion; towns,
Caldwell, Fairfield, and Franklin;
the first a post-town; population in
1830, 2001. Jn 1832 th.' t-ship con-
tained 325 taxables, 30 single men,
8 merchants, 3 grist mills, 1 cotton
manufactory, 3 saw mills, 12 tan vats,
1 woollen factory, 325 horses and
mules, and 1001 neat cattle, over
the age of 3 years : and it paid state
tax, $201 06; county, $520 0(5;
poor, $600; road, $1327.
Caldwell, p-t. of preceding t-ship.
Essex CO., 10 miles N. E. from New-
ark, 225 from W. C, and 59 from
Trenton, contains a tavern, 3 stores,
a grist and saw mill on Pine Brook,
about 30 dwellings, and 2 Presbyte-
rian churches. The country around
it is deep clay loam.
Camden, city and t-ship, of Glou-
cester CO., on the river Delaware, op-
posite to the city of Philadelphia, and
port of entry and delivery of Bridge-
ton collection district, 8 miles N. W.
from Woodbury, 137 N. E. from W.
C, and 31 S. from Trenton. The
site upon which it stands, was taken
up between the years 1681 and 1685,
in several parcels, by Messrs. Cooper,
Runyon and Morris. The city was
incorporated by acts 13 Feb. and 1
March, 1828, and 9 Feb. 1831 ; and
as a t-ship by act Nov. 28, 1831. Its
bounds by these acts are as follow:
Beginning at the Pennsylvania line
in the Delaware, opposite the mouth
of a small run of water below Kaighn-
ton, and running E. to the mouth of
said run ; thence by the same, cross-
ing the public road to Woodbury,
from the Camden academy; thence
N. by the E. side of said road, to the
road from Kaighnton to Cooper's creek
bridge ; thence by the E. side of the
last mentioned road, and the S. side
of the causey and bridge, to the mid-
dle of Cooper's creek ; thence by the
middle of the creek to the Delaware ;
thence due N. to the middle of the
channel, between Potty's island and
the Jersey shore; thence down the
channel to the nearest point on the
line between the states of Peimsylva-
nia and New Jersey ; thence by said
line to the place of beginning. The
district has a length of 2^: miles on
the river, by about \\ in breadth to
the bridge over Cooper's creek. But a
small jiortion only, of this area, is
built upon: tlie greatest portion is
employed in tillage, chiefly of fruit
and early vegetables, for the Phila-
delphia market, to which the soil is
admirably adapted; and a consider-
able \M\Yi is still in woods, yielding
shade and recreation to the inhabit-
ants of the great city, in the hot sea-
CAM
115
CAM
son. The district is divided into 3
distinct villages, separated by vacant
grounds from half a mile to nearly
a mile in extent. That, opposite to
the Northern Liberties, is known as
Cooper's Point, at which there is %n
extensive ferry establishment, tavern,
store, livery stable, and a dozen dwell-
ings. The lower village, nearly op-
posite to the Navy Yard, is called
Kaighnton or Kaighn's Point, fi-om
the family of that name, which settled
on it in 1696, and whose descend-
ants, still residents on, and owners of
the greater part of the adjoining pro-
perty, laid out town lots here, and
established the ferry to Pliiladelphia
in 1809. It contains 35 dwellings, a
store, school house, 2 taverns, a tan-
nery, an extensive smithery and
manufactory of steel springs for car-
riages. The central and largest part
of the city was originally called Cam-
den, about the year 1772, when first
divided into town lots, by the then
proprietor, Jacob Cooper, and is near-
ly equidistant between the two Points,
and opposite to the central part of Phi-
ladelphia. The land at Cooper's Point,
and extensive adjacent tracts, were
taken up in 1687, by William Cooper,
one of the first and distinguished emi-
grants to the province, after the sale
by Lord Berkeley to Byllinge; the
whole of which is, at this time, not
only possessed by his descendants,
but actually, by descendants bearing
the name of Cooper; no portion of it,
at any time, having, in the space of
146 years, been aliened by the family.
At the period of incorporation,
1828, the population of the district
was 1143; in 1830 it had increased
to 1987, and now, Sept. 1833, by
a census made for this work, amounts
to 2341 ; of whom 417 are heads of
families, or housekeepers, 1237 males,
1104 females, 78 widows, and 105
people of colour. It contains 364
dwelling houses, and 60 other build-
ings used for manufactories, stores,
and schools, a Baptist, a Methodist,
and a Quaker meeting house, a court-
house, or town hall, where the city
sessions are holden, quarterly, by the
mayor, recorder, and aldermen, for
the trial of minor offences, and a pri-
son connected therewith ; an academy,
at which are taught the rudiments of
a common English education ; " the
State Bank at Camden," with a capi-
tal of 8300,000 dollars ; a turpentine,
a patent leather, and a tinware manu-
factory ; 2 tanneries, a steam saw mill
and steam grist mill, 2 saddlers and
harnessmakers, other than those con-
nected with the coachmakers; 6 coach -
makers, whose business exceeds in
value $60,000, annually, and whose
work, much of which is exported, is
remarkable at once, for cheapness,
lightness, strength, and beauty of
finish ; 8 smitheries, connected with
2 of which are manufactories of steel
springs; a white or silver smith, a
clock and watchmaker's shop, a comb
manufactory, a trunk manufactory,
2 bakeries, 2 cooper's shops, 2 drug-
gist's shops, 12 stores, 5 lumber yards,
5 livery stables, 9 taverns, including
the ferry houses, 2 cabinetmaker's
shops, 2 tailor's shops, 11 master
carpenters, 4 master stone and brick
masons, 2 paintci's and glaziers, a gold
and silver plater, 2 printing offices,
fi'om each of which a weekly news-
paper is issued, and 3 physicians and
6 lawyers.
There are here also several hand-
some public gardens, much frequent-
ed by the Philadelphians, who have
ready access to them by the steam
ferry boats constantly passing the
river. Of these useful vessels, there
are' at present eight belonging to the
five ferry establishments, including
those at Cooper's and Kaighn's Points;
employing a capital of 660,000, ex-
clusive of the real estate, such as
wharves, ferrv houses, &c. valued
at $100,000. The gross income from
which, is estimated at not less than
$80,000 per annum. The boats adapt-
ed for carriages and passeng^ers cross,
in from 5 to 15 minutes, according
to the state of the tide; and are im-
pelled by steam engines of from 15 to
20 horse power.
The ship channel is on the Philadel-
phia side of the river. The water on
CAP
116
CAP
the New Jersey side is too shoal for
vessels of tlie largest size to ascend
higher than Kaighn's Point, where it
is sufficiently deep for those of any
tonnage. Brigs and schooners of 150
tons come to the central parts of Cam-
den at high tide, and unload at the
wharves. Efforts are making to con-
vert this into a port of entry, and to
annex it to the Philadelphia collection
district.
CampbclVs Brook rises at the foot
of the mountain in Rcadington t-sliip,
Hunterdon co., and flows by a S. E.
course of about 7 miles to the south
branch of the Raritan river, in
Bridgewater t-ship, Somerset co.
Camptown, Orange t-ship, Essex
CO., 3-i miles S. W. from Newark,
contains within a circle of a mile and
a half in diameter, 75 dwellings, a
free church of stone, of three sto-
ries, the first used as an academy, the
second as a chui-ch, open to all de-
nominations of Christians, and the
third a masonic lodge ; a Presbyteri-
an church, 1 tavern, 3 stores, 1 saw
mill, and 1 grist mill, upon Eliza-
beth river. The lands here vary in
value, according to quality, from 50
to $1 00 the acre. The name is derived
from the circumstance that the Ame-
rican army had a camp in the vici-
nity during the revolution.
Canoe Brook, small tributary of
the Passaic river, Livingston and
Springfield t-ships, Essex co., has a
westerly course of three miles.
Cape May County, by the act of
Assembly, 21st of January, 1710, be-
gins at the mouth of a small creek,
on the west side of Stipson's island,
called Jecak's creek, and continues
thence by the said creek, as high as
the tide flowcth; thence, along the
bounds (of what was then Salem
county, now Cumberland,) to the
southernmost main branch of Great
Egg Harbour river ; thence down the
said river to the sea; thence along
the sea coast to Delaware bay, and so
up the said bay to the place of begin-
ning. It is, therefore, bounded on
the north by Cumterland county, E.
and S. by the Atlantic ocean, aiid VV.
by Delaware bay. Its greatest length,
N. E. and S. W. is 30 miles; great-
est breadth E. and W., 15 miles;
form semi-oval: area 252 square
miles, or about 161,000 acres. Cen-
tral lat. 39° 10'; long. 2° T E. from
VV. c.
This county is wholly of alluvial
formation. Upon the coast, from
the mouth of Great Egg Harbour
bay, and for some miles on the De-
laware bay, above the capes, is a
sand beach : on the east, this beach,
from a half mile to two miles in width,
is covered with grass which affords
pasture for neat cattle and sheep. It
is broken by several inlets, by which
the sea penetrates the marshes, and
forms lagunes or salt water lakes,
in several places, two miles in diame-
ter, connected by various channels.
The marsh has an average width of
about four miles; a similar marsh
extends along the N. W. part of the
county, on the bay, widening as it
advances northward. The Tucka-
hoe river, on the north, divides this
from Gloucester co., receiving from
Cape May co. Cedar Swamp creek,
which interlocks with Dennis' creek,
the latter emptying into the Dela-
ware bay. Both streams flow through
an extensive cedar swamp, stretch-
ing for 17 miles across the county.
Several other, but inconsiderable
streams, flow westerly into the Dela-
ware bay. The fast land of the
county is composed of clay based on
sand, generally covered with oak fo-
rest, from which large quantities of
timber and cord wood are annually
sent to tlic Philadelphia and New York
markets. The greater portion of the
inhabitants are settled on the east and
west margins of this fast land, along
which run the main roads of the
county. The forest land, when
cleared, becomes arable, and, with
due cultivation, produces good crops
of corn and rye. The farms are ge-
nerally large, running from the roads
landward. Some cleared and culti-
vated tracts are interspersed with the
forest. The wealth of the county
is in its timber.
CAP
117
CAP
The name of this county is derived j
from CorneHus Jacobse Mey, a navi-
gator in the service of the Dutch
West India Company, who visited
the Delaware bay in 1623, for the
purpose of colonization, but the set-
tlements, if any were made here by
him, were soon abandoned. In 1630
a purchase of land, extending along
the bay for sixteen miles, and six-
teen inward, was made of the In-
dians, by the Dutch governor of New
Amsterdam, Van Twiller, for the
Sieurs Goodyn and Blomaert, direc-
tors of the West India Company; but
we do not learn that these lands were
immediately peopled by Europeans.
From the records of the court of this
county, it appears probable that some
English settlers were established here
at an early period, from New Eng-
land, and we may conjecture that
they were colonists from New Ha-
ven, some of whose descendants may
yet remain in the county.
The county is divided into 4 t-ships ;
its pop. in 1830, was 4396 souls;
being about 20 to the square mile;
of whom 2400 were white males,
2308 white females, 118 free colour-
ed males, 107 free coloured females,
3 slaves; among these were 1 deaf
and dumb, but there were none blind
nor alien.
The seat of justice is centrally si-
tuated at Middletown, where there
are a frame court house, brick fire
proof offices, and a stone prison ; the
other public buildings of the county,
consist of an Episcopalian church, 2
Baptist do., 2 Methodist do.
At an early period of its history
the inhabitants were engaged in the
whale fishery ; at present, their chief
support is derived from the timber
and cord wood trade, raising of cat-
tle, and supplying the market M'ith oys -
ters, clams, fish, &c. At Cape Island,
a considerable revenue is derived from
the company who visit the sea shore
during the hot weather. By the as-
sessor's report for 1832, the county
contained but 20,244 acres of im-
proved land, a little more than one-
eighth part of its area; 669 house-
holders, 8 grist mills, the chief part
of which are moved by wind, 16 saw
mills, 29 stores, 679 horses, and
2093 neat cattle over 3 years of age ;
and paid for t-ship purposes $324 60 ;
for state purposes $646 01, and $2000
for county uses.
By the act of 8th March, 1797, it
sends 1 member to the assembly, and
by the constitution, 1 member to
council.
The court of common pleas and
quarter sessions for Cape May co., sit
on the 1st Tuesdays of February, the
last of May, the 1st of August, and
the 4th of October; and the circuit
courts on the last Tuesday of May,
annually, at Middletown.
This portion of the state has not
generally been holden in due estima-
tion. If its inhabitants be not nume-
rous, they are generally as indepen-
dent as any others in the state, and
enjoy as abundantly the comforts of
life. They are hospitable, and re-
spectable for the propriety of their
manners, and are blessed, usually,
with excellent health. Until lately
they have known little, practically, of
those necessary evils of social life,
the physician and the lawyer. Morse
assures us, that their women possess-
ed the power not only of sweetening
life, but of defending and prolonging
it, being competent to cure most of
the diseases which attack it. We
learn, however, that their practice in
the latter particular, has lately been
contested; that one or more physi-
cians have crept in, but we rejoice to
hear that they find little employment.
We learn also, that the county, like
Ireland, refusing nourishment to nox-
ious animals, no lawyer can subsist
in it.
CAP
118
CED
STATISTICAL TABLE OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
Townships.
c
o
-3
M
Area.
Surface.
Population.
1810
1820
1830
Upper,
Dennis,
Middle,
Lower,
12i
14
12
8
lU
8^
10
8
37,000
43,500
60,000
21,000
161,500
1664 2107
1106 1157
862 1001
1067
1508
1366
995
42654936
Cape May Cotirt House, p-t. and
seat of justice of Cape May co., cen-
trally situate in Middle t-ship, 104
miles N. E. from W. C, and 102 S.
from Trenton, 34 S. E. from Bridge-
ton, and 74 from Philadelphia; con-
tains a court house of wood, a jail of
stone, fire-proof offices of brick, 2 ta-
verns, 8 or 10 dwellings, and a Bap-
tist church of brick. " Lat. 39° N.
long. 2'' 8' E. from W. C; it is call-
ed Middletown, in the post-office lists.
Cape May, the most southern point
of N. J., and the eastern cape of the
Delaware bay, formed by the bay and
the Atlantic ocean: lat. 38° 56', long.
2° 18' E. from w'. C; a liglit house
stands upon the point. The name of
this cape should have been written
Mey, since it lias its name from
Cornelius Jacobse Mey, a distinguish-
ed navigator, who visited the Dela-
ware in 1623, in the employ of the
Dutch West India Company. He
gave his Christian name, Cornelius,
to the west cape of the bay.
Cape May Island, bcacli of the
Atlantic ocean, near the southern
point of the .state, in Lower t-ship.
Cape May co., 104 miles by post-
route from Philadelphia, 115 from
Trenton, and 117 from W. C; it is a
noted and much frequented watering
place, the .season at which commences
about the first of July, and continues
until the middle of August, or 1st
Scptemlx^r. There are here six
boarding houses, three of which are
very large; the .sea bathing is conve-
nient and excellent, the beach afll)i-ds
pleasant drives, and there is excellent
fishing in the adjacent waters. There
is a post-office here.
Carllshurg, hamlet of Deerfleld
t-ship, Cumberland co., between 3
and 4 miles N. E. of Bridgeton.
Carpenter'' s Landing, post-town of
Greertwich t-ship, Gloucester co., upon
Mantua creek, at the head of sloop
navigation, 3 miles S. W. from Wood-
bury ; 7 miles by the creek from the
Delaware; 42 miles from Trenton,
and 148 from W. C. It is a place
of considerable trade, in lumber, cord
wood, &c., and contains 1 tavern, 2
stores, 30 dwellings, and 1 Methodist
church.
Cat-tail, hamlet, of Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., on Cat-tail
creek, on the line between Middlesex
and Monmouth cos., 16 miles S. W.
from Freehold, and 28 S. E. from
Trenton.
Cedar Bridge, hamlet, Stafford
t-ship, Monmouth co., upon the Os-
wego, or E. branch of Wading river,
33 miles S. of Freehold, contains a
saw mill, 2 taverns, and several
dwc^llings, surrounded by pine forest.
Cedar Creek, Stafford t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., flows S. W. about 6 miles,
into Little Egg Harbour bay, 2 miles
below the mouth of Manahocking
creek.
Cedar Creek, Dover t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., rises by .several branches,
and flows eastwardly about 16 miles
to the Atlantic ocean. The village of
Williamsburg is seated upon it, near
the head of tide water, and contains
10 or 12 dwellings, 2 taverns, 2 stores.
Goodluck is a thickly settled neigh-
bourhood, a short distance on the S.
W. The country on the E. is salt
marsh ; elsewhere, sandy, and cover-
ed with pine forest.
CEN
119
CHA
Cedar Creek, Fairfield t-ship,
Cumberland co., rises in the t-ship,
and flows westerly through it lor
about 10 miles, giving motion to se-
veral mills, and emptying into Nan-
tuxet cove, Delaware bay. It is na-
vigable about 4 miles to Cedarville.
Cedar Pond, small lake of about
100 acres, Pompton t-ship, Bergen
CO., sends forth a portion of its waters
to supply the stream of Clinton forges.
Cedar Swamp Creek, Upper t-ship,
Cape May co., rises in the t-ship by
2 branches, and flows N. E. 8 miles,
into Tuckahoe river. Its course is
through an extensive cedar swamp.
Cedar Swatiip Creek, of Egg Har-
bour t-ship, Gloucester co., a mill
stream, which flows S. W., by Bar-
gaintown, about 7 or 8 miles, into
Great Egg Harbour bay.
Cedarville, p-t. of Fairfield t-ship,
Cumberland co., pleasantly situated,
on Cedar creek, at the head of
navigation, about 4 miles from the
mouth of the creek, 7 S. from Bridge-
ton, 183, by post route, N. E. from
W. C, and 77 S. from Trenton ; con-
tains about 60 dwellings, a store, and
tavern, grist and saw mill, and an
extensive button manufactory. The
country about it is sandy and poor;
but the lots in the village are careful-
ly cultivated and productive. Trade,
wood and lumber. Inhabitants, 375.
CerfaryJZZe, of Caldwell t-ship, Es-
sex CO., upon Peekman's run, about
2 miles above its confluence with the
Passaic river. There are here seve-
ral small mills, such as grist mill, saw
mill, and cotton factory.
Centreville, p-t. of Pittsgrove t-ship,
Salem co., upon Muddy run, and upon
the line dividing Salem from Cumber-
land CO., 17 miles S. E. from Salem
town, and 75 S. from Trenton; con-
tains some 12 or 15 dwellings, ta-
vern, store, and school house.
Centreinlle, East Windsor t-ship,
Middlesex co., upon the turnpike road
from Bordentown to Cranberry, 9
miles from the foi'mer, and 18 miles
S. W. from New Brunswick, contains
a tavern and several dwellings.
Centreville, small village, of
Knowlton t-ship, Warren co., on the
road leading I'rom Hope to Knowlton
mills and Columbia; about 4 miles
from the first and last, and 10 N. E.
from Belvidere; contains a tavern,
store, smith shop, Presbyterian church,
and several dwellings.
Centreville Post-Office, Hunter-
don CO.; by post route, 189 miles
from W. C, and 30 from Trenton.
Chambers^ Brook, tributary of the
north branch of the Raritan, and S.
E. boundary of Bedminster t-ship,
Somerset co., rises in the mountain on
the E., and flows S. W., about 4 miles
to its recipient.
Chambers' Mill Branch, a small
stream, rising in the centre of Mon-
tague t-ship, Sussex co., and flowing
westerly, about 5 miles, into the river
Delaware. It gives motion to several
mills near its mouth.
Change Water, furnace, on the
Musconetcong creek, in Mansfield
t-ship, Warren co., 3 miles from the
village of Mansfield, and 10 S. E.
from Belvidere, the county town.
Chai'lottesbiirg, the name of a fur-
nace, formerly on the Pequannock
creek, Pompton t-ship, Bergen co.,
now in ruins.
Charleston, small village, in the
N. E. part of Bethlehem t-ship, Hun-
terdon CO., on the Musconetcong
mountain, 13 miles N. of Flemington.
Charleston, hamlet, of Kingwood
t-ship, Hunterdon CO., 10 miles W\ of
Flemington ; contains a tavern, store,
and several dwellings.
Chatham t-ship, Morris co., bound-
ed north by Hanover t-ship ; E. and
S. E. by the Passaic river, which
separates it from Livingston, Spring-
field and New Providence t-ships,
Sussex CO. ; W. and S. by Morris
t-ship. Centrally distant, S. E. from
Morristown, 6 miles; greatest length,
N. andS. 9 miles, breadth, E. and
W. 5 miles; area, 14,400; surface
undulating, except on the south,
which is covered by Long Hill.
Black Brook rises in the t-ship and
flows W. to the Passaic river, through
Morris t-ship. Bottle Hill, Chatham,
and Columbia are villages of the
CHE
120
CHE
t-ship, the first two post-towns ; popu-
lation in 1830, 1865. In 1832 there
were in the t-ship 340 taxablcs, 40
single men, 9 stores, 3 saw mills, and
5 grist mills, 5 distilleries, 1 fulling
mill, 1 carding engine, 254 horses
and mules, and 1015 neat cattle, un-
der 3 years old; and the t-ship paid
state tax, $248 35 ; county tax, $556
04 ; poor tax, $600 ; road tax, $600.
The turnpike roads from Elizabeth-
town and Newark cross this t-ship to
Morristown.
Chatham, p-t. of Chatham t-ship,
Morris co., on the road from Eliza-
bethtown to Morristown, 10 miles
from the one, and 7 1 from the other ;
220 N. E. from W. C, and 54 from
Trenton ; contains 1 Presbyterian and
1 Methodist church, an academy, 3
stores, 2 taverns, a grist mill and saw
mill, and between 40 and 50 dwell-
ings. A thriving village, with neat
dwellings, surroundfd by a pleasant,
well cultivated country, watered by
the Passaic river, which flows through
the town.
Cheapside, agricultural village, of
Livingston t-ship, Essex co., on the
turnpike road from Newark to Mor-
ristown, 10 miles VV. of the former.
Chccsequakc's Creek, with several
branches flowing into the Raritan
bay, about 3 miles below Ambov,
Middlesex co., drains a swamp of
considerable extent.
Chesnut Neck, strip of fast land,
lying between Little Egg Harbour
river and Nacote crcek^^ Calloway
t-ship, (ilnucester co.
Chesimt Run, small branch of the
Assunpink creek, Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co.
Chester t-ship, Morris co., bounded
N. by Roxbury t-ship, N. E. by Ran-
dolph t-ship, E. by Mondham "t-ship,
S. by Bodminster t-ship, Somerset
CO., and W. by Washington t-ship.
Centrally distant W. from Morris-
town 12 miles; greatest length N.
and S. 9, breadth E. and W. 6 miles;
area, 18000 acres; surface rolling;
soil on the N. loam, on the S. grey
limestone, under good cultivation;
drained on the W. by the Black
river, and on the E. by tributaries of
the N. brainch of the Raritan river ;
population in 1830, 1338. In 1832
the t-ship contained 324 taxables,
whose ratables did not exceed $30;
23 single men, 3 stores, 5 saw mills,
and 2 grist mills, 4 distilleries, 1 forge,
2 fulling mills, and 311 horses and
mules, and 669 neat cattle, above 3
years of age ; and paid the following
taxes: state, $193 14; county, $432
43; poor $400; road, $400.
Chester t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. E. by the Rancocus
creek, S. E. by Evesham t-ship, S.
W. by Pensauken creek, which di-
vides it from Gloucester co., Water-
ford t-ship, and N. W. by the river
Delaware. Centrally distant S. W.
from Mount Holly 9 miles; great-
est length 7, breadth 6 miles ; area,
22,000 acres; surface level; soil sand
and sandy loam, of good quality, ge-
nerally, well cultivated, and produc-
tive of grass, grain, vegetables, and
fruits. Beside the streams already
mentioned, the t-ship is drained by
the N. branch of Pensauken creek,
by Pompeston creek, and Swede's
branch, the last two emptying imme-
diately into the Delaware. All are
mill streams. The Rancocus Draw-
bridge, Westfield, and Moorestown,
are villages of the t-ship, the last a
post-town; population in 1830, 2333.
In 1832 the t-ship contained taxables
524, householders 205, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; single men
96, stores 8, fisheries 5, grist mills 3,
saw mills 6, tan vats 27, carding
machines 2, distilleries for cider 3,
coaches and chariots 7, two horse
stages 2, dearborns 52, covered wa-
gons 90, chairs and curricles 30, gigs
and sulkies 22, neat cattle 1060, and
horses and mules 570, over 3 years
of age ; and it paid state tax, $336 38;
county, $1173 91; and road tax,
$1100.
Chester, p-t. of Chester t-ship,
Morris co., on the turnpike road lead-
ing from Morristown to Easton, 13
miles N. W. from the former, 50 N.
E. from Trenton, and 216 from W.
C; at the foot of a low isolated moun-
CLA
121
CLI
tain, which covers it on the north; it
extends along the road for more than
a mile, and contains 1 Presbyterian,
and 1 Congregational church, 2 ta-
verns, 3 stores, and about 30 dwell-
ings, and lies upon, or near, a vein of
gi'cy limestone.
Chesterfield t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. W. and N. by Cross-
wick's creek, which divides it from
Nottingham t-ship, S. E. by Hanover
t-ship, S. W. by Bacon's run and
Black's creek, and W. by the river
Delaware. Centrally distant N. E.
from Mount Holly 12 miles; greatest
length N. and S. 8 miles; greatest
breadth E. and W. 6 miles ; surface
level; soil, generally, sandy, mixed
with clay and loam ; drained by the
creeks mentioned, which flow to the
Delaware river, the bank of which is
here considerably elevated, giving a
picturesque appearance to the country,
especially at and near Bordcntown.
Bordentown and Recklesstown are the
post-towns, and only villages of the
t-ship; population in 1830, 2386. In
1832 the t-ship contained 554 taxa-
bles, whose ratables did not exceed
$30 ; 75 single men, 1030 neat cattle,
and 510 horses, above 3 years old;
10 stores, 1 saw mill, 2 grist mills,
40 tan vats, 6 distilleries for cider, 2
coaches and chariots, 3 phaetons and
chaises, 7 'four horse stages, 10 two
horse stages, 41 dearborns, 58 cover-
ed wagons, 8 chairs and curricles, 17
gigs and sulkies ; and it paid state
tax, $346 49; county tax, $1216 32
and t-ship tax, $1000.
Cheio^s Landing, p-t. of Glouces-
ter t-ship, Gloucester co., upon the
N. branch of Big Timber creek, at
the head of navigation, 9 miles S.
E. from Camden, and 6 N. E. from
Woodbury, 41 S. E. from Trenton,
and 1 49 N. E. from W. C. It is a place
of considerable business in lumber
and cord wood, and contains 2 stores,
2 taverns, 2 grist mills, and between
30 and 40 dwellings, 1 Episcopal and
1 Methodist church.
Clarke sburg, hamlet, of Upper
Freehold t-ship, Monmouth co., on
the road from Wrightsvillc to Free-
hold court-house, 12 miles from the
latter, and 20 from Trenton ; contains
some half dozen dwellings, store and
tavern.
Clarkesborough, p-t. of Greenwich
t-ship, Gloucester co., 5 miles S. W.
from Woodbury, 44 from Trenton,
and 150 from W. C; contains a store,
tavern, and from 25 to 30 dwellings ;
and within 2 miles S. W. there is a
Friend's meeting house.
Clarkesville, (formerly called So-
dom) p-t. of Lebanon t-ship, Hunter-
don CO., on Spruce run, and on the
Musconetcong mountain, on the west-
ern line of the t-ship, 14 miles N. of
Flemington, 37 from Trenton ; con-
tains 1 tavern and store, 2 saw mills,
2 grist mills, and 6 or 8 dwellings;
the surface is very rough and stony,
but parts are productive ; iron abounds
in the mountain, and plumbago is also
found in several places upon it, near
the village.
Clarkesville, small hamlet, of West
Windsor t-ship, Middlesex co., on
the straight turnpike road from Tren-
ton to Brunswick, 7 miles N. E. from
the one, and 18 S. W. from the other;
contains 2 taverns, and 6 or 8 dwell-
ings ; soil good, and country pleasant
around it.
Clementon, village, of Gloucester
t-ship, Gloucester co., on a branch of
Big Timber creek, 5 miles above
Chew's landing, 10 miles S. E. of
Woodbury, and 13 from Camden;
contained formerly some glass works,
at present 1 tavern, store, grist and
saw mills, and some 12 or 15 dwell-
ings ; marl abounds in the vicinity,
and is advantageously used upon the
soil.
Clinton, formerly called Hunt's
Mills, p-t., of Hunterdon co., on the
south branch of Raritan river, at the
point of junction of Lebanon, Bethle-
hem, and Kingwood t-ships, lying
partly in each, and on the turnpike
road leading from Somerville to Eas-
ton ; about 20 miles from the former,
and 17 from the latter; 10 miles N.
E. from Flemington, 33 from Tren-
ton, and 210 from W. C. The town
is built in a valley surrounded on all
CLO
122
COL
sides by liills, which on the N. N. E. I
and N. W., approach closely to it,
but are more distant on the south. It
contains 1 Presbyterian church, 1
common Enghsh, and a Sunday
school, 2 large grist mills, 2 runs oi'
stones each, an oil mill, at which from
8000 to 10,000 bushels of flaxseed
are annu;illy manufactured, a wool-
len manufactory, with fulling mill
and cards for country work, 3 stores,
3 taverns, and 35 dwellings. The
fall used at the water-works here, is
85 feet only, but a very great power
may be obtained, the stream having a
very rapid descent, and large volume.
The surrounding country is very fer-
tile, and carefully tilled, being enrich-
ed by lime made from a grey stone,
which in a broad vein skirts the Mus-
conetcong mountain, and which rises
in cliffs at the village, nearly 100 feet
high. The average product in wheat
here, is rated at 18 bushels the acre,
and fr<jm the best farms 25 bushels
the acre are obtained. Iron ore, and
pliunbago, abound in the neighbour-
ing mountain, and the inhabitants
look for increased prosperity from a
rail-road contemplated to be made
through their town, leading from
Elizabethtown to Belvidere. The
town lies 177 feet above tide water.
By act of 19th February, 1833, au-
thority was given to incorporate a
company for any species of ma-
nufacture here, with a capital of
$120,000.
Clinton Forge, Pompton t-sliip,
Bergen co., on a small stream flowing
from Hanks, Cedar, and Buck ponds,
and em])tying into Pequannock creek,
28 milrs N. W. from ITackensack.
Cloiiinfll Creek, small stream of
Greenwich t-ship, Gloucester co.,
flow ing by a course of 2 or 3 miles
into the Delaware river, opposite to
Little Tinicuin island.
Clonfer, village, of Ilackmsack
t-sliip, Bergen co., 4i miles N. E. of
llackensack town, near the W. foot
of the Palisaile [(ills, surrounded by a
soil of rich loam, contains a tavern, a
store, and from 12 to 15 dwellings.
Closter Mountain, part of the Ber-
gen ridge, Bergen co., Hackensack
a)id Harrington t-ships, forming the
right bank of the North river, and
the Palisades. Its formation is trap,
resting upon red and grey sandstone.
Height about 400 feet; the eastern
side precipitous, the west gently de-
clining; thickly settled and well cul-
tivated; the top generally covered
with wood.
Cloi^e River. (See Deep Clove
River.)
Clove Church, on the bank of
Clove river. Wantage t-ship, Sus-
sex CO.
Cohansey River, rises in Upper
Alloways creek t-ship, Salem co., its
head waters interlocking with those of
Alloways creek. It flows, thence, by a
due S. course of 15 miles, by Bridge-
ton, forming the division line between
Deerfield and Hopewell t-ships, Cum-
berland CO., into Fairfield t-ship;
turning, thence, westerly, it runs
about 8 miles to the town of Green-
wich, and thence by a meandering
course S. W. of 7 or 8 miles, it unites
with the Delaware bay. The river
is banked in, above Greenwich, to
which place it is navigable for large
brigs and schooners; vessels of 80
tons burthen ascend to Bridgeton, 20
miles from the mouth. Above Bridge-
ton the stream is not navigable, but
affords a very valuable Wciter power,
which is used at the town for driving
a rolling and slitting mill, nail factory,
and gristmill, &c. &c. (See Bridge-
ton.)
Cohansey Core, bay of the Cohan-
sey creek, Fairfield t-ship, Cumber-
land CO., an inlet from the Delaware
bay.
Cold Spring Inlet, Lower t-ship,
Ca]ie May co., l)etween Two Mile
Beach, and Poverty Beach, upon the
Atlantic sea-board. It is less than
half a mile in width. It has its name
from a spring about 3 or 4 miles
inland, which sends its tribute to the
ocean by this passage.
Cold Spring, p-t.,oi'howeT t-ship,
Cape May co. Centrally situated on
the road to Cape May Island, i) miles
S. from Cape May court-house, 112
COL
123
COP
from Trenton, and 117 N. E. from
W. C. ; contains 1 tavern, 2 stores,
trom 15 to 20 dwellings, and an Epis-
copal church. It derives its name
from a remarkble spring near it,
which rises in the marsh, and is
overflowed at every tide.
Cold Brook, small tributary of
Lamington river, flowing into it S. W.
from Tewkesbury t-ship, Hunterdon
CO., by a course of about 4 miles,
giving motion to a mill near its
mouth.
Cold Branch, tributary of Hospi-
tality creek, an arm of the Great Egg
Harbour river, Hamilton t-ship, Glou-
cester CO.
Colestoion, hamlet, of Evesham
t-ship, Burlington co., 12 miles S.W.
of Mount Holly, and 3 from Moores-
town; contains an Episcopal church
and several dwellings.
Collard Branch, of the west arm
of Wading river, rises in Northamp-
ton t-ship, Burlington co., and flows
S. W. about 8 miles, to its recipient,
in Washington t-ship, at the head of
the mill pond of Martha furnace.
CoWs Neck, p-t., Shrewsbury
t-ship, Monmouth co., 6 miles N. E.
of Freehold, 206 from W. C, and 41
from Trenton; contains from 15 to
20 dwellings, 1 tavern, 2 stores, 3
grist mills, 2 saw mills, a place of
considerable business, on a soil of
red and fertile sand.
Columbia, village, of Chatham
t-ship, Morris co., on the turnpike
road from Newark to Morristown, 1 3
miles from the one, and 4 from the
other ; contains 1 store, 1 tavei-n,
and 5 or 6 dwellings, in a level plea-
sant country.
Columbia Forge, on Lubber run,
centrally situate in Byram t-ship,
Sussex CO.
Columbia, p-t. and village, of
Knowlton t-ship, on the Delaware
river, near the mouth of Paulinskill,
distant 253 miles from W. C, 94
from Ticnton, and 10 from Belvi-
dere ; contains 2 taverns, a store, a
Presbyterian church, a glass house,
a saw mill, and 20 dwellings. The
town is prettily situated on a high
bank of the river, and surrounded by
a limestone soil, tolerably well culti-
vated. A company was incorporated
by act of 12ih February, 1833, with
authority to employ $100,000 in the
conduct of the glass works here.
Columbia, p-t., of Hopewell t-ship,
Hunterdon co., on the turnj)iko road
from New Brunswick to Lambert-
ville, 10 miles S. E. from Fleming-
ton, 17 N. from Trenton, formerly
called Hopewell Meeting House ; con-
tains 1 Baptist meeting, 2 taverns, 1
store, and 10 or 12 dwellings.
Columbus, or Black Horse, p-t.,
of Mansfield t-ship, Burlington co., 7
miles N. E. of Mount Holly, 5 S. E.
from Bordentown, 13 from Trenton,
and 163 from W. C; contains a ta-
vern, store, and about 30 dwellings,
surrounded by a fertile country.
Communipaw, village, on New
York bay, 2 miles S. of Jersey city,
Bergen t-ship, Bergen co., one of the
earliest settlements of the Dutch, and
remarkable for the tenacious adhe-
rence of its inhabitants to their pri-
mitive costume and manners; some
15 or 20 dwellings, whose inhabi-
tants are chiefly agriculturists.
Congassa Run, tributary of the S.
branch of Toms' river, Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co.
Coope.r''s Creek, Gloucester co.,
rises by two branches, the N. near
the E. boundary of the county, and
the S. on, and forming, the line be-
tween Waterford and Newton and
Gloucester t-ships, uniting N. of
Haddonficld, above which the stream
is not navigable. There are mills on
both branches near their sources.
Cooperstoirn, Willingboro' t-ship,
Burlington co., 7 miles N. W. from
Mount^Holly, and 3 S. W. from Bur-
lington ; contains a Friends' meeting
house, tavern, store, and 8 or 10
dw'ellings.
Copperas Mountain, Pequannock
t-ship, Morris co., on the S. W. side
of Greenpond valley, thus named on
account of the large quantity of the
sulphate of iron found here, and which
was formerly made into the copperas
of commerce.
CRA
124
CRO
Corson's Inlet, a passage of the
sea, through the beach, to the la-
gunes and marshes of Upper t-ship,
Cape May co., about half a mile in
width.
Coursenville, p-t. of Stillwater
t-ship, Sussex CQ., distant by post-
route from W. C. 2S9 miles, I'rom
Trenton 81 miles, and from Newton,
S. W., five miles; contains a store
and some half dozen dwellings; ad-
jacent country, slate.
Cove, small village of Upper Penn''s-
ncck t-ship, Salem co., about 12 or
13 miles N. of Salem, and 2 S. of
Penn's Grove, on the river Delaware;
contains 8 dwellings, a tavern and
store.
Cox Hall Creek, small stream of
Lower t-ship, Cape May co., flowing
into the Delaware bay.
Crabtoicn, Howell t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO.; contains 10 or 12 dwell-
ings, 2 taverns, and a store.
Craft's Creek, Mansfield t-ship,
Burlington co. ; rises near the eastern
border of the t-ship, and flows W.
and N. W. about 9 miles to the river
Delaware, opposite the lower point of
Newbold's island. By act of assem-
bly passed 11th February, 1833, au-
thority was given to mak(> a rail or
Macadamized road from the mouth of
this creek to the neighbourhood of
New Lisbon, a distance of 13 miles
39 chains.
Cranberry p-t., lying partly in
South Brunswick t-ship, and partly
in South Amboy t-ship, Middlesex
CO., on the turnpike road leading
from Bordentown to South Amboy,
16 miles from tlic former, 185 from
W. C, and 15 from Trenton; plea-
santly situated in a level country, and
light sandy soil ; contains a Presby-
terian church with cupola and bell,
an academy, a grist mill, 2 tanne-
ries, 3 taverns, 2 stores, and from
60 to 80 dwellings. Cranberry brook,
tributary of the Millstone river, flows
through the town.
Cranberry Inlet, formerly from
the ocean to Barnegat Bay, between
Island beach and Squam beach.
Crane's Gap, in the first moun-
tain, Bloomfield t-ship, Essex co.,
through which passes the turnpike
road from Newark to Rockaway.
Craven'' s Ferry, p-o., Salem co.
Cropivell, village of Evesham t-sp,
Burlington co., near the western
boundary, 11 miles S. W. of Mount
Holly; contains a tavern, store, 12
or 15 dwellings, and a Quaker meet-
ing house; soil, sandy loam.
Cross Keys, hamlet of Trenton
t-ship, Hunterdon co., on the road
from Trenton to Pennington; con-
tains 4 or 5 dwellings.
Cross Creeks, name given to small
tributaries of Back creek, Fairfield
t-ship, Cumberland co., near the De-
laware bay, which intersect each
other.
Cross Roads, Bedminster t-ship,
Somerset co., between 7 and 8 miles
N. W. of Somerville, on Artie's
brook, in a level, fertile, limestone
country ; contains a store, tavern, and
5 or 6 dwellings.
Cross Roads, hamlet of South
Brunswick t-ship, Middlesex co., 9
miles S. W. Irom New Brunswick;
contains 2 taverns, a store, and seve-
ral dwellings; soil, light and sandy.
Cross Roads, hamlet of Evesham
t-ship, Burlington co., 8 miles S.
from Mount Holly; contains a ta-
vern, a store, a Methodist church,
and 8 or 10 dwellings; soil, sandy
loam.
Crosstmck''s Creek, the Indian name
of which is said to be Clossweeksvnk,
a separation, rises by two branches,
the north in Hanover t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., near Wrightstown ; and
the south in Upper Freehold, Mon-
mouth CO., uniting in the latter t-ship
and county near New Eijypt, thence
running northerly antl north westerly
across Chesterfield t-ship, Burlington
CO., to the River Delaware, at Bor-
dtmtown. It is a steady and service-
able mill-stream, whose course is se-
micircular, and in length about 25
miles ; it is navigable to Grove Mill,
about 6 miles from the mouth ; marl
is frequently found on its banks.
Crosswicks, p-t. of Chesterfield
t-ship, Burlington co., on the high
CUM
125
CUM
southern bank of Crosswick's creek,
4 miles E. from Bordentown, 14 N.
E. from Mount Holly, 174 from
W. C, and 8 S. E. from Trenton ;
contains from 40 to 50 dwellings, a
very large Quaker meeting house and
school, 4 taverns, 5 or 6 stores, a saw
mill and grist mill ; the village is
pleasantly situated in a fertile coun-
try, whose soil is sandy loam ; near
the town is a bed of iron ore, from
which considerable quantities are
taken to the furnaces in the lower
part of the county.
Culverts Pond, Frankford t-ship,
Sussex CO., at the foot of the Blue
mountain ; one of the western sources
of the Paulinskill.
Culverts Gap, in the Blue moun-
tain, between Sandistone and Frank-
ford t-ships, Sussex co., through
which the turnpike road from Milford
passes ; distant from Newton N. W.
10 miles.
Cumberland County, was taken al-
together from Salem, by the act of
19th January, 1748, with the follow-
ing boundaries. Beginning at the
mouth of Stow creek, thence up the
creek to John Buck's mills, leaving
the mills in this county; thence up
Stow creek branch to the house of
Hugh Dunn, leaving such house with-
■ in the new county; thence by a
straight line to Nathan Shaw's house,
also within the new county; thence
by a N. E. course, intersecting the
Pilesgrove line ; thence leaving Piles-
grove, in Salem co., along such line
till it intersects the line dividing the
counties of Gloucester and Salem ;
thence S. E. down the Gloucester
line to the boundaries of Cape May
CO.; thence by such county to the
Delaware bay, and up the bay to the
place of beginning. By the same
act, the county was divided into six
precincts or townships, viz. Green-
wich, Hopewell, Stow creek, Fair-
field, Deerfield, and Maurice river;
to which Milleville, taken from Mau-
rice river and Fairfield t-ships, in
1801, and Downe t-ship, have been
since added. The county is bounded
by the Delaware bay on the S. S. W.,
Salem co. N. W., Gloucester N. E.,
and Cape May co. on the S. E. Its
greatest length is about 30 miles N.
and S., and breadth 30 miles E. and
W. ; area, 524 square miles, or
33,500 acres ; central lat. 39° 20' N. ;
Long. 2° E. from W. C.
Geologically considered, Cumber-
land CO. belongs to the belt of dilu-
vial and alluvial formation, which ex-
tends along the continent of North
America, ti-om Long Island to the
Gulf of Mexico, and contains in
place, the deposits of greenish blue
marl, intermixed with shells, similar
to those found in the limestone and
grauwacke of the transition, and
abundantly in the secondary horizon-
tal limestone and sandstone, with beds
of bog iron ore, and ochre. The ele-
vated ridges between the streams, are
crowned in places with sandstone
and puddingstone cemented with iron
ore. The marl beds yet developed,
lie chiefly on Stow creek, and the
iron ore in Greenwich t-ship. The
marl is used for manure with much
advantage upon the lighter soils, and
its use is daily extending. The sur-
face of the country is generally flat ;
the soil south of Cohansey creek is
generally sandy. A salt marsh ex-
tends along the Delaware bay, in
breadth from half a mile to two
miles, adjoining which, eastwardly,
is a strip of clay and loam, having an
average width of about a mile, tole-
rably fertile and covered with fai'ms.
A prolific marsh borders the creeks,
which are embanked, at various dis-
tances from their mouths, and em-
ployed for grazmg cattle. The
northern part of the county, particu-
larly, that portion of it lying north
and west of the Cohansey creek, is
composed of clay and sandy loam,
on which considerable quantities of
wheat, oats and corn, are grown.
The timber above Cohansey, consists
of white oak, black and red oak, and
hickory, which also characterize the
clay and loam of the western belt.
I Below Cohansey, it is generally pine ;
forests of which cover the greater
portion of the eastern part of the
CUM
126
CUM
county, which, having been generally
once, at least, cut over, are now in
various stages of growth.
The principal streams are Stow
creek on the N. W. boundary; Co-
hansey creek in the N. W. section,
Maurice river running centrally
through the co., and Tuckahoe river
upon the east.
The chief towns are Bridgeton, the
seat of justice, Greenwich, Deerfield,
Roadstown, Millville, Port Elizabeth,
Nantuxet, or Newport, Dividing
Creek, Mauricetown, Bricksboro',
Dorchester, Leesburg, and Marshall-
ville, or Cumberland Works, Ccdar-
ville, and Fairton.
There are in the county 2 fur-
naces, one at Millville, and the other
above Port Elizabeth, on the Mana-
muskin creek; and three extensive
glass manufactories, one at Millville,
one at Port Elizabeth, and the third
at Marshall ville. At the last place,
and on Maurice river, there is con-
siderable ship building, in vessels of
from 50 to 100 tons burthen. Large
quantities of grain are exported from
Bridgeton, and timber and cordwood
from every creek of the county.
The religious sects are Episcopali-
ans, Presbyterians, Baptists, Metho-
dists, and Quakers.
A county Bible society holds its
meetings at Bridgeton, and tempe-
rance societies have been established
with great success in the townships.
The provisions for education consist
of an academy at Bridgeton, another
at Port Elizabeth, and common
schools in the several towns and
townships.
The inhabitants of the county are
derived chiefly from English, Swiss,
and German settlers ; and it is proba-
ble, from several circumstances, that
a colony of Puritans, from Newhaven,
was settled near the margin of the
Delaware so early as 1640, some of
whose descendants may yet remain.
By the census of 1830, the popula-
tion amounted to 14,093, of whom
6723 were white males; 6582 white
females ; 2 female slaves ; 431 free
coloured males; 355 free coloured
females ; of which 27 were aliens, 4
deaf and dumb, and 7 blind.
By the abstract of the assessors,
there were, in 1832, in the county,
2742 taxables, 774 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30 ;
33 single men; 54 storekeepers, or
merchants; two fisheries, 1 woollen
manufactory, 1 cupola furnace, 2
blast furnaces, 44 runs of stones for
grinding grain, 21 saw mills, 1 forge,
1 rolling and slitting mill, 1 fulling
mill, 6 tanneries, 4 glass manufacto-
ries, 4 distilleries for cider, 2053
horses, 5713 neat cattle, above the
age of 3 years, and 9 stud horses.
By the act of 3d November, 1814,
the county sends 3 members to the
Assembly, 1 member to Council.
The courts of common pleas and
general quai'ter sessions, are holden
annually at Bridgeton, on the third
Tuesday of February, the fourth
Tuesday of September, the first Tues-
day of June, and the last Tuesday of
Nov. The circuit court is holden
at the same place on the first Tuesday
of June, and last Tuesday of Novem-
ber, annually.
DEC 127 DEE
STATISTICAL TABLE OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
^
-a
Population.
Townships.
^
Area.
Surface
J
n
generally level.
1810
1820
1830
Deerfield,
11
9
34,000
1889
1903
2417
Downe,
14
iM
58,240
1501
1749
1923
Fairfield,
15
s
46,720
2279
1869
1812
Greenwich,
7
6
13,440
858
890
912
Hopewell,
10
6
20,000
1987
1952
1953
Maurice River,
19
11
79,360
2085
2411
2724
Milleville,
16
16
73,500
1032
1010
1561
Stow Creek,
7
6
10,240
1039
884
791
335,460
12,670
12,668
14,093
Cumberland Furnace, on Mana-
muskin ci-eek, Maurice river t-ship,
about 5 miles above Port Elizabeth,
and 17 east of Bridgeton.
Cumberland Works, (See Mar-
shallville.)
Daretotvn, Pittsgrove t-ship, Salem
CO., near the N. W. boundary, on the
head waters of Salem river, 13 miles,
a little N. of E. from Salemtown;
contains 12 or 14 dwellings, 2 stores,
one Presbyterian, and one Methodist
church.
Dead River, a tributary of the
Passaic river, rising by several branch-
es in the Mine mountain of Bernard
t-ship, Somerset co., and flowing
E. to its recipient, along the N. base
of Stony Hill ; including Harrison's
brook, its longest branch, its length
may be about 9 miles.
I)ayton''s Bridge, post-ofRce, Sa-
lem county.
Danville, post-office, Warren co.
Deal, small hamlet, and watering
place, 220 miles N. E. from W. C^
and 64 from Trenton, on Poplar
Swamp creek, about a mile from the
sea, in Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth
CO., 16 miles E. from Freehold, and
f3 S. of Long Branch boarding houses.
There are several boarding houses at
this place, where from 50 to 100 per-
sons may be comfortably accommo-
dated.
Deckerfown, p-t., of Wantage
t-ship, Sussex co., at the intersection
of the Newton and Bolton, with the
Paterson and Hamburg turnpike
road; 244 miles from W. C, 86
from Trenton, and 14 from Newton.
The town contains a grist mill, a
Presbyterian church, 4 stores, 2 ta-
verns, and from 15 to 20 dwellings,
and lies in a rich limestone country.
Deej) Brook, Caldwell t-ship, Es-
sex CO., rises in the Second mountain,
and flows N. to the Passaic river,
having a semicircular course of 3
or 4 miles, and receiving a small tri-
butary, called Green Brook.
Deep Creek, Lower Alloways
creek t-ship, Salem co., rises in that
t-ship, and flows S. W., a meander-
ing course, through the meadows and
marshes for 7 or 8 miles, to the Dela-
ware. It is not navigable.
Deep Creek, Shrewsbury t-ship,
Monmouth co., makes in from the
ocean, between 1 and 2 miles ; less
than a mile above Shark inlet.
Deep Clove River, a tributary of
Wallkill river; rises at the east foot
of the mountain, in Wantage t-ship,
and flows S. E. by a course of 12
miles, to its recipient; receiving from
the S. W. the Papakating creek, a
short distance below Deckertown.
There are several mills on both these
streams.
Deep, or Great Rtm, a tributary
of the Great Egg Harbour river,
Hamilton t-ship, Gloucester co., into
which it flows from the west, about a
mile below Weymouth furnace.
Deep Rtm, tributary of South ri-
ver, rises in Upper Freehold t-ship,
Monmouth co., and flows by a N. W.
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128
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course of between 8 and 9 miles, to
its recipient, in South Amboy t-ship,
Mickllesex co., a mill stream.
Deerfeld Township, Cumberland
CO., bounded N. E. by Pittsgrove
t-ship, N. W. by Upper AUoways
creek t-ship, Salem co. ; S. by Fair-
field and Millville t-ships, and VV.
by Hopewell t-ship, Cumberland
CO. Greatest length, N. and S. 11
miles, breadth, E. and W. 9 miles;
area, 34,000 acres. Surface, level;
soil, clay, gravel and sand, and not
remarkat)le for fertility, but improv-
ing under the application of marl.
It is drained by the Cohansey creek,
which runs southward along its west-
ern boundary, and by Muddy run, a
branch of Maurice river, which flows
on the S. E. line. Population in 1830,
2,417: In 1832, there were in the
t-ship, taxables, 305; 2 Presbyterian,
1 Baptist and 1 Methodist church;
1 academy and several schools; 118
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30; 11 stores; 9 pairs of
stones for grinding grain ; one wool-
len manufactory; 2 saw mills; 1 full-
ing mill; 316 horses, and 560 neat
cattle, above the age of 3 years ; and
the township paid for township pur-
poses, $500, and for county and state
tax, $835 25. Bridgeton," Deerfield
and Carllsburg are towns of this t-ship.
Deerfeld Street, post town of
Deerfield t-ship, Cumberland co., 7
miles N. of Bridgeton ; 165 miles N.
E. of Washington city, and 63 S.
from Trenton; contains from 20 to
25 dwellings, occupied chiefly by
agriculturists, 1 tavern, 1 store, and
a Presbyterian church.
DelVs Brook, small branch of the
Rockaway river, flowing eastwardly
about 5 miles through Pleasant val-
ley, Randolph t-sliip, Morris co.
Delmrnre Hirer and Bay, called
by the Indians, Poiitaxaf, Marisqve-
ton, Makerish-itton, Mdl-eriskkiskon,
Lenape- Wihitftick (stream of the Le-
nape,) by the Dutch, ^7/7/c7^ or South
river, Charles river, and Nassau river,
and by the Swedes, New Swedeland
stream, one of the most considerable
in N. America, rises by two princi-
pal branches, in the state of New
York. The northernmost, the Mo-
hawk or Cooqvago, issues from Lake
Utsaemthe lat. 42° 45', takes a S. W.
course, and turning S. E. crosses
the Pennsylvania line in lat. 42°.
Seven miles below this point it re-
ceives the Popachton branch, which
rises in the Katskill mountain, from
the S. E. It touches the N. W. cor-
ner of N. Jersey, in lat. 41° 24', at
Carpenter's Point, at the mouth of
the Nevisink or Mackackomack ri-
ver. The course of the current,
above and below the Blue mountain,
is crooked; and is through a moun-
tainous country, until it leaves the
Water Gap. The Delaware Water
Gap is one of the greatest natural cu-
riosities of the state. It would seem,
from the quantity of alluvial lands,
above the mountain, that at some
remote period, a dam of great
height, here, impeded the progress of
the river. Had the dam been half as
high as the mountain, it would have
turned the water into the North river.
It may have had an elevation of 150
or 200 feet, forming a lake of more
than 50 miles in length; extending
over the Minisink settlements. It
has been conjectured that this dam
was engulphed by some gi-eat con-
vulsion of the earth ; and the opinion
is supposed to be sustained by the ex-
traordinary depth of the channel in
several places of its passage through
the mountain. An hundred years
ago the boatmen I'cported, that they
could not reach the bottom with their
longest lines ; and even now we are
informed that the bottom in these
places cannot be attained with two
plough lines attached to each other.
But we see nothing in these appear-
ances that renders it necessary to
resort to the conjecture, that an earth-
quake was emjiloyed to open an ade-
quate passage for the river, and that
it performed its ofRce with such ac-
curacy, and economy of power, as to
do no more than was indispensable,
and to leave the rugged and lofty
wall, 1600 feet high, rising almost
precipitously from the water's edge,
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129
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unbroken. The distance through the
mountain is about two miles. The rock
presents a great variety of strata, in
which granitic rock, slate, grauwacke
and the old sandstone alternate. The
sandstone is, at one place, at least,
and probably at others, so soft as to
disintegrate rapidly. At the place re-
ferred to, the water has scooped out a
basin from the hill of many acres in
extent, which are now under cultiva-
tion. Before the bed of the river was
broken down, there must have been
a cataract here, higher than that of
Niagara. Supposing the waters to
have been poured over the precipice
upon a bed of soft or disjointed stones,
very deep excavations must have
been made, which the great mass of
waters, in seasons of freshet, would
continue to preserve. It is probable
that, so much of the mountain as
forms the present bed of the river
was, throughout, of soft or very fria-
ble material. The stream has obvi-
ously sought the most practicable
passage ; and to attain it, has formed
an almost riffht-angled course through
the mountain. Whatever may have
been the resistance, the conquest has
been complete, and it now flows
through the deep ravine in calm and
silent majesty, without a ripple to
tell of its whereabout; and occasion-
ally resting in motionless pools, of
from two to three hundred yards
wide, as if to reflect the picturesque
scenery which surrounds and hangs
over it.
The lovers of diversified nature
cannot visit this spot without high
gratification. The " Gap," the
break, in the almost unvarying line
of the Kittatinny mountain is visible
at nearly as groat a distance as the
mountain itself. As we approach it
from the S. E., the ground rises ra-
pidly, almost precipitously, differing
in this particular, as do all the moun-
tain ranges of our country, from the
N. VV. declivity, whose descent is long
and gradual. At the entrance, the sides
of the mountain, close to the water's
edge, leave scarce room for a road,
overhung by immense masses of rock,
threatening destruction to the travel-
ler beneath. The passage, however,
widens as we proceed, and the scene-
ry assumes a less imposing character.
Verdant isles stud the bosom of the
stream, and contrast beautifidly with
the rocky and wood-clad eminences,
which now have a more rounded
form. These islands are rich, and
bear the most luxurious harvests.
About two-thirds of the way through
the mountain from the Jersey shore,
may be seen, most advantageously,
near Dutotsburg, on the Pennsylva-
nia bank, the pretty cascade formed
by Cherry creek, which precipitates
its waters in foam and spray, over a
declivity of more than 50 feet.
" The sunl)ow's rays still arch
The torrent with the many hues of heav'n,.
And roll the sheeted silver's waving co-
lumn
O'er the crags headlong perpendicular,
And fling its lines of foaming light along,
And to and fro, like the pale courser's tail,
The giant steed, to be bestrode by Death,^
As told in the Apocalypse." — Byron.
On the top of the mountain, 2 miles
from the " Gap," is a large chalybeate
spring, which deposits much ferrugi-
nous ochre, similar to that of the Paint
spring of Freehold t-ship, Monmouth
CO. ; and, also, a deep lake, near a
mile in circumference, well stored
with fish. The margin of the river,
above the mountain, is narrow, but
very fertile ; and, on the Pennsylva-
nia side, abounds in lime. A road
follows each bank through the njoun-
tain. That on the Jersey shore,
rough, but safe, was made in the year
1830, by the aid of a donation of
$2000 from the state. Before its
completion, we are told, that the in-
habitants, north of the mountain, made
their way over the precipices by means
of ladders of ropes.
We know no more admirable spot
for a summer retreat than at the
foot of the mountain, on the north
side of the Gap. Here might be en-
joyed the charms of diversified and al-
ways delightful scenery; a revivify-
ing breeze, which follows the river
through the sinuosities of its valley —
fine rides on its banks, into the rich
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130
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limestone country of the Wallpack;
renovated vigour I'rom the bracing mi-
neral fountain; fine fishing upon the
lake, the river and mountain brooks,
of which the richest spoil is the gilded
perch and speckled trout ; and the
more manly exercise of shooting, the
country abounding in game. A good
house established at Brotzmanville,
upon the prattling stream, which there
makes the air musical, and which
might be used with great convenience
for baths, and other purposes, we
think would be much encouraged,
provided the road through the moun-
tain be kept in good order.
From New Jersey, the principal
tributaries to the Delaware, above
tide water, are Flatkill, Paulinskill,
Pequest, Musconetcong, Laokatong,
the Wickhechccoke, and the Assun-
pink ; below tide, the Crosswicks,
Rancocus, Cooper's, Oldman's, Sa-
lem, Stow, and Cohansey creeks, and
Maurice river. At Easton, the Dela-
ware receives, from Pennsylvania,
the Lehigh river. From the South
mountain, below Easton, to the tide
water at Trenton, the river has a S.
W. course of about 60 miles, in which
there are 25 noted rapids, with an
aggregate fall of 165 feet. But the
navigation has been improved, and is
safe at the ordinary height of the wa-
ter. From Easton to Bristol, the
Delaware division of the Pennsylva-
nia canal has been completed, and in
connexion with the Lehigh canal, af-
fords advantageous communication
with the cf)al mines, and the valley of
theLohiiili river. Two surveys have
been made for a canal along the val-
ley of the Delaware from Easton to
Carpenter's Point.
The Delaware and Raritan canal
receives its water by a feeder, which
taps thi; river on the left bank, about
23 miles above Trenton. The Mor-
ris canal ent<'rs the river below Phil-
lipsburg, and <i|»p(tsitf to l')aston.
At Camden, opposite Philadelphia,
the river is divided into two channels,
by Petfy's and Smith's islands. The
western, near the centre of Phila-
delphia, is 900 feet wide, with a mean
depth of 30 feet; the eastern is 2100
feet wide, with a mean depth of 9 feet ;
the whole area equal to 46,350 feet,
affording a commodious and safe har-
bour, to which ships of the line may
ascend.
At the head of the bay, at Dela-
ware City, and opposite to Fort Dela-
ware, which commands the passage
of the river ; the Delaware and Che-
sapeake canal, 14 miles in length,
connects this with the Chesapeake
bay, and its many tributary rivers.
This point is distant from Camden 45
miles, and the bay extends, thence, 75
miles to the ocean, with a width vary-
ing from 3 to 30 miles, occupying an
area of 630,000 acres. Its naviga-
tion is difficult and dangerous, being
infested with shoals, which often prove
destructive. It opens into the Atlan-
tic, between Cape Henlopen, on the
S. E., and Cape May, on the N. E.,
which are about 20 miles apart. The
length of the bay and river, to the
head of tide, at Trenton, is 155
miles. A 74 gun ship may ascend
to Philadelphia, 120 miles; sloops,
to Trenton falls; boats, of 8 or 10
tons, 100 miles above them; and ca-
noes 150 miles higher.
Below Port Penn, 70 miles from
the sea, the bay affords no safe har-
bourage ; nor is there S. of New York,
for several hundred miles, any place,
where a vessel, during the rudest sea-
son of the year, when approach to the
coast is most dangerous, may seek
protection against the elements. The
losses from this cause have induced
the national government to form an
artificial port, or breakwater, at the
entrance of the bay. The law for
this purpose was enacted, in 1828-9,
and the work is in steady progression,
and will be speedily com])leted. The
anchorage ground, or roadstead, is
formed by a cove in the southern
shore, directly west of Cape Henlo-
pen; and the seaward end rests on an
extensive shoal, calk'd the Shears;
the tail of ^v•hich makes out from the
shore aliout 5 miles up the bay, near
Broialkill creek ; whence it extends
eastward, and terminates at a point,
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131
DEN
about 2 miles to the N. of the sliore,
at the cape. The breakwater con-
sists of an isolated dyke, or wall of
stone; the transversal section of
which is a trapezium, the base rest-
ing on the bottom, and the summit
line forming the top of the work.
The other sides represent the inner
and outer slopes of the work ; that to
the seaward being the greater. The
inward slope is 45°, the top horizon-
tal, 22 feet in breadth, and raised 5^
feet above the highest spring tides ;
the outward, or sea slope, is 39 feet
in altitude, on a base of 105| feet;
both these dimensions being measured,
in relation to a horizontal plane, pass-
ing by a point 27 feet below the low-
est spring tides. The base bears to
the altitude nearly the same ratio as
similar lines in the profiles of the Cher-
bourg and Plymouth breakwaters.
The opening or entrance from the
ocean is 650 yards wide, between the
north part of the cape and east end of
the breakwater, and will be accessible
by all winds from the sea. The
Breakwater, proper, is a dyke in a
straight line from E. S. E. to W. N.
W., 1200 yards in length. At the
distance of 350 yards from the upper
or western end, that space forming
the upper entrance, a similar dyke,
500 yards long, is projected in a di-
rect line W. by S. \ S., forming an
angle of 146° 15' with the breakwa-
ter. This part of the work is design-
ed as an icebreaker.
The whole length of the two dykes
will be 1700 yards, and they will con-
tain, when finished, 900,000 cubic
yards of basalt and granite rock,
weighing from a quarter of a ton to
three tons, and upwards. The depth
of water, at low tide, is from 4 to six
fathoms, over a surface of 7 tenths of
a square mile. Although unfinished,
this magnificent work has already
proved its utility, saving many vessels
and many valuable lives.
There are five bridges erected over
the Delaware river, viz. at Trenton,
at Lambertville, at Prallsville, at
Philipsburg, and at Columbia. Au-
thority has also been given to erect a
bridge over the river at Philadelphia,
and another opposite Taylorsville.
The Delaware and Hudson canal
crosses the river by means of a dam,
constructed below the mouth of the
Lackawaxan.
Den Brook, mill stream and tri-
butary of the Rockaway river, rises
in Randolph t-ship, Morris co., and
flows by a course N. E., about 8
miles along the N. W. base of Trow-
bridge mountain, to its recipient near
Danville.
Dennis's Creek t-ship, Cape May
CO., bounded N. E. by Upper t-ship,
S. E. by the Atlantic ocean, S. by
Middle t-ship, S. W. by Delaware
Bay, W. and N. W. by Maurice
River t-ship, Cumberland co. Cen-
trally distant from Cape May court-
house N. 9 miles ; greatest length E.
and W. 14 miles ; breadth N. and S.
8i miles ; area, 43,500 acres. Den-
nis's creek runs on the S. W. bor-
der, through a very extensive cedar
swamp, and the northern part of the
t-ship consists of sandy plains ; the
population in 1830 was 1508. In
1832 the t-ship contained about 300
taxables, 198 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed '$30 ; 3 grist
mills, 7 saw mills, 2 carding ma-
chines, 8 stores, and 1 85 horses, 503
head of neat cattle, over 3 years of
age ; it paid t-ship tax, $94 2*7 ; state
tax, 162 75; and county tax, $503
54. Part of Ludlam's beach fronts
the ocean, between which and Leam-
ing's beach, the tide rushes in over
the marshes and lagunes which bor-
der the eastern boundary for a breadth
of about 2 miles. Dennis's Creek is
the post-town. There are 2 churches
in the t-ship.
Dennis''s Creek, p-t. of Dennis's
Creek t-ship, Cape May co., at the
head of the riavigation of Dennis's
creek, 6 or 7 miles from the Dela-
ware bay, 7 miles N. from Cape May
court-house, 194 from W. C, and 97
from Trenton ; contains from 30 to
40 dwellings, 2 taverns, 5 stores, and
a tide grist mill. The town is built
on both sides of the creek, extending
each way, about half a mile. Ship
Die
132
DOV
building and trade in lumber are car-
ried oil fxteiisively here. The coun-
try around it, above the marsh, is of
sandy loam.
Denn's Branch, of Stow creek, a
small tributary of Stow creek, Salem
CO., flowing westerly into its recipient
by a course of 3 or 4 miles.
Denville, p-t. of Hanover t-ship,
Morris co., on the right bank of the
Rockaway river, 7 miles N. of Mor-
ristown, 231 N. E. from W. C, and
65 Irom Trenton ; contains a store,
tavern, cider distillery, and 6 or 8
dwellings.
DevWs Brook, small tributary of
the Millstone river, in South Bruns-
wick t-sliip, Middlesex co., flowing S.
W. about 5 miles to the river.
Deptford t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded N. E. by Gloucester t-ship,
S. E. by Hamilton t-ship, S. W. by
Greenwich t-ship, and N. W. by the
river Delaware. Greatest length N.
W. and S. E. 25, and breadth 7
miles; area, 57,600 acres; surface
level ; soil sandy : in the northern
part, grass, vegetables, and fruit are
successfully cultivated ; the southern
is chiefly pine forest, valuable for
tiiTiber and cord wood. It is drained
northward by Big Timber creek ;
Mantua creek on the west boundary ;
and southward by Innskeeps, Squan-
kum, and Faraway, branches of the
(ireat Egg Ihirbour river. Iron ore,
and some chalybeate waters are found
within 2 miles of Woodbury. Wood-
bury, the seat of justice for the coun-
ty, Malaga, and Glassborough, are
post-towns of the t-ship: population
in 1830, 3.599. In 1832 the town-
ship contained 449 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed ^30
in value, 19 stores, 8 fisheries, 6
grist mills, 1 cotton and 1 woollen
manufactory, 1 carding machine, 9
saw mills, 1 ferry, 1 distillery, 1
glass factory, 13H9 neat cattle, and
672 hnrs(!s and nudes abov(^ the a^e
of 3 years.
Dichrrson, the seat of the Hon.
iNhihldii Dickerson, former Governor
of New Jersey, and n'|)i-cscntative of
that state in the United States Senate,
and the site of one of the most ex-
tensive and valuable iron mines in
the state; ten miles N. W. from
Morristown, Randolph t-ship, Morris
county, upon the northern part, or
continuation of Schooley's mountain.
Dillon's Lahding, Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co., on the north side of
Toms' river bay, about 2 miles from
its confluence with Barnegat bay.
Dividing Creek, Downe t-ship,
Cumberland co., rises centrally in
the t-ship, and flows southerly by a
very crooked course of 10 or 12
miles, into Maurice creek cove, in
Delaware bay. It is navigable to the
village of Dividing Creek.
Diinding Creek, p-t. of Downe
t-ship, Cumberland co., about 17
miles S. of Bridgeton, 86 from Tren-
ton, and 192 N. E. fromW. C; con-
tains from 25 to 30 dwellings, a store,
tavern, and grist mill.
Dogtown, a mountain hamlet, on
the line separating Amwell from
Kingwood t-ship, Hunterdon co., 5
miles N. W. from Flemington ; con-
tains a tavern, a wheelwright shop,
and two or three cottages.
Doctor^s Creek, branch of the
Crosswicks, rises near Clarkeville, in
the eastern part of Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., and flows by a
west course of about 14 miles, by Im-
laystown and Allentown, to its reci-
pient near the Sand Hills in Notting-
ham t-ship, Burlington co., turning
several mills by the way.
Dorchester, village, of Maurice
river t-ship, Cumberland co., on the
Icfl: bank of the river, about 10 miles
from the Delaware bay, and 20 S. E.
from Bridgeton ; contains between 30
and 40 dwellings, 1 tavern, and 2
stores. The soil about it is sand3\
Dorson\s Brook, tributary of the
north branch of Raritan river. Mend-
ham t-ship, Morris co., having a
course on and near the west t-ship
line of about 4 or 5 miles.
/>orer t-sliip, Monmouth co., bound-
ed N. by Howell and Freehold t-ships,
E. by the Atlantic Ocean, S. by Staf-
ford t-ship, S. W. by Northampton
and Hanover f-ships, Burlington co.,
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133
DRA
and N. W. by Upper Freehold. Cen-
trally distant S. from Freehold, 24
miles ; greatest length E. and VV. 22 ;
breadth N. and S. 17 miles; area,
including Barnegat bay, and the At-
lantic beach, 200,000 acres. It ex-
tends from the Atlantic Ocean to the
western line of the county. Surface
generally level, but there are some
hills in the south, at the head of
Forked river, called Forked River
mountains; soil, generally sand or
light gravel, covered with pine forest,
whence enormous quantities of tim-
ber and cord wood are taken for the
New York market, and for the supply
of iron works in the t-ship. It is
drained E. by Toms' river and its
several branches. Cedar creek, and
Forked river; on the W. by some
branches of the Rancocus. Toms'
river, Cedar creek, and Goodluck, are
villages; the two first post-towns of
the t-ship. Population in 1 830, 2898.
In 1832, the t-ship contained about
550 taxables, 201 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed 30 dol-
lars, 72 single men, 9 stores, 7 saw
mills, 2 grist mills, 3 blast furnaces,
350 horses and mules, and 925 neat
cattle, 3 years old and upwards; and
paid in state and county taxes,
i|1265 00.
Dover, p-t. of Randolph t-ship, Mor-
ris CO., on the Rockaway I'iver, 8
miles N. W. from Morristown, 233
N. E. from VV. C, and 67 from Tren-
ton ; the mountains recede here, and
form a small plain, on which the town
is built, on several streets and on both
sides of the river, which is passed by
one, perhaps more bridges. It con-
tains 3 large rolling and slitting mills,
boring and turning engines, a cupola
furnace or foundery, and saw mill, the
property of the heirs of the late Mr.
M'Farlane, of New York, a factory
of machinery, owned by W. Ford, a
bank with an actual capital of $50,000
and the right to extend it to $150,000,
an academy, used also as a church,
and about 30 dwellings; much busi-
ness has formerly been done here;
the Morris canal descends into the
valley by an inclined plane and 4
locks ; a valuable iron mine, known
as " Jackson's," near the town, is
extensively worked, and governor
Dickerson's mine is about 3 miles
distant.
Downe t-ship, Cumberland co.,
bounded N. by Fairfield and Mille-
ville t-ship, E. by Maurice river,
S. and W. by the Delaware. Cen-
trally distant, S. E. from Bridgeton,
14 miles; greatest length E. and W.
14, breadth N. and S. 12 miles ; area,
58,240 acres; surface, level; soil,
marsh upon the bay and Maurice
river; loam for a narrow strip of
about a mile in width, adjoining the
marsh, the remainder sandy. Mau-
rice river follows the whole of the
east boundary; Nantuxet creek the
north-west, between which flows Di-
viding, Oranoken, Fishing, Broad,
Oyster, and Fortescue creeks. Po-
pulation in 1830, 1923; in 1832,
there were in the t-ship, taxables,
310, householders 93, whose ratables
did not exceed $30 ; stores 6, grist
mills 5, saw mills 2, carding ma-
chine 1 ; 120 horses, 901 cattle above
the age of 3 years ; Mauricetown,
Newport, Dividing Creek, Port Nor-
ris, and Buckshutem, are villages of
the t-ship, of which the three first are
post-towns.
Double Pond, a sheet of water in
the Wawayanda mountain, Sussex
CO., which sends forth northwardly a
small stream called Double Pond
creek, which unites with Warwick
creek, in the state of New York.
Drakestown, Morris co., on the
line dividing Washington from Rox-
bury t-ship, on the road from Morris->
town to Hackettstown, 15 miles from
the former and three from the latter,
and upon Schooley's mountain ; con-
tains a store, and from 12 to 15
dwellings.
Drakesville, Roxbury t-ship, Mor-
ris CO., on the turnpike road leading
from Morristown by Stanhope fur-
nace, 12 miles N. E. from the for-
mer, and upon the Morris canal ; con-
tains a tavern, a store, and from 12
to 15 dwellings. The country on
the S. and S. E. is level, sandy, and
DUG
134
EDG
poor ; on the N. hilly and rough, but
improving by the use of Ume.
Drowned Lands, on tlie line sepa-
rating Wantage irom Vernon t-ships,
Sussex CO., and extending thence
into CR'ange co., of New York.
This is a morass of unusual extent
for the northern states, and celebrated
for the yearly inundation to which it
is subject, and the malaria which it
occasions during the autumn. It is
twenty miles long, and varies in
breadth from 1 to 5 miles. Through
it flows the Wallkill, with a current
scarce perceptible, to whose waters,
when swelled by the spring freshets,
it owes its annual submergence. It
is composed of an accumulation of ve-
getable matter, whose surface is im-
perfectly converted into soil, abound-
ing with carbonaceous substance, em-
pyrcumatic oil, and gallic acid, and
covered in midsummer with rank and
luxuriant vegetation. The ditches,
made in several places, in forming
roads across it, disclose peat of excel-
lent quality. This equivocal lake en-
circles several islands, the largest of
which contains 200 acres of excellent
land, well cultivated ; the smaller ones
are uninhabited, and generally cover-
ed with wood, among which the beau-
tiful flowering shrub. Rhododendron
Maximum, laurelled leaved rose tree,
grows abundantly. The rocks on the
island, and upon the borders of the
morass, indicate that it reposes on
blue chcrty limestone; but in one
place, at least the island near Wood-
ville, primitive limestone, the rock of
the neighbouring country appears.
No successful eifurt has yet been
made to drain this vast swamp, which
is abandoned as pasturing ground to
cattle on the sui)si(lcncc of the spring
inundation, fur a few weeks only, and
is for the rest of the year a desolate
waste.
• Dry Branch, tributary of Paulin's
creek, Knowlton t-p. Warren co.
Duck Island, in the Delaware ri-
ver, above Hordentown, in Nottinir.
ham township, iiurlingfon county. It
is somewhat more than a mile in
length.
Dimker Pond, south of Bear Fort
mountain, Pompton t-ship, Bergen co.,
sends forth a small tributary to the
Pequannock creek.
Dunks's Ferry, a noted and long
established ferry on the Delaware ri-
ver, Willingboro' t-ship, Burlington
CO., 4 miles below the city of Burling-
ton.
Dyer's Creek, a small marsh
stream of Middle t-ship. Cape May
CO., which flows into the Delaware,
after a course of 3 or 4 miles.
Dutch Neck, viHage of W. Wind-
sor t-ship, Middlesex co., 18 miles S.
W. from Trenton ; contains a tavern
and 3 or 4 stores ; soil, gravelly and
poor.
East Creek, mill stream of Dennis
t-ship. Cape May co., flowing about
7 miles S. W. into the Delaware bay.
East Windsor. (See Windsor,
East.)
Eayrstown, village of Northamp-
ton t-ship, Burlington co., on the S.
branch of Rancocus creek, near the
junction of Haines' creek with that
stream, and at the head of tide, be-
tween 3 and 4 miles S. W. from
Mount Holly ; contains a cotton fac-
tory, a grist mill, saw mill, fulling
mill, 1 tavern, 1 store, and 12 or 15
dwellings; soil, sandy loam, fertile
and well cultivated.
Edinburgh, W. Windsor t-ship,
Middlesex co., on the Assunpink
creek, 18 miles S. W. from N. B.,
and 8 miles E. of Trenton; contains
a Presbyterian church of wood, 1
store, 1 tavern, a grist mill, and 12
or 14 dwellings; soil, sandy and
light.
Eaton, p-t. of Shrewsbury t-ship,
Monmouth co., 2 miles S. from
Shrewsburytown, upon Shrewsbury
river, 11 miles from Freehold, 48
from Trenton, and 213 from W. C,
on a branch of Swimming I'iver, 1^
miles above navigable water; con-
tains about 30 dwellings, 5 or 6 stores,
2 taverns, a grist mill, and an aca-
demy, in a pleasant and fertile coun-
try. '
Edgepeling, a tributary of Atsion
river, rising in Evesham t-ship. Bur-
EGG
135
EGG
^ lington CO., and flowing by a south-
^ erly course of 8 or 9 mileSj to its re-
cipient in Washington t-ship.
Egg Harbour, Little, t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., bounded N. by Oswego,
or east branch of Wading river,
which separates it from Northampton
t-ship, S. E. by StafFoi'd t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., S. by Little Egg Harbour
river and bay, and W. by Washington
t-ship. Centrally distant from Mount
Holly, S. E. 35 miles; greatest length
N. and S. 20 miles ; breadth E. and
W. 10 miles; area, 76,800 acres,
including bays and inlets; surface,
level; soil, gravel and sand. The
northern part of the township, call-
ed the Plains, is of the former, cover-
ed with low pines and scrub oaks,
forming an excellent covert for deer
and grouse, which find abundant food
in the mast produced by the latter.
The southei'n part of the t-ship is
sandy, covered with forest. It is
drained chiefly by branches of Little
Egg Harbour river, of which Bass ri-
ver is here the chief. Tuckerton,
upon Shorl's mill branch, is the post-
town. Population in 1830, 1490. Li
1832, the t-ship contained 150 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed $30; 347 taxables, 51 single
men, 6 stores, 4 saw mills, 3 grist
mills, 1 two horse stage, 7 dearborns,
36 covered wagons, 10 gigs and sul-
kies, 640 neat cattle, 170 horses and
mules ; and it paid state tax, $127 48 ;
county tax, $444; road tax, $300.
Egg Harbour Bay, Little, partly
in Little Egg Harbour t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., and partly in StaflxDrd
t-ship, Monmouth co. ; extends about
14 miles in length, and from 2 to 4
in breadth, from Little Egg Harbour
inlet to Barnegat inlet, and contains
many islands, the haunts of ducks,
geese, and sea-fowl.
Egg Harbour, Little, or Mullica''s
River, rises by several branches in
Burlington and Gloucester cos.; the
chief of which are Batsto river, near
Burlington, Atsion river, on the boun-
dary between the two counties, Me-
chescalaxin and Nesochcaque, which
unite near Pleasant Mills, 25 miles
from the sea. Hg»lf way below this
point. Wading and Bass rivers blend
with the main stream, which is navi- ^ij
gable, for sloops, to Batsto furnace, '"''
25 miles. The Little Egg Harbour
bay and inlet, and Great bay, form
a sheet of salt water, separated from
the ocean by Brigantine, Tucker's
and Long beaches, the connnunica-
tion with which, from the sea, is chief-
ly by the New inlet, which admits
vessels of from 15 to 18 feet draught,
many of which, during the late war,
entered and discharged valuable car-
goes. The Old inlet, to the north
from Tucker's island, is now little
used, except for vessels of very light
burden. The collection district of
Little Egg Harbour, comprehends
the shores, waters, bays, rivers and
creeks, from Barnegat inlet to Bri-
gantine inlet, both inclusively. Tuck-
erton is the sole port of entry, at which
the collector resides.
Egg Harbour River, Great, rises
in Gloucester t-ship, Gloucester co.,
by Inskeep's branch, and flows a S.
E. course through Deptford, Hamil-
ton, Weymouth, and Egg Harbour
t-ships, to the ocean, about 45 miles ;
receiving in its way several, but not
very considerable tributaries, on either
hand, and draining a wide extent of
sandy soil and pine forest. It is na-
vigable for sloops of considerable bur-
den, above May's Landing, more than
25 miles; and from this point flows
through a continued marsh. Large
quantities of wood, coal, and lumber,
are annually exported from this river.
Great Egg Harbour bay is entered
by Great Egg Harbour inlet, between
Absecum and Peck's beaches. The
bay is about five miles long, and has
a very irregular breadth, varying
from half a mile to 4 miles. The
inlet, at its mouth, is more than a
mile in width, and communicates with
the bay by several channels.
Egg Harbour t-ship, Gloucester
CO., bounded N. E. by Absecum
creek, bay, and inlet, which separate
it from Galloway t-ship ; S. E. by the
Atlantic ocean ; S. W. by Great Egg
Harbour inlet, bay, and river, and N.
ELI
136
ELI
W. by Hamilton t-sliip. Centrally
distant from Woodbury S. E. 48
miles; greatest length E. and W.
12; breadth N. and S. 12 miles;
area, 85,000 acres, including beaches,
bays, and rivers ; surl'ace level ; marsh
several miles in width, within the
beach; sandy elsewhere, and, gene-
rally, covered with jiine forest. Bar-
gaintovvn and Somers' Point are post-
towns of the t-ship; population in
1830, 2510. In 1832 the t-ship con-
tained 122 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; 5 stores, 2
grist mills, 1 carding machine, 6 saw
mills, 510 neat cattle, and 260 horses
and mules; and paid county taxes,
$307 59.^; poor tax, $153 90; road
tax, $M00.
Great Egg Harbour, collection
district, comprehends the river of
Great Egg Harbour, together with
all the inlets, bays, sounds, rivers,
and creeks, along the sea coast,'from
Brigantine inlet to Cape May.
Egg Island, Downe t-ship, Cum-
berland CO., Dt>laware bay, off the
western point of Maurice Cove, of a
triangular form, extending about half
a mil(^ upon each side.
Egg Island, false, a point of Downe
t-ship, about 4 miles higher up the
bay, than the foregoing, and which,
from similarity of configuration, is
oitrn mistaken for it.
Egg Islands, Barnegat bay, Dover
t-ship, Monmouth co., about 3 miles
below the mouth of Toms' bay, each
near a mile in length.
Eight Mile Branch, of Cedar
creek, Dover t-ship, Monmouth co.,
rises west of the Forked mountains,
and flows eastwardly to its recipient.
Elizahethtoxcn, and t-ship, Essex
CO., thus named after Lady Elizabeth
Carteret, the wife and executrix of
Sir (Jeorge (Jarteret. The town lies
upon Elizabeth creek, 1^ miles W.
from a point of fast land, runninjr
through the marsh to Staten Island
Sound, and on the turnpike; road and
rail-road, from New Brunswick to
New York, 17 miles by the post
road from the former, and 15 from
the latter; 42 from Trenton, and 210
from W. C; pleasantly situated, in
a level and fin-tile country, of clay
loam; contains 400 dwellings, 3
handsome churches of brick, one be-
longing to the Episcopalians, and two
to the Presbyterians, the first congre-
gation of whom, is, probably, as old
as the town, itself; and 1 Methodist
church, of wood. There were two
churches in this town, in 1748, which
the Swedish traveller, Kalm, prefer-
red to any in Philadelphia: 2 tem-
perance societies, having together
450 members, whose beneficial influ-
ence is said to be extensively felt,
there not being a distillery in the
t-ship, and all the respectable farmers
conducting their labours without the
stimulus of ardent spirit; a bank
called the " State Bank at Eliza-
beth,^^ with an authorized capital of
$200,000, of which $132,924, have
been paid in, conducted reputably
and profitably ; 5 taverns in the town
and two at the Point ; 9 stores, at none
of which is ardent spirit sold ; 1 book
store, 2 boarding schools for girls, at
which there arc about 100 pupils from
various parts of the country ; 1 clas-
sical boarding school for boys, con-
taining 40 boarders, under the care
of the Reverend Mr. Halsey, all of
which are in high repute; 2 public
libraries, one religious, the other mis-
cellaneous, called the Elizabethtown
Apprentices' Library, much and ad-
vantageously used ; 1 printing office,
from which is issued the newspaper
called the New Jersey Journal, origi-
nally founded by the venerable judge
Hallock, at Chatham, in 1779, re-
moved to this town in 1786, and con-
ducted by him for nearly half a cen-
tury; an oil mill, large grist and saw
mill, 2 large saw mills for cutting
mahogany, with circular saws for
veneers; 2 large oil cloth manufac-
tories, belonging to the same compa-
ny ; 2 earthenware, and 1 earthen
and stoneware jiotteries; flax works,
which brc^ak and dress 2 tons per
day, driven by steam; a rope, twine,
and cotton bagging factory, also
driven by steam, and employing 20
hands; 2 tin, sheet iron, and stove
ELI
137
ELS
factories, 1 clock manufactory, and 1
shears manufactory, moved by steam ;
2 carriage makers, 2 tanneries, one
of which dresses oil, morocco, and
alum, leather; 1 iron foundery for
making malleable castings, connected
with which is a steam engine factory,
and machine shop, worked by steam ;
and a book bindery. .
The town or t-ship is bounded N.
by Newark t-ship, E. by Newark
bay and Staten Island Sound, S. by
Rahway, and W. by Union t-ships;
greatest length N. E. and S. W. 5
miles; breadth, 3| miles; area, 10,000
acres ; soil, red shale, clay, loam,
and marsh ; from the last of which,
large quantities of grass are cut,
chiefly for manure. The soil is of
excellent quality, and repays the la-
bour of the husbandman abundantly.
Bound Brook runs on the north, and
Morss Brook on the south boundary.
There are 470 dwellings in the t-ship,
and the population was, in 1830,
3455. In 1832, the t-ship contained
550 taxables, 235 householders, whose
ratable estate did not exceed 30 dol-
lai's, 83 single men, 22 merchants,
289 horses and mules, 579 neat cat-
tle over 3 years of age ; and it paid
in 1833, state tax, .1^3 13 13; county,
$819 17; road, $800; poor, $900.
The t-ship has a house and farm of
50 acres, upon which its poor are
kept.
This town was the first English
settlement made in the state. The
land was purchased for a company
called the Elizabethtown Associates,
from the Indians in 1664. These
Associates, 74 in number, were origi-
nally from Jamaica, Long Island.
They held adversely to Berkeley and
Carteret, the grantees of the Duke of
York; and their pertinacious adhe-
rence to the right, real, or supposed,
obtained under the Indian grant, ^\'us
cause of disturbance and commotion,
not only during the government of
the proprietaries, but for many years
of the royal administration. During
the revolution, the town suffered much
from its contiguity to New York. On
the 21st January, 1780, the first
Presbyterian church was burned by
the British, and in the following No-
vember, its minister, the Rev. James
Caldwell, was shot.
Elizabethtown is a desirable resi-
dence, whether health, business, or
pleasure, be in view. The excellent
order and morals which prevail here,
the advantages derived from its
schools, the short distance from New
York, to which the inhabitants, three
times a day, have access, by steam-
boats from the Point, and at other
times by stages; the rail-road now
being constructed through the town,
and that to be made by Somerville to
Belvidere, cannot fail to increase its
population, and the price of its lands.
The town is built upon streets un-
commonly wide, and has many very
handsome buildings, surrounded by
large well improved lots. The t-ship
was originally incorporated by Go-
vernor Philip Carteret, about the
same time as its neighbour Wood-
bridge, by a most liberal charter;
and subsequently, 28th November,
1789, by act of Assembly, with
bounds including parts of the present
adjacent townships. Its area has
been greatly diminished by various
acts. The corporate officers of the
'■'•Borough of Elizabeth^'' are a may-
or, deputy mayor, recorder, seven al-
dermen or assistants, a sheriff, coro-
ner, treasurer, clerk, high constable,
and seven constables. It has power
to regulate general police, markets,
roads, &c., and has a court of com-
mon pleas and general sessions,
holden 4 times annually, vdth a ju-
risdiction like to, and exclusive of,
that of the county courts. At Eliza-
bethtown Point there was formerly a
ferry by which passengers, from and
to New York, crossed to Staten
Island.
Ellishvrg, small hamlet, of Wa-
terford t-ship, Gloucester co., 6 miles
S. E. from Camden, 9 miles N. E.
from Woodbury, and 2 from Had-
donfield ; contains a tavern, store,
smith shop, and several dwellings.
Elsinborough, t-ship, Salem co.,
bounded N. by Salcjn creek, and Sa-
ENG
138
ESS
lein t-ship, E. by Lower AUoways
t-ship, S. by Alloways creek; and
W. by the Delaware river. Cen-
trally distant from the town of Sa-
lem, 3 miles ; greatest length N. and
S. 6 miles; breadth E. and W. 4
miles ; area, about 8000 acres ; sur-
face, level ; soil, rick loam and marsh
meadow, highly cultivated. The
t-ship is drained by Alloways creek
on the south, and Salem creek on the
north. Population in 1830, 503. In
1832, the l-ship contained 56 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed 30 dollars, 117 taxables, 118
horses and mules, and 547 neat cat-
tle, above the age of 3 years.
Empty Box Run, Upper B'reehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., a small branch
of the Assunpink creek.
Englishfown, p-t., of Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., upon Matcha-
ponix creek, near the N. W. boun-
dary of the t-ship and county ; con-
tains a grist mill, 2 taverns, 2 stores,
and about 30 dwellings, surrounded
by a light sandy soil.
English Neighbourhood, pleasant
village, of Ilackensack t-ship, Rergen
CO., 5 )iiiles S. E. from llackensack-
town, and 51 from Hoboken, on the
turnpike road to Ilackensack ; con-
tains a post-otlice, a Dutch Relormed
church, and a church of Chris-ti-ans,
3 taverns, 2 stores, and from 15 to
20 dwellings. This village is at a
convenient distance from New York,
by a good road, which, through a
pleasant country, affords a very
agreeable drive on a summer's after-
noon, to the business-worn citizens.
English Creefc, a smart mill stream,
of Egg Harbour t-ship; Gloucester
CO., which flows by a S. W. course
of 4 or 5 miles, into the Great Egg
Harbour river, about 5 miles from the
bay.
English Creek, a tributary of the
ilackensack river, which rises, and
has its course, in ilackensack t-ship,
I3ergen co.; and almost the whole of
its length of 7 miles is through a ce-
dar swamp. This creek formed the
deR-nce of th(^ garrison of 3000, who
retreated from Fort Lee, attacked by
Lord Cornwallis, 18th November,
1776.
Essex County, had its boundaries
fixed by act 21st January, 1709-10,
commencing at the mouth of I^ah-
way river, where it falls into the
Staten Island Sound ; thence up the
river to Robeson's branch; thence
west to the line between the former
eastern and western divisions of the
colony ; thence by the same line, to
Pequannock river, where it meets the
Passaic river; thence down the Pas-
saic to the Bay and Sound ; thence
down the Sound to the place of be-
ginning. These limits were modified
by the act of 4th November, 1741,
annexing part of the county to Somer-
set. Essex is now bounded W. N.
and E. by the Passaic river, which
separates it, W. and N. W. from Mor-
ris CO., N. and E. from Bergen co., S.
E. by Newark bay and Long Island
Sound, S. by Middlesex co., and S.
W. by Somerset co. Greatest length
N. and S. 28 miles, breadth E. and
W. 19 miles; area in acres, 154,680,
or 241 ^: square miles. Central lat.
40° 45' N.; long. 2° 45' E. from
W. C.
Geologically considered, this coun-
ty will be classed with the secondary
or transition formation, as the old red
sandstone shall be determined to be-
long to either. The whole seems
based upon this substratum. It is
crossed, however, diagonally from S.
W. to N. E., by 2 mountain ridges,
entering New Providence and West-
field t-ships from Somerset county,
which extend for 25 miles, unbroken
by any stream of water, to the Pas-
saic, at Paterson. These are known
by the local names of First and Se-
cond Mountains, and the latter by
that of Short Hills. These ridges,
from 1 to 2 miles asunder, are of
trap formation, and in some points as-
sume, particularly at the Great and
Little Falls, on the I'assaic, a colum-
nar character and appearances of the
action of fire in their cellular form,
which support the igneous origin of
that rock. These hills, generally
covered with wood, send forth tribu-
ESS
139
ESS
taries to the cardinal points of the i
compass, and their rocky basis have
caused the beautiful cataracts of the
Passaic Falls.
The great river of the county is
the Passaic, whose main stream en-
compasses it on all sides, save the
south, and receives, with few excep-
tions, all the other streams. On
the west of the mountains, these
tributaries are Deep, Pine, Black
Rock, Meadow, and River Canoe,
brooks; on the east. Second and
Third rivers, and several inconsidera-
ble streams. Peckman's river runs
northward, in the valley between the
mountains, emptying into the Passaic,
about 2 miles below the Little Falls.
The Rahway river, which rises in
the same valley, and whose source
is not a mile south of the former,
runs by an opposite course into Staten
Island Sound. Green brook, which
rises in the Short Hills, has a south-
west course to the Raritan, on the
line below Somerset and Middlesex
counties. On the east side of the
mountains, there are 2 noted chaly-
beate springs; one in Acquackanonck,
and the other in Orange township.
The soil of the county is generally
of red shale, except where formed of
the debris of the mountains. The
first is almost every where well cul-
tivated, and in many places highly
productive in grain and grass; and,
as a large proportion of the popula-
tion is employed in manufactures, an
advantageous market is produced at
the door of the farmer for all his pro-
ductions ; consequently, the whole
country, almost without exception,
has the air of growing wealth and
present enjoyment. A large portion
of the surface of the county, on each
side of the mountains is level, but
some of it, hilly.
The principal towns are on the
east of the mountain; Newark, the
seat of justice ; Paterson, Weasel,
Acquackanonck, Bloomfield, Belle-
ville, Orange, South Orange, Camp-
town, Springfield, Elizabethtown,
Rahway, Westfield, Scotch Plains,
Plainfield, &c.
Four turnpike roads cross the
county, north-westerly, leading from
Elizabethtown, Newark, and Jersey
City, respectively.
In the north part of the county, a
considerable portion of the agricultu-
ral population is of Dutch descent,
whilst the south has been peopled
from English sources, and principally
from Long Island and New Eng-
land. The inhabitants have the love
of order, decorum, industry, and
thrift of their ancestors.
In 1830, the census gave an ag-
gregate of 41,911 souls, of whom
20,242 were white males; 19,502
white females; 921 free coloured
males; 1018 free coloured females;
107 male slaves; 111 female slaves.
There were 1176 aliens; whites, deaf
and dumb 27, and 22 blind ; and 1
coloured person blind.
In 1832, the county contained 7710
taxables, 3370 householders, whose
ratable estates did not exceed 830;
1412 single men, 306 merchants, 42
grist mills, 22 cotton, and 13 wool-
len manufactories, 41 saw mills, 5
furnaces, 5 carding machines, 19
paper mills, 1 fulling mill, 223 tan
vats, 3 bleaching and printing esta-
blishments for cotton, &.C., and 5 dis-
tilleries. Besides these sources of
trade, a very large business is done
in the manufacture of shoes and hats
for foreign markets.
In the same year, the county paid
state tax, $3822 04, county tax,
$10,000, poor tax, $10,570, road
tax, $10,204.
The means for moral improvement
consist of many religious institutions,
such as churches pertaining to Epis-
copalians, Presbyterians, Methodists,
Baptists, and Dutch Reformed — bible,
missionary, and temperance societies ;
academies in the principal towns, at
which the languages and the higher
branches of an English education are
taught, and common and Sunday
schools, in every vicinity.
EVE 140 FAI
STATISTICAL TABLE OF ESSEX COUNTY.
^
13
I
1
Population.
Townships, «&c.
be
a
cs
Area. Surface.
1810.
1820.
1880.
Acquackanonck,
7
H
14,000hilly,
2023
3338
7710
Bloomfield,
5
42
14,000 do.
3085
4309
Caldwell,
7
6
16,500, do.
2235
2020
2004
Elizabeth,
5
3i
10,000i do.
2977
3515
3455
Livingston,
5
4i
13,000 do.
1056
1150
Newark,
7
6
12,000 level,
8008
6507
10,953
New Providence,
6
2.
7680 pt. hill, pt. valley.
756
768
910
Orange,
7
5
14,000 hilly, rolling,
2266
2830
3887
Rahway,
8
4i
10,000 level,
1779
1945
1983
Springfield,
6
5
13,500 hilly.
2360
1804
1653
Union,
5i
5
12,000>vel,
142S
1567
1405
Westfield,
7
6
18,000
pt. hilly pt. level,
2152
2358
2492
154,680
25,984
30,793
41,911
Etna, furnace and forge, and grist
and saw mills, on Tuckahoe creek,
Weymouth t-ship, Gloucester co.,
about 15 miles from the sea.
Everittstown, Alexandria t-ship,
Hunterdon co., 11 miles N. W. of
Flemington, upon the Nischisakawick
creek, contains 1 tavern, a grist mill,
a Methodi.st church, and several dvvell-
ings.
Evesham t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded on the N. E. and E. by
Northampton t-ship, S. E. by Wash-
ington t-ship, S. W. by Waterford
t-ship, Gloucester co., and on the
N. W. by Chester t-ship. Centrally
distant S. W. from Mount Holly 8
miles; gi*eatest length N. and S.
15 miles; breadth 10 miles; area,
67,000 acres; surface, generally
level; soil, sand and sandy loam;
the north-v/cstern portion jjrefty well
cultivated and productive. The south
branch of the Rancocus forms, in
part, the N. E. boundary ; Haines'
creek, and several other tributaries,
are on the E.; and on the S. the t-ship
is drained by the head waters of the
Little Egg Harbour river. Evesham,
Medford, Colestown, Lumberton,
Fostertown, Evesham Cross Roads,
Bodine, Cropwell, «Sic. arc the villages
of the t-ship, the two first are po.st-
towns; population in 1*^30, 4:239. In
1832 the f-ship contained taxables
850, householders 366, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30, single men
90, stores 9, saw mills 12, gri.st mills
7, fulling mills 2, distilleries for cider
4, phaetons and chaises 3, two horse
stages 1, dearborns 40, covered wa-
gons 221, chairs and curricles 39,
gigs and sulkies 11, 2303 neat cattle,
and 1016 horses and mules, above 3
years old ; and it paid state tax, $607
21; county tax, $2119 15; and t-.ship
tax, $1500.
Eiiesham, p-t., Evesham t-ship,
Burhngton co., 8 miles S. W. from
Mount Holly, and 4 miles S. E. from
Moorestown, 34 from Trenton, and
147 from W. C; contains a Quaker
meeting house and several dwellings.
Evesham Cross Roads, Evesham
t-ship, Burlington co., 6 miles S. W.
from Mount llolly.
Ewing''s NecJi, on the Delaware
bay, between Tarkiln creek and Mau-
rice river t-ship, Cumberland co.
Factory Branch, of Cedar creek,
small stream of Dover t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO.
Fairfeld t-ship, Cumberland co.,
is bounded on the N. by Deerfield,
Hopewell, and Greenwich t-ships,
from the two last of which, it is sepa-
rated by the Cohansey creek ; E. by
Milleville t-ship, and S. by Downe
t-ship and the Delaware bay. Cen-
trally distant S. from Bridijeton 7
FAI
141
FLA
miles; greatest length E. and W. 15
miles; breadth 8 miles ; area, 46,720
acres; surface, level; soil, with the
exception of a strip of marsh and up-
land on the bay, the latter of which
is clay and loam, is of sand. The
t-ship is drained on the north line by
the Cohansey creek, on the south line
by Nantuxet creek, and intermediate-
ly, by several small streams, of which
Cedar creek is the most considerable ;
all of which flow westward ; eastw^ard
it sends forth some small tributaries
to Maurice river ; population in 1830,
1812. In 1832 there were in the
t-ship 410 taxables, 105 household-
ers, whose ratables did not exceed
in value $30; 9 stores, 6 run of
stones for grinding grain ; 2 saw
mills, 1 tanneiy, 310 horses, and
1188 neat cattle, above 3 years old ;
and it paid road tax, $100; county
and state tax, $868 55. Cedarville
and Fairton are post-towns of the
t-ship. There are in the t-ship a
Presbyterian and Methodist church.
Fairfield, small village, in the
northern part of Caldwell t-ship,
Essex CO.; contains a Dutch Reform-
ed church, and some 8 or 1 0 dwellings,
distant 1 1 miles north west from New-
ark.
Fairton, p-t. of Fairfield t-ship,
Cumberland co., in the fork formed
by Mill creek and Rattle Snake run,
which unite and flow into Cohansey
creek ; distant about 4 miles S. of
Bridgeton, 179 N. E. from W. C,
and 73 S. from Trenton ; contains
from 30 to 40 dwellings, 2 stores, a
Methodist church, and about 200 in-
habitants. There is also a Presbyte-
rian church near the town. Marl has
been lately discovered here on the
estate of Michael Swing, the use of
which adds much to the fertility of
the lands.
Fairvietv, or Quakertown, p-t. of
Kingwood t-ship, Hunterdon co., 7
miles N. W. of Flemington, 29 from
Trenton, and 188 from W. C; con-
tains a Quaker meeting house, 2
stores, a tavern, and some 12 or 15
dwellings, and several mechanics'
shops. The soil here is a stiff clay.
which is becoming fertile by the use
of lime.
Faraway Branch, small tributary
of Hospitality creek, an arm of the
Great Egg Harbour river, in Franklin
and Deptford t-ships, Gloucester co.
Fenwicke Creek, Mannington t-sp.
Salem co., named after John Fen-
wicke, the first Quaker settler in this
country, rises by two branches, one
of which, and the main stem, form
the eastern and northen boundary of
Salem t-ship, separating it from Man-
nington. The greatest length of the
stream may be 6 miles. It empties
into Salem creek, at the town of Sa-
lem, where it is crossed by a neat
covered bridge, to which it is navi-
gable.
Finesville, small village on the
Musconetcong creek, a mile above
its mouth, and 19 miles S. W. from
Belvidere, the county town, and 8
from Easton; lies in a very narrow
but fertile valley ; contains a grist
mill, saw mill, and oil mill, a woollen
manufactory, 1 tavern, 1 store, and
fi'om 15 to 20 dwellings.
Finn^s Point, a noted point on the
Delaware, of Lower Penn's Neck
t-ship, Salem co., about 4 miles above
Salem creek, and 1 above Fort Dela-
ware. It has its name from the first
landing or residence of the Finn's
here.
Fishing Creek, a small stream of
Downe t-ship, which flows from Ora-
noken creek, through the salt marsh,
into the Delaware bay.
Fishing Creek, S. W. boundary of
Middle t-ship. Cape May co., flows
westerly 4 or 5 miles to the Dela-
ware bay. It gives name to a post-
office; distant 109 miles from W. C.,
and 112 from Trenton.
Five Mile Beach, between Here-
ford and Turtle Gut inlets, partly in
Middle and partly in Lower t-ship,
Cape May co., of a" wedge-like form,
having in its greatest width about a
mile.
Flaggtown, p-t., of Hillsborough
t-ship, Somerset co., 6 miles S. W.
from Somerville ; contains 1 tavern,
and about a dozen houses. It is 1 91
FLE
142
FOR
miles N. E. from W. C, and 25 from
Xrenton.
Flanders, p-t., of Roxbury t-ship,
Morris co., in the valley of the south
branch of the Raritan river, and in a
fertile country, at the east foot of
Schooley's mountain,* 13 miles N.
W. of Morristown, 54 N. E. from
Trenton, and 220 from W. C. ; con-
tains a grist and saw mill, a Metho-
dist church, a school, 2 taverns, 2
stores, and from 20 to 25 dwellings.
Flatkill, Big and Little, creeks,
of Sussex CO., both of which rise in
Montague t-ship, and unite near the
southern boundary of Sandistone
t-ship; thence the stream flows S. W.
into the river Delaware, at the Wal-
pack Bend. The course of the main
stream is parallel with the Blue moun-
tain from its source, and for the
length of 25 miles, in which it re-
ceives some inconsiderable and inno-
minate tributaries from the mountain.
Flat lirookville, post-office, San-
dystone t-ship, Sussex co., 247 miles
N. E. from AV. C, and 89 from Tren-
ton.
Flcmington, p-t., of Hunterdon co.,
situate at the northern extremity of
the valley, lying between Rock moun-
tain and Mount Carmcl, and near the
S. E. foot of the latter, and 2 miles
E. of the south branch of the Raritan
river, 23 miles N. from Trenton, 45
from Philadelphia, and 182 from W.
C, 25 N. W. from Brunswick, and
25 S. E. from Easton ; the two last
are the principal markets for this por-
tion of the country. The surface for
many miles south and east is gently
undulating; the valley between the
moimtains extending about 8 miles ;
the soil is of red shale, underlaid by
the old red sandstone formation, and
if not generous in spontaneous pro-
duction, is grateful for the careful
cultivation it receives, yielding abun-
dance of grass, wheat, rye, oats, In-
dian corn, and flax ; of the last, many
farmers sow from 12 to 15 acres, for
the product of which fhey find a ready
market at Philadelphia. The town
is also famed for excellent cheese,
made at the extensive dairy of Mr.
Capner. Much attention is also given
here to raising horses, of which the
breeds are greatly admired, and ea-
gerly sought for. The town contains
50 dwellings, and about 300 inha-
bitants; a very neat Presbyterian
church, of stone, built about 35 years
since; a Methodist church, of brick,
a neat building ; and a Baptist church,
of wood ; two schools, one of which
is an incorporated academy, and 3
Sunday schools ; a public library, un-
der the care of a company also in-
corporated; a court-house, of stone,
rough-cast, having a Grecian front,
with columns of the Ionic order.
The basement story of this building
is used as the county prison : the se-
cond, contains an uncommonly large
and well disposed room for the court :
the third, a grand jury room ; and
other apartments. From the cupola,
which surmounts the structure, there
is a delightful prospect of the valley,
bounded by mountains on the S. and
S. W., but almost unlimited on the
S. E., and of the hill, which rises by
a graceful and gentle slope on the N.
and N. W., ornamented with well
cultivated farms to its very summit.
The houses, built upon one street,
are neat and comfortable, with small
court yards in front, redolent with
flowei's, aromatic shrubs and creep-
ing vines. The county offices, de-
tached from the court-house, are of
brick and fire-proof. There arc here,
5 lawyers, 2 physicians; a journal,
published weekly, called the Hunter-
don Gazette, edited by Mr. Charles
George; a fire engine, with an in-
corj)()rated flre association. The name
of the i)Iace is from its founder, Mr.
Fleming, who resided here before the
revolution. A valuable deposit of
copper is said to have been lately
found here.
Fork Bridge, over Maurice river,
about 2 miles below the village of
Malaga, on the line between Glou-
cester, Salem and Cumberland coun-
ties. It takes its name from the fork
of the river above it. There are
here two mills and several dwellings.
Forked River, Dover t-ship, Mon-
FRA
143
FRA
mouth CO., rises at the foot of the
Forked river mountains, and flows
E., about 10 miles, to the Atlantic
ocean.
Forked River Mountains, two
considerable sand hills in the south-
ern part of Dover t-ship, Monmouth
county.
Forstertoicn, Evesham t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., 6 miles S. of Mount Hol-
ly, is a cluster of some 8 or 10 farm
houses, upon an excellent soil of
sandy loam, highly cultivated.
Fortesciie Creek, Downe t-ship,
Cumberland co., flows from the Oran-
oken creek, through the salt marsh
into the Delaware bay.
Fort Lee, on the North river, and
in Hackensack t-ship, Bergen co.,
about 5 miles E. of Hackensack
town. This was a noted post dur-
ing the revolutionary war, command-
ins in common with Fort Washing-
ton, on the New York side, the na-
vigation of the river. Both forts
were strongly garrisoned by the Ame-
rican troops, and bridled the English
forces in New York, after the battle
of Long Island. Possession of them
was unfortunately holden after their
insufficiency to prevent the passage
up the river by the British vessels had
been experimentally proven. The
capture of Fort Washington lost the
Americans 3000 men, and the like
number in Fort Lee were saved from
the same fate only by the timely
abandonment of the works, by order
of Gen. Greene, on the 18th Novem-
ber, 1776. A metallic vein was
worked near this fort, at the com-
mencement of the American war,
under the impression that it contain-
ed gold. But it has been determined
by Dr. Torrey, that the ore is pyri-
tous and green carbonate of copper,
in a matrix of quartz and siliceous
and calcareous breccia, dipping under
green sandstone.
Frankford t-ship, Sussex co.,
bounded N. by Wantage; E. by
Hardiston; S. by Newton, and W.
by Sandiston t-ship. Centrally dis-
tant, N. from Newton, 8 miles;
greatest length, 11 ; breadth, 8 miles;
area, 28,800 acres. The surface of
the t-ship is hilly towards the west ;
the boundary on that side running on
the Blue mountain. The remainder
consists of valley lands. At the foot
of the mountain, Long pond and Cul-
ver's pond, are the principal sources
of Paulinskill creek, which flows
S. W. towards the Delaware. On
the N. the t-ship is drained by the
Papakating creek, a tributary of the
Wallkill river. Two turnpike roads,
that from Morristown to the De-
laware, opposite Milford, running
north-west, and the Newton and
Bolton, running north-east, cross the
township. Augusta and Branchville
are post towns, lying on the for-
mer. Population "^ in "^ 1 830, 1996.
Taxables in 1832, 370. There were
in the t-ship, in 1832, 110 house-
holders, whose ratables did exceed
830; 6 stores, 14 run of stones for
grinding grain, 2 carding machines ;
1 fulling mill, 460 horses and mules,
and 1540 neat cattle, above three
years old ; 48 tan vats, 5 distilleries.
The t-ship paid state and county tax,
$812 70; poor tax, 8900; road tax,
8800. Lime and slate alternate in
sevei'al veins or beds, in the town-
ship. Their soils are fertile.
Franklin t-ship, Somerset co.,
bounded N. by Bridge water t-ship
and river; N. E. by Raritan river,
separating it from Piscataway t-ship,
Middlesex co. ; S. E. by North and
South Brunswick t-ships, of that
county ; and S. W. and W. by
Millstone river, dividing it from Mont-
gomery and Hillsborough t-ships,
Somerset co. Centrally distant, S.
E., from Somerville, 7 miles. Great-
est length, N. E. and S. W., 13,-
breadth, E. and W., 8 miles; area,
about 30,000 acres. Surface on the
S. W., hilly, elsewhere gently un-
dulating. Drained by the Millstone
and Raritan rivers, and by several
tributaries, of which Six. Mile Run is
the chief. Griggstown is a village of
the t-ship; near it, at the foot of Rocky
hill, is a deposit of copper ore, not
wrought. Part of Kingston and Six
Mile Run villajies are within the east
FRA
144
FRE
boundary, on the Princeton and New
Brunswick turnpike. Population in
1830, 3352. In 1832, there were
716 taxahles ; 67 houseliolders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30, and 58
single men, 10 stores, 4 saw mills,
4 grist mills, 13 tan-vats, 2 distil-
leries, 862 horses and mules, and
1335 neat cattle above the age of
three years; and it paid, state tax,
$709 30; county, $996 11.
Franklin t-ship, Bergen co.,
bounded N. by Rockland co., state
of New York ; E. by Saddle river,
which divides it fi-om Harrington
t-ship ; S. by Saddle river t-ship,
and W. by Pompton. Centrally dis-
tant, N. W. from Hackensack, 13
miles; greatest length, N. and S.
10 miles; breadth, E. and W. 9
miles; area, above 45,000 acres.
There are elevated grounds on the
E. and W. ; on the W. lies the Ra-
mapo mountain. The greater part
of the township is valley, with undu-
lating surface and diluvial soil, of
gravel, loam and sand, poured over
a sandstone base; generally well
cultivated and productive; and a
large portion of the produce is con-
sumed at the numerous manufrictories
of the townshi|). It is drained by
the Ramnpo river, coursing the base
of the Ramapo mountain, in the N.
W. angle, and by Saddle river on the
east l)oundary, with their tributaries.
Population in 1830, 3449. In 1832,
the t-ship contained 862 taxables, 83
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30; 7 merchants, 18 grist
mills, 13 cotton mills, 25 saw mills,
3 paper mills, 1 woollen factory, 1
furnace, 2 fulling mills, 22 tan vats,
4 distilleries, 803 horses, and 1780
mules, above 3 years old; and it paid
state tax, $370 51, county tax,
$753 25, poor, $500, roads, $2000.
In Franklin there are 4 Dutch Re-
formed, 2 Scceders, and 2 Methodist
churches.
Franklin, t-ship, (lloucesfer co.,
bounded N. E. by Deptlord t-ship,
S. E. by Hamilton, S. VV. by Mill-
villc t-ship, Cumberland co., and
Pittsgrovc t-ship, Salem co., and N.
W. by Greenwich and Woolwich
t-ships. Centrally distant, S. E. from
W^oodbury, 15 miles, greatest length
16 miles; breadth, 7 miles; area,
72,000 acres ; surface, level ; soil,
sandy, and generally covered with
pine forest. It is drained northward
by the head waters of Raccoon cx'eek,
S. W. by the sources of Maurice ri-
ver, and S. E. by branches of the
Great Egg Harbour river. Glassboro',
Malaga, Little Ease, and Union, are
villages of the t-ship; at the two first
are post-offices. There are iron works
at Union. Population in 1830, 1574.
In 1832, the t-ship contained 276 4
householders, whose ratables did not '
exceed $30; 4 stores, 2 grist mills,
9 saw mills, 1 distillery, 3 glass fac-
tories ; and paid county tax, $392 72,
poor tax, $196 33, and road tax,
$1000.
Franklin Furnace, and village,
Hardiston t-ship, Sussex co., in the
valley of the Wallkill river, 1 1 miles
N. E. of Newton, contains 2 forges
of 2 fires each, a cupola furnace, a
blast furnace not now in operation,
a woollen manufactory for the manu-
facture of broad cloth, a grist and
saw mill, a school house, and a new
stone Baptist church, and 24 dwell-
ings. Dr. Samuel Fowler is the
chief proprietor here, and is ahke dis-
tinguished for his hospitality and his
pursuit of mineralogy. He has a
cabinet of minerals richly meriting
notice, and the country around him
is considered as one of the most in-
teresting mineral localities of the
United States. The manufactures of
this place seek a market at New
York, or at Dover and Rockaway.
Franklin, small village of Cald-
well t-ship, b^ssox CO., 11 miles N.
W. of Newark.
Freehold, Upper, t-ship of, Mon-
mouth CO., bounded N. and N. W. by
b^ast Windsor t-ship, Middlesex co.,
E. by Lower Freehold, S. and S. E.
by Dover t-ship, and W. and S. W.
by Northampton t-ship, Burlington
CO. Centrally distant S. W. from
PVechold, the countv town, 15 miles.
Greatest length N. W. and S. E. 16;
FRE
146
GAL
breadth 10 miles; area, about 90,000
acres ; surface, level ; soil, clay, sandy
loam, and sand. The western part
of the t-ship contains some excellent
lands, abundantly productive in rye,
corn, oats, and grass ; wheat is not
a certain crop, and is not extensively
cultivated. The south-eastern part of
the t-ship is covered with pine forest.
Population in 1830, 4862. In 1832,
the t-ship contained about 900 taxa-
bles, 253 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; 80 single
men, 20 stores, 12 saw mills, 15 run
of stones for grain, 1 fulling mill, 3
carding machines, 50 tan vats, 16
distilleries for cider, 1036 horses and
mules, 2438 neat cattle, 3 years old
and upward ; and paid state and coun-
ty taxes to the amount of $3669 33.
The t-ship is remarkable for the large
quantities of pork which it annually
sends to market. It is drained on
the N. E. by the Millstone river, on
the S. E. by the head waters of
Toms' river, N. W. by Crosswick's
creek and its tributaries, Lakaway
and Doctor's creeks, and by branches
of the Assunpink ; and S. W. by the
tributaries of the Rancocus. Wrights-
ville, Imlaystown, Allentown, Var-
minton, Prospertown, and Hernes-
town, are villages of the t-ship.
Freehold, Lower, t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., bounded N. E. by Mid-
dletown t-ship, E. by Shrewsbury
and Howell, S. by Dover, S. W. by
Upper Freehold, and N. W. by South
Amboy t-ships, Middlesex co. Great-
est length N. E. and S. W. 23 miles;
greatest breadth 1 1 miles ; area,
104,000 acres; surface, level; soil,
sand and sandy loam, not more than
half of which is in cultivation, being
barren, or covered with pine forest.
Thei-e are, however, some very good
farms, which produce abundance of
rye, corn, &rc. Pork is also a staple
product. Englishtown and Freehold
are villages and post-towns. The
t-ship is drained by the Millstone ri-
ver on the N. W.; Matcha[ionix
brook, a tributary of the South river,
on the north; by branches of the
Swimming river on the N. E., and
by arms of the Manasquan and the
Metetecunk on the S. E., and by
Toms' river on the south. Popula-
tion in 1830, 5481. In 1832, the
t-ship contained about 1100 taxables,
203 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30, 71 single men, 11
stores, 11 saw mills, 16 run of grist
mill stones, 2 fulling mills, 4 carding
machines, 16 tan vats, 14 distilleries
for cider, 1245 horses and mules,
and 2569 neat cattle, 3 years ola
and upwards ; and it paid state and
county tax, $3563 86.
Freehold, or Monmouth, post-town
of Freehold t-ship, and seat of justice
of Monmouth co., about 4 miles W.
of the east boundary of the t-ship,
201 miles N. E. from W. C, and 36
S. E. from Trenton, situate upon a
level soil of sandy loam, which is
fast improving under the present
mode of culture. The town, though
long stationary, is now thriving,
and contains from 35 to 40 dwell-
ings, a court house, prison, and
public offices, an Episcopal, a Me-
thodist, a Presbyterian, Dutch Re-
formed, and a Baptist church, 3 ta-
verns, 5 or 6 stores, 4 practising at-
tornies, 2 physicians, an academy
and printing office. This place is
noted in the revolutionary history, on
account of the battle of Monmouth,
which was fought near it.
Frieshurg, a small German settle-
ment of Upper AUoways Creek
t-ship, near the south-east boundary,
12 miles S. E. from Salem, and 5
from Allowaystown ; contains 1 ta-
vern, a Dutch Reformed church, and
a school.
Fredon, post-office, Sussex co., 232
miles N. E. from W. C, and 74
from Trentonl
Galloway t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded on the N. E. by Atsion ri-
ver, and Mullica or Little Egg Har-
bour river, and Great Bay, which
separate it from Burlington co., S. E.
by the Atlantic ocean, S. W. by
Hamilton and Egg Harbour t-ships,
and N. W. by Gloucester and Here-
ford t-ships. Centrally distant S. W.
from Woodbury, 35 miles; greatest
GIB
146
GLO
length, 38; breadth, 10 miles; area,
147,000 acres; surface level, and soil
sandy. The sea coast is girded by
Brigantine beach, within which, for
a depth of seven miles, is a space co-
vered with lagunes and salt meadows.
Among the small lakes, Absecum,
Reed's and Grass bays, are the most
considerable. The remainder of the
township is chiefly covered with pine
forest, through which flow many
streams of water, tributary to Little
EfTg Harbour river. Pleasant Mills,
Leed's Point, Gloucester Furnace,
Absecum and Smith's Landing, are
villages of the township. Population,
in 1830, 2960; and in 1820, only
1895, presenting an instance of the
greatest increase in the state. In
1832, there were in the township, as
reported by the assessor, 165 house-
holders, whose ratables did not exceed
$30, 7 stores, 3 grist mills, 1 cotton
manufactory, 1 blast furnace, 5 saw
mills, 375 neat cattle, and 205 horses
and mules over three years of age.
Georgctou'ii, hamlet of Mansfield
t-ship, Burlington co., near the N.
E. boundary line, 6 miles S. E. from
Bordentown, and 9 N. E. from Mount
Holly.
Georgia, a small hamlet of Free-
hold t-ship, Monmouth co., 5 miles
S. from Freehold town.
German Valley, Washington t-sp,
Morris county, and in Schooley's
mountain. It is about 10 miles long,
varying, in width, from one to two
miles. The soil is grey limestone
throughout, and is well cultivated,
and highly productive. The inhabi-
tants are of German descent, and re-
tain the industrious and thrifty habits
of their ancestors. The valley is
drained by the south branch of the
Raritan river, and is crossed by the
turnpike road from Morristown to
Easton, which passes through the
post town of Washington, lying in
the vale. There is a Presbyterian
church here.
Gibson's Creek, small tributary
flowing eastwardly into the Great
Egg Harbour river, Weymouth t-bhip,
Gloucester co.
Glassboro\ p-t. of Franklin t-ship,
Gloucester co., 14 miles S. E. from
Woodbury, 22 from Camden, 49
from Trenton, and 155 from W. C;
contains an Episcopal and Methodist
church, 2 glass houses or factories
which make hollow ware, belonging
to Messrs. Stangeer & Co., 1 tavern,
2 stores, and about 30 dwellings.
Gloucester County, was first laid
off in 1677, forming one of the only
two counties of West Jersey ; and its
boundaries were fixed by the act of
21st of January, 1709-10: begin-
ning at the mouth of Pensaukin creek;
thence, running up the same to the
fork thereof; thence along the bounds
of Burlington co., to the sea; thence
along the sea coast to Great Egg
Harbour river; thence up said river
to the fork thereof; thence up the
southernmost and greatest branch of
the same to the head thereof; thence
upon a direct line to the head of Old
Man's creek ; thence down the same
to the Delaware river; thence up
Delaware river to the place of begin-
ning. It is, therefore, bounded N.
W. by the Delaware river, N. E. by
Burlington co., S. E. by the Atlantic
ocean, and S. W. by the counties of
Cumberland and Salem. Greatest
length, from Absecum inlet, on the
S. E. to Red Bank, on the N. W.
55 miles : greatest breadth, from the
head of the Great Egg Harbour bay,
to Tuckahoe river, 30 miles; area,
1114 square miles, or 713,000 acres.
Centra! lat. 39° 40', N. long, from
W. C. 2° 10', E.
The whole county pertains to
the alluvial formation. Along the
shores of the Delaware, and for se-
veral miles inward, a black or
dark green mud is raised even from
a depth of forty feet, in which
reeds and other vegetables, the evi-
dences of river alluvion, are distinctly
visible. The remaining part of the
county seems to have been gained
from the sea; and beds of shells,
whole and in a state of disintegra-
tion, are found, at various depths, in
many places. The green earth, or
marl, in which these are imbedded
GLO
147
GLO
together witli the shells, are used
with great advantage upon the soil,
especially in the cultivation of grass,
clover particularly. Bog iron ore is
found near Woodbury, and exported
for manufacture.
The surface is uniformly level, ex-
cept where worn down by the streams,
and the soil sandy; having, on the
N. W. an admixture of loam or clay,
in many places. S. E. of a line drawn
about 7 miles from the Delaware
river, N. E. across the county, the
country is universally sandy and
covered by a pine forest, generally,
(but with occasional cleared patches of
greater or less extent,) from which
large quantities of timber and cord
wood are taken for market. Along
the coast, within the beach, is a strip
of marsh of an average width of four
miles, in which are lagunes, the chief
of which are Grass, Reed's, Absecum,
and Lake's bays.
The county is drained southward-
ly by Maurice river, which flows fruni
it, through Cumberland county, into
the Delaware bay ; by Tuckahoe ri-
ver, forming the line between it and
Cumberland ; by Great and Little
Egg Harbour rivers, which rise far
north in the county, and empty into
the Atlantic ; the latter, throughout its
whole course, forming the boundary
between Gloucester and Burlington
counties. All these streams are na-
vigable some miles from the sea, and
afford great facilities in transporting
the lumber and cord wood, the most
valuable products of this region, to
market. Their inlets, and the small
bays on the coast, abound with oys-
ters and clams, the fishing for which
gives subsistence to many of the in-
habitants. These rivers have also
many tributaries, which intersect the
forest in almost every direction. The
streams on the N. W. are Oldman's,
Raccoon, Little Timber, Repaupo,
CloniTiell, Mantua, Big Timber, New-
ton, Cooper's and Pensauken creeks,
most of which are navigable lor a
short distance, and furnish outlets for
an amazing quantity of fruit and gar-
den truck and firewood, for the sup-
ply of the Philadelphia market, and
other towns on the western side of the
river.
The post towns of the township
are, Absecum, Bargaintown, Cam-
den, an incorporated city. Carpen-
ter's Landing, Chew's Landing,
Clarkesboro', Glassboro', Gloucester
Furnace, Gravelly Landing, Haddon-
field, Hammonton, Jackson Glass-
works, Leeds' Point, Longacoming,
Malaga, May's Landing, Mullica
Hill, "Pleasant Mills, Smith's Land-
ing, Somers' Point, Stephens' Creek,
Sweedsboro, Tuckahoe, and Wood-
bury, the seat of justice of the county.
There are several academies for
teaching the higher branches of edu-
cation ; and primary schools in most
of the agricultural neighbourhoods.
There are also established, Sunday
schools, in most, if not all, of the popu-
lous villages ; a county bible society,
various tract societies, and many tem-
perance associations ; which have al-
most rendered the immoderate use of
ardent spirits infamous.
In 1832, by the report of the asses-
sors, the county contained 3075 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed $30 in value; 978 single men,
102 stores, 21 fisheries, 45 grist mills,
2 cotton and 2 woollen manufactories,
4 carding machines, 4 blast furnaces,
3 forges, 63 saw mills, 4 fulling mills,
8 ferries, 9 tan yards, 29 distillei'ies,
7 glass factories, 2 four horse stage
wagons, 967 covered wagons with
fixed tops, 204 riding chairs, gigs,
sulkies, and pleasure carriages, 4 two
horse stage wagons, 31 dearborns
with steel, iron, or wooden springs ;
and it paid county tax, $10,000 ; poor
tax, iSOOO; and road tax, $15,000;
state tax,
By the census of 1830 Gloucester
CO. contained 28,431 inhabitants, of
whom 13,916 were white males;
12,962 white females; 14 female
slaves; 835 free coloured males;
714 free coloured females. Of these
there were deaf and dumb, under 14
years, 64; above 14 and under 30,
73 ; above 25 years, 80 ; blind, 205
white, 22 black ; aliens 3365.
GLO
148
GLO
There is a cx)unty poor bouse esta-
blished upon a farm near Blackwoods-
town, but in Deptford t-ship, contain-
ing more than 200 acres of land.
The following extract from the re-
cords of this county, presents singu-
lar features of the polity of the early
settlers. It would seem that the in-
habitants of the county deeined them-
selves a body politic, a democratic
commonwealth, with full power of
legislation, in which the courts parti-
cipated, prescribing the punishment
for each offence, as it was proven be-
fore them.
Gloucester, the 28th May, 1686.
By the proprietors, freeholders, and
inhabitants of the third and fourth
tenths, (alias county of Gloucester)
then agreed as follows :
Inprimus. That a court be held for
the jurisdiction and limits of the afore-
said tenths, or county, one time at
Axwamus, alias Gloucester, and at
another time at Red Bank.
Item. That there bo four courts,
for the jurisdiction aforesaid, held in
one year, at the days and times here-
after mentioned, viz: upon the first
day of the first month, upon the first
day of the fourth month, and the first
day of the seventh month, and upon
the first day of the tenth month.
Item. That the first court shall be
held at Gloucester aforesaid, upon the
first day of September next.
Item. That all warrants and sum-
mons shall be drawn by the clerk of
the court, and signed by the justice,
and so delivered to the sheriff or his
deputy to execute.
Item. That the body of each war-
rant, &c., shall contain or intimate
the nature of the action.
Item. That a copy of the declara-
tion be given along with the warrant,
by the clerk of the court, that so the
deft, may have the longer time to con-
sider the same, and prepare his an-
swer.
Item. That all summons and war-
rants, &c., shall be served, and decla-
rations given, at least ten days before
the court.
Item. That the sherilf shall give
the jury summons six days before the
court be held, in which they are to
appear.
Item. That all persons within the
jurisdiction aforesaid, bring into the
next court the marks of their hogs,
and other cattle, in order to be ap-
proved and recorded.
Rex ^ Indict, at Gloucester Ct.
vs. >N. J. 10 Sept. 1686, for
Wilkes. J stealing goods of Dennis
Lins, from a house in Philadelphia.
Dft. pleads guilty, but was tried by
jury. Verdict guilty, and that pri-
soner ought to make pay't. to the
prosecutor of the sum of sixteen
pounds. Sentence. The bench ap-
points that said Wilkes shall pay the
aforesaid Lins, £16 byway of servi-
tude, viz : if he will be bound by in-
dentures to the prosecutor, then to
serve him the term of four years, but
if he condescended not thereto, then
the court awarded that he should be a
servant, and so abide for the term of
five years. And so be accommodated
in the time of his servitude, by his
master, with meat, drink, clothes,
washing, and lodging, according to
the customs of the country, and fit
for such a servant.
In 1832 the county was divided into
12 t-ships as in the following table, to
which Camden is now to be added.
GLO 149 GOD
STATISTICAL TABLE OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
^
T3
P
opulation
Townships, «Skc.
bo
c
Area.
1^
pq
1810.
1820.
1830.
Deptford,
25
7
57,600
2978
3281
3599
Egg Harbour,
12
12
85,000
1830
1635
2510
Galloway,
32
10
147,000
1648
1895
2960
Gloucester,
20
8
60,000
1726
2059
2332
Greenwich,
15
7
35,840
2859
2699
2657
Newton,
6
4
9,000
1951
2497
3298
Franklin,
16
7
72,000
1137
1574
Hamilton,
18
11
106,880
877
1424
Waterford,
25
8
50,000
2105
2447
3088
Weymouth,
12
10
50,000
1029
781
1270
Woolwich,
16
7
40,000
3063
3113
3033
Gloucestertown, (area in-
662
686
eluded in Gloucester
township.)
713,320
19,189
23,089
28,431
Gloucester, t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded N. by Gloucestertown, N.
E. by Hereford t-ship, S. E. by Ha-
milton, and S. W. and W. by Dept-
ford t-ship. Centrally distant S. E.
from Woodbury, 10 miles; greatest
length N. W. and S. E. 20 ; breadth
8 miles E. and W. ; area, about
60,000 acres ; surface, level ; soil,
sand more or less mixed with loam,
and in the northern part cultivated in
vegetables and fruit, the southern be-
ing chiefly pine forest, valuable for
timber and fuel. It is drained north-
ward by Cooper's creek on the east-
ern, and Big Timber creek on the
western boundary, southward by In-
skeep's branch of the Great Egg Har-
bour river. Chew's Landing, Longa-
coming, Clementon, Blackwoodtown,
Tansborough, and New Freedom,
are villages of the t-ship ; the two first
post-towns. Population in 1830,2232.
In 1832, there were in the t-ship, in-
cluding Gloucestertown, 781 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed 830 in value; 11 stores, 5 grist
mills, 9 saw mills, 2 tanneries, and
1 glass factory; and it paid county
tax, $799 78; poor tax, $400 73;
road tax, $1000.
Gloucestertown, small t-ship of
Gloucester co., bounded N. by New-
ton, E. and S. E. by Gloucester
t-ship, S. W. by Big Timber creek.
which separates it from Deptford
t-ship, and W. by the river Delaware.
Centrally distant N. E. from Wood-
bury 4 miles ; greatest length E. and
W. 4; breadth N. and S. 3 miles.
Gloucester, small town of Glou-
cester t-ship, Gloucester co., on the
Delaware river opposite Gloucester
point; contains a fishery, a ferry
from which a team-boat plies, about
20 dwellings, 1 store, and 1 tavern.
Gloucester, post-town and furnace
of Galloway t-ship, Gloucester co.,
upon Landing creek, a branch of the
MuUica or Little Egg Harbour river,
36 miles S. E. from Woodbury, 71
from Trenton, and 179 from W. C. ;
contains a furnace, grist and saw
mill, a store, tavern, and a number
of dwellings, chiefly for the accom-
modation of the workmen, of whom
there are about 60, constantly em-
ployed, whose families may amount
to 300 persons. The furnace makes
annually about 800 tons of iron,
chiefly castings, and has annexed to
it about 25,000 acres of land.
Glover''s Pond, Hardwick t-ship,
Warren co., the extreme source of
Beaver brook.
Godwinsville, Franklin t-ship, Ber-
gen CO., upon Gofile brook, 8 miles
N. W. from Hackensack ; contains 1
tavern, 2 stores, 7 cotton mills, hav-
ing together .5000 soindles, and from
GOS
150
GRE
45 to 50 dwellings ; soil around it
red shale, fertile and well cultivated.
Goffle Brook, rises in Franklin
t-ship, Bergen co., about a mile and
a half E. of Hohokus, and flows by
a southerly course of 5 miles through
Saddle river t-ship, to the Passaic.
It is a rapid, steady stream, and gives
motion to several cotton mills at God-
winsville. About 1| miles above its
mouth, is the small hamlet called
Goffle, containing 5 or 6 farm dwell-
ings.
Goodwatcr Rim, small tributary of
Batsto river, Washington t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., uniting with the river at
the head of Batsto furnace pond.
Good Luck, town, or more pro-
perly neighbourhood, of Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co., a little S. W. of Cedar
creek or Williamsburgh, separated
from Barnegat bay by a strip of salt
marsh, and surrounded by a pine fo-
rest and sandy soil.
Good Luck Point, Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co., on the S. side of
Toms' bay, at its junction with Bar-
negat bay.
Goose Creek, Dover t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., puts in from Barnegat
bay, 2 miles N. of Toms' bay.
Goose Pond, on the sea shore of
Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.,
about 2 miles above the south boun-
dary of ilic t-ship.
Goshen, village of Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., and near the
head of Toms' river, 13 miles S. of
Monmouth Court House, 23 S. E.
from Trenton ; contains 1 tavern, 2
stores, 10 or 12 dwellings, a grist
and saw mill, and Methodist meeting;
country around, sandy and flat; tim-
ber, pine.
Goshen Creek, mill-stream of Mid-
dle t-ship, Cape May co., rises in the
northern part of the t-ship, and flows
westerly into the Delaware bay, by a
course of 5 or 0 miles ; it is naviga-
ble for about 3 miles to the landing,
for the small village of Goshen. A
channel through the marshes, com-
municates between this stream and
Dennis creek.
Goshen, post-town of Cape May
CO., in Middle t-ship, near the head of
navigation of Goshen creek, about 5
miles N. W. from Cape May court-
house, 198 N. E. from W. C, and
101 S. from Trenton; contains a ta-
vern, 2 stores, a steam saw mill, and
12 or 15 dwellings, and a school
house, in which religious meetings
are held.
Grant Pond, on the Pochuck moun-
tain, Vernon t-ship, Sussex co., a
source of a tributary to Warwick
creek.
Grass Bay, a salt marsh lake,
about 5 miles long, and one wide, in
Galloway t-ship, Gloucester co., com-
municating by several channels with
Reed's bay and with the oceaji.
Grass Pond, Green t-ship, Sussex
CO., one of the sources of the Bear
branch of Pequest creek.
Gratitude, p-t., Sussex co., 221
miles N. E. from W. C, and 68 from
Trenton.
Gravel Hill, village and p-t. of
Knowlton t-ship, Warren co., in the
valley of the Paulinskill, near the
east line of the t-ship, distant by post
road from W. C. 243 miles, from
Trenton 85, and from Belvidere N.
E. 15 miles; contains a large grist
mill, tavern, store, tannery, and 6 or
8 dwellings; soil limestone.
Gravelly Landing, p-t. of Gallo-
way t-ship, Gloucester co., 40 miles
S. E. from Woodbury, 79 from Tren-
ton, and 187 N. E.'from W. C, on
Nacote creek; contains a tavern,
store, and 10 or 12 dwellings.
Gravelly Run, small tributary of
Great Egg Harbour river, flowing
westerly from Egg Harbour t-ship to
its recipient, 2 miles below May's
Landing.
Great Meadotvs, a large body of
G or 8000 acres of meadow land, in
lnde|iendence t-ship, Warren co., wa-
tered by the Pequest creek.
Great Brook, Morris t-ship, Morris
CO., rises at the head of Sjiring valley,
and flows by a semicircular course of
H or 9 miles, j)artly through the t-ship
of Chatham, to the Passaic river, on
the S. W. part of IMorris t-ship.
Green Brook, or Bound Brook, a
GRE
151
GRE
considerable tributary of the Raritan
river, rising in a narrow valley be-
tween New Providence and Westfield
t-ships, Essex co., and thence flowing
by a S. W. course of about 16 miles,
skirting the semicircular mountain
of Somerset co., to its recipient at
Bound Brook. It is a mill stream of
considerable power.
Green Brook, village, on Green
brook above described, in Piscataway
t-ship, Middlesex co., 8 miles from
New Brunswick, 6^ from Somer-
ville; contains a mill, a school house,
2 stores, and 15 dwellings. The
country on the south and east, level
and fertile, valued at <f 50 the acre ;
on the north mountainous.
Green Creek, small stream of Mid-
dle t-ship, Cape May co., which by a
course of 2 or 3 miles, flows into the
Delaware bay. It gives name to a
post-office near it, distant 106 miles
from W. C, and 109 from Trenton.
Green Pond, Valley, and Moun-
tain; the first a beautiful sheet of
water, 3 miles in length and 1 in
breadth, embosomed in the valley to
which it gives name, between the Cop-
peras and Green Pond mountains, Pc-
quannock t-ship, Morris co. The
pond is much resorted to for its fish,
and its beautiful scenery, where na-
ture is yet unsubdued, and the red
deer still roam at will. The valley is
drained by the Burnt Cabin brook, a
principal branch of the Rockaway
river. Green Pond mountain, which
has its name also from the same
source, extends about 13 miles from
the Rockaway to the Pequannock
creek ; it is a high, narrow, and
stony granitic ridge, and lies on the
boundary between Pequannock and
Jefferson t-ships.
Greene t-ship, Sussex co., bounded
N. E. and E. by Newton and Byram
t-ships, S. by Roxbury t-ship, Morris
CO., W. by Independence and Hard-
wicke t-ships, of the same county,
and N. W. by Stillwater t-ship, of
Sussex CO. Centrally distant S. W.
from Newton 7 miles ; greatest length
N. and S. 9 miles; breadth E. and
W. 4 miles; area, 14,080 acres; sur-
face on the south mountainous, else-
where hilly. It is drained by tri-
butaries of the Pequest creek, which
flow through it to the southwest.
Hunt's and Grass ponds are noted
sheets of water in the t-ship ; Green-
ville near the centre is the post-town.
By the census of 1830 the t-ship con-
tained 801 inhabitants, and in 1832
150taxables, 23 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30, 1 store,
2 orist mills, 1 saw mill, 150 horses
and mules, and 400 neat cattle 3 years
old and upwards, 12 tan vats; and
paid a state and county tax of $279
60 ; poor tax, 200 ; and road tax,
$400. The mountain on the S. E.
is composed of grey rock ; the basis
of the soil, in the remainder of the
t-ship, is limestone and slate, the
former prevailing.
Green Bank, settlement on the left
bank of MuUica river, Washington
t-ship, Burlington co., about 10 miles
by the river from its union with Great
bay. There are here, 2 taverns, 2
stores, and 12 or 15 dwellings, with-
in a space of 2 miles. The shore is
clean and high ; the soil sandy loam,
of tolerable quality and well cultivated.
Greenville, p-t. and village, of
Greene t-ship, Sussex co., by the post
route, 222 miles N. E. of W. C, 69
from Trenton, and 8 S. W. from
Newton ; contains a store, tannery,
and 10 or 12 dwellings, and is sur-
rounded by a rich limestone country.
Green Village, Chatham t-ship,
Morris co., 3^ miles S. E. from Mor-
ristown ; contains some 5 or 6 dwell-
ings, situated in a pleasant fertile
country.
Greenwich t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded on the N. E. bv Deptford
t-ship, S. E. by Franklin," S. W. by
Woolwich t-ships, and N. W. by the
river Delaware. Centrally distant
S. W. from Woodbury 7 miles ; great-
est length 15 miles ; greatest breadth
7 miles; area, 35,840 acres; surface
level ; soil sandy. It is drained N.
W. by Mantua on the N. E., and by
Repaupo creek on the S. W. boun-
dary ; Clonmell and Crab creeks are
small intermediate streams; and on
GRE
152
GRE
the S. W. by Raccoon creek. Byl-
lingsport, Paulsboro', Sandtown,
Clarkesboro', Carpenter's Landing,
Barnsboro', and Mullica Hill, are
villages of the t-ship; population in
1830, 2557. In 1832 the t-ship con-
tained 306 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 in value; 9
stores, 3 fisheries, 5 grist mills, 1
woollen manufactory, 5 saw mills, 1
ferry, 2 tan yards, 1054 neat cattle,
and 549 horses and mules, under 3
years of age ; and paid county tax,
$1491 85 ; poor tax, $745 92; road
tax, $1100.
Greenu-ich, t-ship of Cumberland
CO., bounded N. by Newport creek,
which divides it from Stow Creek
t-shi]), E. by Hopewell t-ship, S. by
Cohansey creek, which divides it
from Fairfield t-ship and the river
Delaware, and W. by Stow creek,
which separates it from Lower Allo-
way's Creek t-sliij). Centrally dis-
tant W. from Bridgeton, 8 miles;
greatest length N. and S. 7 miles;
breadth E. and W. 6 miles ; area,
13,440 acres; surface, level; soil, ge-
nerally of clay and de(;p rich loam,
and well cultivated. Beside the
streams named, the t-ship is drained
by Mill creek on its south-cast boun-
dary, and by Pine Mount creek;
Greenwich is the village and post-
town. Population of the t-ship in
1830, 912. In 1832, it contained
205 t;txal)les, 72. householders, whose
ratables did not exceed in value $30 ;
5 st(M-cs, none of which sell ardent
spirits, 3 grist mills, 1 carding ma-
chine, 1 tannery, 1 distillery for cider,
and 148 horses and 484 ui'at cattle
3 years old and upwards.
Greenwich, post-town of the above
t-ship, on the Cohansey creek, 6
miles from the mouth, and 6 S. W.
from Bridgeton, by post-route 195 N.
E. from W. C, and 81 from Tren-
ton; contains between 40 and 50
dwellings of stone, frame, and brick;
1 tavern, 3 stores, and a large grist
and merchant mill, 2 Quaker meet-
ing houses, 1 Methodist church, a
temperance society, counting more
than 200 members; the soil elay
and rich loam, well cultivated, and
very productive in wheat, oats, rye,
and corn.
Greenwich, t-ship. Wan-en co.,
bounded N. by Oxford t-ship, N. E.
by Mansfield, S. E. by the Musconet-
cong creek, which separates it from
Hunterdon co., and W. by the river
Delaware. Centrally distant S. from
Belvidere, the county town, 10 miles;
greatest length N. and S. 13 miles;
breadth E. and W. 1 1 miles ; area,
38,000 acres ; surface hilly, the
South Mountain covering the t-ship.
Drained by Lopatcong, Pohatcong,
and Musconetcong creeks, all which
flow S. W. through the t-ship to the
Delaware river. The turnpike road
from Somerville runs N. W. and
that from Schooley's mountain W.
through the t-ship to Philipsburg, on
the Delaware, opposite to Easton.
Below that town the Morris canal
commences, and runs across the
t-ship. The population in 1830, was
4486. Taxables in 1832, 830; at
that time the t-ship contained 266
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 in value; 9 stores, 17
run of stones for grinding grain, 1
fishery, 2 carding machines, 1 cotton
factory, 3 oil mills, 1 fulling mill, 3
distilleries, 930 horses and mules,
and 1265 neat cattle over 3 years of
age. Although this t-ship be very
mountainous, it is one of the most
productive, not only of the county,
but of the state. \Vhilst the moun-
tains assume a granitic character, the
valleys are every where underlaid
with limestone, and their soils I'ertile.
The valleys of the Musconetcong, the
Pohatcong, and Lopatcong, and even
the small vales through which their
tributaries wander, are highly culti-
vated and improved, and there are
farmers who send to market from
one thousand to three thousand bush-
els of wheat, annually, beside other
agricultural productions. The most
interesting minerals yet discovered in
the t-ship, are marble, steatite or
soapstone, and iron.
Greenwood, forest, east of the Wa-
wayanda mountain, and west of Bear
HAC
153
HAC
Fort Mountain, on the borders of Ver-
non and Ponipton t-ships, and Sussex
and Bergen counties; extending N. and
S. 14 miles into the state oi'New York.
Griggstown, Franklin t-ship, So-
merset CO., on the right bank of the
Millstone river, and on the Delaware
and Raritari canal, 5 miles below
Kingston, and 9 south of Somerville;
contains a tavern, stoi'e, and some
half dozen dwellings. A grist mill for-
merly here has been torn down, be-
ing in the route of the canal, which
follows the bank of the river. A cop-
per mine near this place has been
wrought, but not with success.
Groveville, village of Nottingham
t-ship, Burlington co., in a bend of
the Crosswick's creek, about 6 miles
S. E. of Trenton, and 4 N. E. from
Bordentowri; contains a large wool-
len manufactory, grist and saw mill,
and 10 or 12 houses. The creek is na-
vigable from the Delaware to the vil-
lage, a distance of more than six miles.
Guineatoion, a small hamlet of Up-
per AUovvays Creek t-ship, near its
northern boundary; contains 8 or 10
dwellings, chiefly inhabited by ne-
groes.
Gum Branch, an arm of the south
branch of Toms' river, flows easterly
about 4 miles through the S. E. part
of Upper Freehold t-ship, Monmouth
county.
Hackensack t-ship, Bergen co.,
bounded N. by Harrington, E. and S.
E. by Hudson's river, S. by Bergen
t-ship, S. W. by Lodi, and N. W.
by New Barbadoes. Centrally dis-
tant from Hackensacktown, 2| miles
E. ; greatest length N. and S. 9
miles ; breadth E. and W. .5 miles ;
area, 24,000 acres; surface on the
E. hilly, on the W. level ; soil red
shale, with some marsh on the Hack-
ensack river and English creek, ge-
nerally well cultivated and productive.
It is drained S. by the Hackensack
and by English creek, and N. by
other tributaries of the river. There
are four bridges over the Hackensack,
connecting this with New Barbadoes
t-ship, viz. one at New Milford, at
Old Bridge, at New Bridge, and
u
one at Hackensacktown; these, with
Strahlenburg, Closter, Fort Lee,
Mount Clinton, and English Neigh-
bourhood, are the most noted places
of the t-ship. The frontier on the
North river, is marked by the per-
pendicular trap rocks, known as the
Palisades. Population in 1830, 2200.
In 1832 the t-ship contained 535 tax-
ables, 94 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 in value, 56
single men, 7 merchants, 11 grist
mills, 4 fisheries, 1 1 saw mills, 2 full-
ing mills, 1 ferry, over the Hudson,
8 tan vats, 460 horses, and 1170 neat
cattle, above 3 years old; and the
t-ship paid the following taxes : state,
8303 61; county, $615 38; poor,
$300; road, $1000.
Hackensack River, rises by two
branches in Rockland co., state of
New York; one in the Hightorn
mountain, a spur of the Ramapo; and
the other from a pond, in the high
bank of the Hudson river, opposite to
Sing Sing. These unite below Clarkes-
town, and thence pursue their way
southwardly, through that county into
Bergen co., and thence to Newark
bay. Its whole length by meanders
of the stream, may be from 35 to 40
miles. Until it meets the tide at
Hackensacktown, it is a fine mill
stream. Below that town it flows
through a marsh to the bay. Sloops
ascend to the town.
Hackensack, post and county town
of Bergen co^ on the right bank of
the Hackensack river, 15 miles from
its mouth, 12 from New York, 63
from Trenton, and 229 from W. C.
It is a pleasant and neat town, stretch-
ing through the meadows, on the
river, for about a mile in length ; con-
taining about 150 dwellings and 1000
inhabitants, principally of Dutch ex-
traction; three churches, viz. one
Dutch Reformed, and two formed of
seceders from that church : two aca-
demies, one boarding school for fe-
males, ten stores, three taverns, two
paint factories, one coach maker, two
tanneries, several hatters, three
smiths, and four or five cordwainers.
The county court house is a neat and
HAD
154
HAM
.<;pacious brick edifice; the offices of"
the surrogate and county clerk are of
the same material, and fire proof.
Considerable business is done here
witli the adjacent country, and seve-
ral sloops ply between the town and
New York, carrying from it wood,
lumber and agricuUural products.
The Weehawk Hank, originally esta-
blished at Weehawk, on the North
river, was removed here in 1825, and
then received the name of the Wash-
ington Bank. Its authorized capital
is $-200,000, of which $93,460 have
been paid in. A good turnpike road
runs from Hoboken to Hackensack,
and tlience to Paterson. Hacken-
sack was the scene of considerable
military operations during the revo-
lutionary war.
Hacketsfown, p-t., Independent
t-ship, Warren co., lying between
the Morris canal and Musconetcong
river, which are here about one mile
distant from each other. The village
is by the post road, 215 miles N. E.
from W. C, 59 from Trenton, and
15 E. from Belvidere, the county
town, and 6 from Belmont Spring,
Schooley's mountain; contains 5
large stores, 2 taverns, and from -30
to 40 dwellings of wood find brick,
1 Presbyterian and 1 Methodist
church, an academy, in which the
classics are tauglit, 2 common
schools, 1 resident Presbyterian cler-
gyman, and 3 physicians, 2 large
flour mills, a woollen manufactory
and a clover mill. The town is built
upon cross streets ; is surrounded by
a fertile limestone country, where
farms sell at from 50 to 75 dollars
the acre. This vicinity is rapidly im-
proving by means of the Morris canal.
Ilitddonfiiid, p-t., of Newton
t-ship, (lloucester co., near the west
bank of Cooper's creek, 6 miles S.
E. from Camd(^n, 9 N. E. from
Woodbury, 144 from W. C, and
•36 S. from Trenton; contains 100
dwellings, a (Quaker meeting and
Baptist church, 2 schools, a public
library, 2 fire companies, and 2 fire
engines, 7 stores, 2 taverns, 2 grist
mills, a woollen manuilictory and 2
tanneries. This is a very pleasant
town, built upon both sides of a wide
road, along which it extends for
more than a half mile. The houses
are of brick and wood, many of them
neat and commodious, and surround-
ed by gardens, orchards, and grass
lots. This was a place of some note,
bearing its present name, prior to
1713. The house erected by Eliza-
beth Haddon, of brick and boards,
brought from England, in style
which must then have been deemed
magnificent, has upon it "1713,
Haddonfield," formed of the arch
brick. For many years the town has
undergone little change, but a dispo-
sition to build has lately been awaken-
ed. The soil of the surrounding
country is of excellent quality, being
fertile sandy loam, and is highly pro-
ductive of corn, vegetables, fruits and
grass, which, with its vicinity to mar-
ket, occasions it to be much sought af-
ter,and at high prices; whole farms sell-
ing at from 60 to 100 dolls, the acre.
HagerstoiLm, a small hamlet, of
Elsinborough t-ship, Salem co., on
the road leading from Salem to Han-
cock's bridge, about 4 miles S. of the
former, contains 10 or 12 cottages,
inhabited chiefly by negroes.
Haines' Creek, a considerable
tributary of the Rancocus creek, ri-
sing by several branches in Eves-
ham t-ship, Burlington co., on all of
which there are mills. It flows N.
E. by a course of about 14 miles to
its recipient, near Eayrstown.
Ilakehokake Creek, rises in Alex-
andria t-ship, Hunterdon co., and
flows S. W. by a course of 6 or 7
miles, to the Delaware river, three
miles above the town of Alexandria,
passing by Mount Pleasant, and giv-
ing motion to several mills.
HaWs Pond, small basin of wa-
ter, in Newton t-ship, Sussex co., 3
miles S. E. of the town of Newton.
Hamburg, p-t., of Vernon t-ship,
Sussex CO., in the S. W. angle of the
t-ship, within li miles of the west
foot of the Wall kill mountains, near
the E. bank of the Wullkill river, and
near the Pocluuk turnpike road.
HAN
155
HAN
Distant, by post route from W. C,
248, from Trenton, 90, and from
Newton, 14 miles; contains a church
common to Baptists and Presbyteri-
ans, 2 taverns, 4 stores, 2 grist mills,
and two saw mills, and 15 or 20
dwellings. This is a thriving village,
and the water power on the river of-
fers strong inducements to settlers.
Hamburg, or Wallkill Moimtains,
a local name given to the chain of
hills on the South mountain, extend-
ing N. E. across the townships of
Byram and Hardiston, and inter-
locking with Wawayanda and Po-
chuck mountain, in Vernon t-ship;
about 25 miles in length.
Hamilton t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded N. E. by Galloway t-ship,
S. E. by Egg Harbour and Wey-
mouth t-ships, S. W. by Maurice ri-
ver and Milleville t-ships, of Cumber-
land CO., and N. W. by Franklin,
Deptford and Gloucester t-ships. Cen-
trally distant, S. E. from Woodbury,
30 miles; greatest length, N. and S.,
18 miles; breadth, E. and W., 11
miles; area, 106,880 acres. Sur-
face level, and soil sandy, covered
generally with pine forest, and drain-
ed, southwardly, by Great Egg Har-
bour river, which runs centrally
through it, receiving several small
tributaries on either hand. Hamilton
and May's Landing are villages of
the township ; the latter a post town.
Population in 1830, 1424. In 1832,
the township contained 115 house-
holders, whose ratables did not exceed
#30 ; 7 stores, 2 grist mills, 1 blast
furnace, 6 saw mills, 1 forge with 4
fires, 135 neat cattle, and 171 horses
and mules, above the age of three
years ; and paid county tax, $209 62 ;
poor tax, $104 74^ ; road tax,
$800. The assessor returns but 670
acres of improved land.
Hamilton Village. (See Maifs
Landing.)
Hammonton Post Office, Glouces-
ter CO., by post-route, 167 miles
from W. C, and 59 from Trenton.
HancocFs Bridge, Lower Allo-
ways Creek t-ship, Salem co., over
the Alloways creek. There is a post-
town here, which contains between
30 and 40 dwellings, a Friend's meet-
ing house, a tavern, and 2 stores.
Distant 5 miles S. of Salem, 174 N.
E. from W. C, 54 S. from Trenton:
the soil immediately about the town
is of rich clay, and marsh meadow,
banked and productive.
Hanli's Pond, covers about 300
acres, in Pompton t-ship, Bergen co.,
near Clinton Ibrges, to which it pays
a tribute of its waters.
Hanover t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. E. by Upper Freehold
and Dover t-ships, Monmouth co., S.
by the North and Pole Bridge branch-
es of the Rancocus creek, which se-
parate it from Northampton t-ship,
W. and N. W. by Springfield, Mans-
field, and Chesterfield t-ships. Cen-
trally distant N. E. from Mount Hol-
ly, 12 miles; greatest length N. W.
and S. E. 16 miles; greatest breadth,
13 miles; area, 44,000 acres; sur-
face, generally level ; soil, sandy
loam and sand, and in the S. E. part
covered with pine forest. Drained
N. E. by tributaries of the Cross-
wick's creek, on the N. W. by
Black's creek, and on the S. by the
north branch of the Rancocus, upon
which, near the S. W. angle of the
t-ship, is the County Poor House. Ar-
ney'stown, Shelltown, Jacobstown,
Wrightstown, and Scrabbletown, are
villages of the t-ship ; at the first of
which there is a post-office. Popu-
lation in 1830, 2859. In 1832, the
t-ship contained 530 taxablcs, 298
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 in value; 77 single men,
10 merchants, 5 saw mills, 5 grist
mills; 1 furnace, called Hanover; 20
tan vats, 1 carding machine, 7 distil-
leries for cider, 1 two horse stage,
36 dearborns, 85 covered wagons, 5
chairs and curricles, 13 gigs and sul-
kies, and paid state tax,^$392 14;
county tax, $1369 19; and township
tax, $500.
Hanover t-ship, Morris co., bound-
ed N. by Pequannock t-ship, E. by
Livingston t-ship, Essex co., S. E.
by Chatham t-ship, S. by Morris, and
W. by Randolph t-ships. Centrally
HAR
156
HAR
distant N. from Morristown, 5 miles ;
greatest length E. and W. 12 ;
breadth N. and S. 9 miles; area,
35,000 acres ; surface on the N. W.
hilly, Trowbridge mountain there
crossing the t-.ship; on the E. and S.
E. level ; soil, clay, loam and gravel.
The Rockaway river forms its north-
ern boundary, running into the Pas-
saic, which on the east divides the
t-ship from Essex county. The Whip-
pany and Parsipany rivers also flow
through it, uniting about a mile
before they commingle with the Rock-
away. Population in 1830, 3718.
In 1832, the t-ship contained 700
taxables, 173 householders, whose
ratabies did not exceed $30 in value ;
79 single men, 14 stores, 7 saw mills,
7 grist mills, 29 tan vats, 9 distille-
ries, 3 paper mills, 5 forges, 2 rolling
and slitting mills, 2 fulling mills, 2
carding machines, 4 cotton manufac-
tories, 621 horses and mules, and
2080 cattle above 3 years old; and
paid state tax, $548 98 ; county,
$1229 08; poor, $1000; road tax,
1000. This t-ship is not remarkable
for the extent of its agricultural pro-
duce, the soil not being of the best
quality, yet it is generally well culti-
vated. It contains, however, many
and various manufactories, and abun-
dant water power for others.
Hanover, post-town of preceding
t-ship, on the turnpike road from
Newark to Milford, 7 miles E. from
Morristown, 225 from W. C, and 59
from Trenton; contains a Presbyte-
rian church and half a dozen dwell-
ings, situate on the plain near the
bank of the Passaic.
Hanover Neck post office, Morris
CO., 227 uiiles N. E. from W. C,
and 61 from Trenton, by post-route.
Hardin sville p-o., Gloucester co.
Hardiston t-sp, Sussex co., boimd-
ed N. by Wantage t-shij), N. E. by
Vernon, S. E. by Bergen and Mor-
ris counties, and W. by Newton and
Frankford t-ships. Greatest lenjTth
13^ miles; breadth 9 miles; area,
41,960 acres; surlace mountainous,
covered principally by the Haniburfr
or Wallkill mountains. Pim|)le Hill
is also a distinguished eminence.
The t-ship is drained chiefly by the
Wallkill river, which flows north-
ward, centrally through it, and Pe-
quannock creek, which flows through
the eastern angle. Norman's Pond,
and White Ponds, are basins which
send forth tributaries to the river.
Population in 1830,2588. Taxables
in 1832, 450. There were in the
t-ship in 1832, 2 Presbyterian church-
es, 171 householders, whose ratabies
did not exceed $30 in value ; 8 store-
keepers, 13 pairs of stones for grind-
ing grain, 2 carding machines, 7
mill saws, 1 furnace, 13 forge fires,
1 fulling mill, 407 horses and mules,
and 1437 neat cattle above the age of
3 years; 37 tan vats, 9 distilleries.
The t-ship paid state and county tax,
$915; poor tax, $500; and road
tax, $1200. Sparta and Monroe are
post-towns of the t-ship; there is a
third post-office at Harmony Vale, in
the N. W. angle of the t-ship. The
Hamburg or Wallkill mountain,
which has an unbroken course through
the t-ship, contains an inexhaustible
mass of zinc and iron ores, and the
t-ship generally is considered as one
of the most interesting mineral loca-
lities in the United States.
Hardwick t-ship, Warren co.,
bounded E. by Stillwater and (4reen
t-ships, of Sussex co., S. by Indepen-
dence t-ship, W. by Knowlton, and N.
by Pahaquarry t-ships. Centrally
distant N. E. from Belvidere, 15
miles ; greatest length N. and S. 11;
breadth E. and W. 8 miles; area,
24,320 acres. Population in 1830,
1962. There were in the t-ship in
1832, 82 householders, whose rata-
ble estates did not exceed $30 in va-
lue; 5 stores, 13 pairs of stones for
grain, 2 carding machines, 1 wool
factory, 5 saw mills, 56 tan vats, 4
distilleries ; and it paid a state and
county tax of $967 59. The sur-
face of the t-ship is generally hilly,
and is drained south-westerly by
Paulinskill, Beaver brook, and Bear
branch of the Pequcst creek, and
also by some limestone sinks ; Marks-
boro', Lawrenceville, Johnsonburg,
HAR
157
HIL
and Shiloh, are post-towns of the
t-ship. Lime and slate alternate in
the t-ship, as in Knowlton ; the ridges
being of the latter, and the valleys of
the ibrmcr; both are productive, ex-
cept where the slate rock approaches
too near the surface. White Pond
in this t-ship, about a mile north of
Marksboro', is a great natural curio-
sity. (See Markshoroi' .)
Harlingen, p-t., Montgomery t-sp.
Somerset co., 9 miles S. W. from
Somerville, 185 from W. C, and 19
from Trenton ; contains a Dutch Re-
formed church, a store, tavern, and
4 or 5 dwellings, in a fertile country
of red shale.
Harmony, post-office and Presby-
terian church, of Greenwich t-ship,
Warren co., by the post route, distant
from W. C. 200, from Trenton 60,
and from Belvidere, 8 miles.
Harmony Vale, p-t., in the N. W.
angle of Hardistone t-ship, Sussex
CO., 240 miles from W. C, 82 from
Trenton, and 10 from Newton ; con-
tains some 10 or 12 dwellings, and
a Presbyterian church.
Harrington t-ship, Bergen co.,
bounded N. by Rockland co.. New
York, E. by the Hudson river, S. by
New Barbadoes and Hackensack
t-ships, and W. by Franklin t-ship.
Centrally distant from the town of
Hackensack N. 7 miles; greatest
length 9^ ; breadth 7 miles ; area,
34,000 acres; surface level, except
near the bank of the North river,
along which runs the Closter moun-
tains, 400 feet high, forming the Pali-
sades; soil loam, well cultivated and
fertile. It is watered by the Hack-
ensack river, flowing southerly and
centrally through it, receiving the
Paskack brook, which, rising in New
York, seeks its recipient near the cen-
tre of the t-ship ; and by Saddle river,
which, rising also in New York, flows
along the western boundary ; popula-
tion in 1830, 2581. In 1832 there
were 776 taxables, 152 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed 830 in
value, 46 single men, .10 stores, 20
grist mills, 3 cotton manufactories,
2 furnaces, 23 saw mills, and 685
horses, and 1332 neat cattle, over 3
years of age, 1 fulling mill, 26 tan
vats, 2 woollen factories ; and it paid
state tax, $432 57; county, $910 92.
Harrisoti^s Brook, branch of the
Dead river, a tributary of the Passaic,
rises in the Mine mountain near Veal-
town, and flows S. 5 miles to its re-
cipient, about a mile below Liberty
Corner.
HeatJicote' s Brook, tributary of
Millstone river, rising near the Sand
Hills, and flowing westerly about 5
miles, to its recipient, near Kingston.
Herberton, town of Hopewell t-sp.
Hunterdon co., 11 miles S. of Flem-
ington, 11 N. from Trenton; con-
tains some half dozen dwellings, a
Baptist church, store, and tavern ; the
country around it is hilly, with soil
of red shale, well cultivated. The
t-ship poor-house, on a farm of 140
acres, is near it, where the average
number of 30 paupers are annually
maintained by their own labour.
Hereford Inlet, Middle t-ship. Cape
May CO., a passage of between one
and two miles wide, between Learn-
ing's and Five Mile beach, through
which the sea enters the lagunes and
marshes upon the Atlantic coast.
Hickory, small hamlet of Bethle-
hem t-ship, Hunterdon co., 12 miles
N. W. of Flemington, at the south
foot of the Musconetcong mountain,
and on the line dividing Bethlehem
from Alexandria t-ship.
Higlitstown, p-t. of East Windsor
t-ship, Middlesex co., on the turnpike
road from Bordentown to Cranberry,
and on Rocky brook, 13 miles from
Bordentown, 183 from W. C, and 18
from Trenton; contains a Baptist and
Presbyterian church, 3 taverns, 2
stores, a grist and saw mill, and fron>
30 to 40 dwellings. The rail-road
from Bordentown to Amboy passes
through the town, and a line of stages
runs thence to Princeton, &c.
Hillsborough t-ship, Somerset co.,
bounded N. by the main stem, and
south branch of Raritan river, which
separates it from Bridgewater, E. by
Millstone river, dividing it from Frank-
lin, S. by Montgomery, and W. by
HOB
15H
HOP
Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon co. Cen-
trally distant S. W. from Somerville
5 miles ; greatest length E. and ^^' .
10; breadth N. and 8. 7 miles ; area,
about 36,000 acres; surface on the
west hilly, the Neshanie or Rock
mountain extending over it ; the soil
clay and loam : on the east level and
gently undulating; soil red shale.
The wliole t-ship is well cultivated.
Besides the streams on the bounda-
ries, the only considerable one is
Roy's brook, flowing into the Mill-
stone. Flaggtown, Millstone, Nesha-
nie, Koughstown, and Blackwells, are
the villages of the t-ship; the two first
post-towns. Population in 1830, 2878.
In 1832 the t-ship contained about
.560 taxablos, 95 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30 in value,
58 single men, 9 stores, 8 saw mills,
8 grist mills, 1 fulling mill, 10 tan
vats, 4 distilleries, 2 carding ma-
chines, 939 horses and mules, and
1638 neat cattle, of 3 years old and
upwards; and paid state tax, 8382
92; county, $1182 53. There is a
Dutch Reformed church in the t-ship.
Hoboken, village of Bergen t-ship,
Bergen co., on the North river, oppo-
site to the city of New York, built
chiefly on one street, and contains
about 1 hundred dwellings, 3 licensed
taverns, many unlicensed houses of
entertainment, 4 or 5 stores, and se-
veral livery stables and gardens, and
betwc(^n 0 and 7 hundred inhabitants.
It is remarkable, however, cliiefly as
a place of resort, for the citizens of
New York, during the hot days of
the summer; the bank of the river is
high, and the invigorating sea breeze
may be enjoyed at almost all hours
when tlic sun is above the horizon.
The lilKTality of Mr. Stevens, who is
an extensive landholder here, has
opened many attractions to visiters, in
the walks along the river bank, over
his grounds ; and in the beautiful fields
studded with clumps of troos, and va-
riegated by shady woods, the busi-
ness-worn Yorker finds a momenta-
ry relaxation and enjoynu'nt in the
" Elysian fields;" and the gastro-
nomes, whetlier of the corporation of
New Amstel, or invited guests, find a
less rural, though not a more sensual
pleasure, in the least of Turtle grove.
The value of the groves of Hoboken
to the inhabitants of N. York, is inap-
preciated and inappreciable. They are
the source of health to thousands. —
Several steam-boats ply constantly
between this town and New York.
Holland'' s Brook, tributary of the
south branch of the Raritan river,
rises in Readington t-ship, Hunter-
don CO., and flows by a S. E. course
of about 7 miles, to its recipient in
Bridgewater t-ship, Somerset co.
Holmdel or Baptistown, p-t. of
Middletown t-ship, Monmouth co., 7
miles N. E. from Freehold, 219 from
W. C, and 53 E. from Trenton;
contains an academy, a Baptist
church, 2 stores, 8 dwellings, lying
in a highly improved country, pro-
ducing rye, corn, grass, &c.
Hog Island, in Little Egg Har-
bour river, Galloway t-ship, Glou-
cester CO.
Hohokiis Brook, rises and has its
course S. E. 9 miles in Franklin
t-ship, Bei'gen co. It is a rapid wild
stream, studded with mills, and gives
name to the village of
Hohokvs, village, situate on the
turnpike road leading thence to the
Sterling mountain, N. Y., 9 miles from
Hackensack ; contains a tavern, store,
cotton mill, and several dwellings.
Hojje Creek, a small stream of 4
or 5 miles in length, which rises in,
and flows through, the meadows and
marshes of Lower Allovvay's Creek
t-ship, Salem co. It is not navigable.
Hope, p-t., on the lino dividing
Knowlton from Oxford t-ship, on a
branch of Beaver brook, 212 miles
from W. C, and 59 from Trenton,
and 10 N. E. from Belvidere; con-
tains a grist mill and saw mill, 6
stores, 2 taverns, and about 30 dwell-
ings, an Episco])al and Methodist
church. The soil around it is lime-
stone, and well cultivated. This was
originally a Moravian settlenifnt.
Hrpevell t-.ship, of Cumberland co.,
bounded E. by DeorHeld, S. E. and
S. by Fairfield, W. by Greenwich and
HOP
159
HOW
Stow Creek t-ships, and N. by Hope-
well t-ship, of Salem co. Greatest
length 10, breadth 6 miles; area,
20,000 acres ; surface rolling ; soil
clay loam. Cohansey creek bounds
the t-ship on the east and south, and
Mount's creek and Mill creek, its tri-
butaries, are on and near the S. W.
boundaiy. Population in 1830, 1953.
In 1832 there were in the t-ship 468
taxables, 1 Seventh-day Baptist, and
1 Methodist church, 112 household-
ers, whose ratables did n(jt exceed
830 in value, 4 stores, 5 run stones
for grinding grain, 1 cupola furnace,
1 rolling and slitting mill, 3 tanneries,
2 distilleries for cider ; and the t-ship
paid for road tax, $500; and for
county and state tax, $1052 87. Part
of the town of Bridgeton is on the
eastern boundary, and Shiloh and
Roadstown are on the west. Bowen-
town lies midway on the road between
the lirst and the last.
Hopewell t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. by Amwell t-ship, E. by
Montgomery t-ship, of Somerset co.,
S. E. by Lawrence t-ship, S. by Tren-
ton t-ship, and W. by the river Dela-
ware: Centrally distant S. from
Flemington 12 miles; greatest length
E. and^W. 12; breadth N. and^S.
10 miles; area, 36,000 acres; sur-
face on the north hilly, a chain of low,
trap mountains extending across it ;
and on the south level, and abundant-
ly productive ; soil red shale, loam,
and gravel. It is drained on the west
by Smith's and Jacob's creeks, and
east bv Stony brook. Population in
1630, 3151. " In 1832 the t-ship con-
tained 70 houses and lots, 11 stores,
5 fisheries, 6 saw mills, 8 grist mills,
2 oil mills, 17 tan vats, 1 distillery, 1
carding machine, 1 fulling mill, 863
horses and mules, and 1078 neat cat-
tle, over 3 years of age; and paid
poor tax, $300; road 'tax, $1200;
state, $1722 84. Pennington and
Woodsville are post-towns, and Hc-
bertown and Columbia, villages of
the t-ship.
Hoppe?-''s or Ramapotflivn, on the
Ramapo river, east foot of the Rama-
Hackensack ; contains a tavern, and
some 6 or 8 dwellings.
Hornerstown, hamlet, on Marl
Ridge, Upper Freehold t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., 20 miles S. W. of Free-
hold court-house, and 15 S. E. from
Tr-enton ; contains several dwellings,
a grist mill, and saw mill, and fulling
mill, upon the Lahaway creek, a
branch of the Crosswicks. The soil
on the north side of the creek is deep,
rich loam ; and on the south, barren
sand. There is here a great deposit
of valuable marl.
Hospitality, branch of the Great
Egg Harbour river, rises in Deptford
t-ship, Gloucester co., and flows S. E.
to the river at Pennypot Mill, in Ha-
milton t-ship, about 14 miles from its
source, receiving from the west, Fara-
way, Lake, and Cold branches.
Howell township, Monmouth co.,
bounded N. by Shrewsbury, E. by
the Atlantic ocean, S. by Dover t-ship,
and W. by Freehold t-ship. Centrally
distant S. E. from Freehold 1 1 miles ;
greatest length E. and W. 13 ; breadth
N. and S. 11 miles; area, 70,000
acres ; surface level ; soil sand, sandy
loam, and clay ; drained by Shark,
Manasquan, and Metetecunk rivers,
which flow east to the ocean ; the first
on the north, and the last on the south
boundary. Manasquan, Squankum,
and Howell's Furnace, are post-towns
of the t-ship. Population in 1830,
4141. In 1832 there were in the
t-ship about 800 taxables, 122 house-
holders, whose ratables did not exceed
$30, and 42 single men, 11 stores,
10 saw mills, 5 grist mills, 2 fulling
mills, 4 carding machines, 26 tan
vats, 2 distilleries, 1 furnace in ope-
ration, 365 horses and mules, and
1400 neat cattle, 3 years old and up-
wards.
Howell Furnace, p-t., Howell
t-ship, Monmouth co., 12 miles S.
E. of Freehold, 47 from Trenton,
and 212 N. E. from W. C, on the
left bank of the Manasquan river.
The manufacture of iron is extensive-
ly carried on here, and for the accom-
modation of the workmen, there are
po mountain, 16 miles N. W. from from 40 to 50 dwellings, and a store.
HUN
160
HUN
A company was incorporated for con-
ducting the works, the stock of which,
we understand, is now in great part,
if not wholly, the property of Mr.
James P. Sairs of New York.
Hugliesville, village, on the Muscon-
ctcong creek, about 5 miles from its
mouth, 15 miles S. of Belvidere, and
6 S. E. from Philipsville, in Green-
wich t-ship, Warren co., and in a
narrow and deep valley ; it contains
a tavern, a store, a school and from
15 to 20 dwellings. Lead or zine ore
is said to be found in the mountain
north of the town ; but most probably
the latter, as the hill is part of the
range of the Hamburg or Wallkill
mountains, in which that mineral
abounds.
Hunterdon County, was taken
from Burlington, by act of Assembly
13th March, 1714, and received its
name from governor Hunter. It has
been since modified by the erection
of Somerset, Morris and Warren cos.,
and is now bounded N. E. by Morris,
E. by Somerset, S. E. by Middlesex,
S. by Burlington, S. W. and W. by
the river Delaware, and N. W. by
the Musconetcong river, which sepa-
rates it from Warren co. Greatest
length N. and S. 43 miles; breadth
26 miles; area, 324,572 acres, or
about 507 square miles. Central
lat. 40° 3' N. ; long. 2° 5' E. from
W. C.
This county borders S. on the
great eastern alluvial formation. The
primitive rock is first found in it at the
falls of the Delaware river, near
Trenton, and may be traced from
the respective banks N. E. and S.
W. It has in Jersey, however, a
narrow breadth, being overlaid by a
belt of the old red sandstone which
stretches across the country for about
20 miles to the low mountain ridge
north of FIcmington. About 12 miles
north of Trenton, this formation is
broken by a chain of trap hills which
cross the Dcl.-iwarc below New Hope,
and are known in this county by the
name of Rocky mountain, 6cc.; but
this chain has the sandstone for its
base. Between it and the chain north
of Flemington, lies a fertile valley of
red sandstone. With t]ie hills north
of Flemington, the primitive forma-
tion is again visible, but the valleys
which intersect them discover secon-
dary limestone, particularly at New
Germantown, Clinton, &c., in the
German valley, and in the valley of
the Musconetcong.
The surface of the county S. and
S. E. of Flemington, with the excep-
tion of the Rocky hills of which we
have spoken, may be deemed level ;
on the north of Flemington it is moun-
tainous; the ridges, however, are
low and well cultivated to the sum-
mits. Many of them, particularly
those N. and W. of Flemington, pro-
duce abundance of excellent ship tim-
ber. The red shale of the sandstone
formation, is generally susceptible of
beneficial cultivation, and is grateful
to the careful husbandman. The
limestone valleys may be made what-
ever the cultivator pleases, provided
he bounds his wishes by the latitude
and climate. And by the use of
lime, the cold clay of the primitive
hills may be converted into most pro-
ductive soil. On the whole, this
county may be considered one of the
finest and most opulent of the state.
It is tolerably well watered by streams,
part of which seek the Raritan,
whilst others flow to the Delaware
river : of the first, proceeding from
the north, are Spruce run, the main
south branch of the Raritan, Laming-
ton river, Rockaway creek, Neshanie
creek, and Stony brook : of the se- '
cond are the Rlusconetcong river,
Hakehokake, Nischisakawick Lack-
atong, Wickechecoke, Alexsocken,
Smith, Jacob's, and Assunpink creeks.
The towns of the county are Alexan-
dria, Baptistown, Centreville, Clarks-
ville, Clinton, T'lemington, Hepborn's,
Hopewell Meeting, Fairvicw, Lam-
bortsville, Lawrcnceville, Lebanon,
Mattison's Comer, Milford, Mount
Pleasant, New Germantown, New
Hampton, Pennington, Pcnnyville,
Pittstown, Pofferstown, Prallsville,
Quakertown, Ringoes, Sergeantsville,
TRENTON, Vansyckle's, White
IML
161
IND
House, Woodsville, &c., all of which
are post-towns. There are beside
these, some small hamlets of little
note. The county contained in 1832,
by the assessor's abstract, 86 mer-
chants, 17 fisheries, 71 saw mills, 80
grist mills, 13 oil mills, 9 ferries and
toll bridges, 524 tan vats, 5 distilleries
for grain, 58 for cider; 1 cotton ma-
nufactory, 17 carding machines, 10
fulling mills, 50 stud horses, 7538
horses and mules, and 12,492 neat
cattle, over 3 years of age; and it
paid poor tax, $6850 ; i-oad tax,
$8300; county tax, 814,535 84;
and state tax, $4146 76.
For the dissemination of moral and
religious instruction, there are in
the county Bible and tract societies,
Sunday schools and temperance so-
cieties, in almost all thickly settled
neighbourhoods ; and the people ge-
nerally, are remarkable for their so-
ber and orderly deportment.
The population of the cotmty, de-
rived pi'incipally from English and
German sources, by the census of
1830, amounted to 31,060, of whom
14,465 were white males; 14,653
white females; 869 free coloured
males, and 901 free coloured females;
77 male, and 95 female slaves ; 34
deaf and dumb, all white; 19 white,
and 2 blacks, blind; 210 aliens.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
-C
13
P
opulation.
Townships.
bD
a
0)
Area.
Surface.
CJ
J
1810.
1820.
1830.
Alexandria,
12
9
33,000
mount's, hilly.
2271
2619
8042
Amwell,
16
15
77,000
p'thilly,p'tlevel.
5777
6749
7385
Bethlehem,
9
9
25,000
mountainous.
1738
2002
2032
Kingwood,
17
7
35,312
hilly.
2605
2786
2898
Hopewell,
12
10
36,000
p'tlevel,p't hilly.
2565
2881
3151
Lawrence,
8
6
13,093
level.
1354
1430
Lebanon,
15
7
42,000
mountainous.
2409
2817
3436
Readington,
12
7^
29,558
generally level.
1797
1964
2102
Tewkesbury,
8
6l
23,000
mountainous.
1308
1499
1659
Trenton,
7
5
10,609
324,572
level.
3002
3942
3925
23,472
28,604
31,060
Hunt's Poiid, a small basin on
the N. W. line of Greene t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., supplies the Bear branch of
Pequest creek.
Hunt''s Mills. (See Clinton.)
Hurricane Brook, a tributary of
the south branch of Toms' river, Do-
ver t-ship, Monmouth co., which
unites with Black run, in the mill
pond of Dover furnace.
Imlaytotvn, post-town of Upper
Freehold t-ship, Monmouth co., 3
miles E. of Allentown, 180 N. E.
from W. C, and 14 miles S. E. from
Trenton; contains 12 or 15 dwell-
ings, a grist and saw mill, tannery, 1
tavern, 1 store, wheelwright and
smith sho]). The surrounding coun-
try is gently undulating; soil, clay,
and sandy loam, generally well culti-
vated and productive.
Imlaydale, pleasant hamlet on the
Musconetcong creek, Mansfield t-ship,
Warren co., 4 miles S. of the village
of Mansfield, and within 1 of New
Hampton, in the adjacent county of
Hunterdon, and 12 miles S. E. of
Belviderc ; contains a mill, a store,
and 3 dwellings.
Independence t-ship, Warren co.,
bounded N. by Hardwick t-ship, E.
by Green t-ship, Sussex co., S E. by
Roxbury t-ship, Morris co., S. W.
by Mansfield, and W. by Oxford
t-ship. Centrally distant N. E. from
Belvidere, the county town, 14 miles;
greatest length 9 miles N. and S. ;
breadth E. and W. 8| ; area, 29,440
IND
162
JAK
acres; surface hilly on the E. and
W., but a valley runs centrally N.
E. and S. W/ through the t-ship
which is drained by the Pequest
creek, and on which there is a large
body of meadow land. Bacon creek
is a small tributary of the Pequest,
which unites with it above the village
of Vienna. The Musconetcong river
forms the S. E. boundary, and in its
valley, parallel therewith, runs the
Morris canal. Alamuche, Hackets-
town, and Vienna, are post-towns of
the t-ship; there is a Quaker meet-
ing house in the N. E. part of the
t-ship. There were in the t-ship in
1830, 2126 inhabitants; in 1832,
429 taxables, 10,000 acres of im-
proved land, 414 horses and mules,
and 1006 neat cattle, over 3 years
of age; 146 householders, whose ra-
tables did not exceed $30 ; 8 stores,
11 pairs of stones for grinding grain,
6 saw mills, 21 tan vats, 4 distille-
ries ; and it paid in t-ship taxes for the
poor and roads, .S900 ; and in county
and state tax, 8880 95. This ranks
among the most valuable precincts of
the state. The valleys are of fertile
limestone, and the hill sides have
been subjected to cultivation to a very
great extent. The ridges which cross
the t-ship from the S. W. to the N.
E. are metalliferous, and upon the
" Jenny Jump,'" in the N. W., a gold
mine is said to exist. Preparations
have ostensibly been made for smelt-
ing the ore, but the " wise ones" have
little confidence in the undertaking,
and consider the mineral discovered,
if any, to be pyrites or fool's gold.
Inskccp's Mill, at the junction of
the N. E. branch of Gr^^at Egg Har-
bour river, called Inskeep's branch,
with the Squankum branch of said
river, neiir the south border of Dept-
ford t-ship, rrloucester county, about
33 miles from Camden.
Inland Ikach, Delaware t-ship,
Monmouth co., extends N. 12 miles
on the Atlantic ocean and Barncfrat
bay, from Barncgat inlet to what was
formerly Cranberry inlet ; it no where
exceeds half a mile in breadth.
Indian Branch, a principal tribu-
tary of the north branch of the Rari-
tan river, rising in Randolph t-ship,
Morris co., on the N. W. foot of
Trowbridge mountain, and flowing S.
W. through Mendham t-ship, giving
motion to several mills in its course.
Indian Run, branch of Doctor's
creek, on the N. W. boundary of
Upper Freehold t-ship, Monmouth
CO., flows S. W. by a course of about
2 miles, to its recipient, west of Allen-
town, giving motion to a saw mill.
Inskeep^s Branch, or rather the
main stem of the Great Egg Harbour
river, above Inskeep's Mill, about 30
miles from the mouth of the river,
rises in Gloucester t-ship, Gloucester
CO., and flows a S. E. course of 12
or 14 miles, to the mill, receiving
Four Mile Branch and Squankum
Branch.
Jacksonville, on the line between
Lebanon and Tewkesbury t-ships,
Hunterdon co., about 11 miles N. of
Flemington, and on the turnpike road
from Somerville to Easton ; contains
a tavern, store, grist mill, and 2 or 3
dvvellings.
Jacksonville, formerly called Im-
lay's Mills, on Rocky brook, a branch
of the Millstone, in Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., 10 miles E.
from Freehold ; contains a grist and
saw mill, 2 stores, 7 dwellings, and a
Presbyterian church. There is a
large body of good bog ore at a short
distance north of the town, and some
indications of extensive mining opera-
tions, said to have been carried on
near it, many years since, in j)ursuit
of copper.
Jacksonville, post-office, Burling-
ton CO., 160 miles N. E. of W. C,
and 17 S. of Trenton.
Jackson Glass Works, post-office,
Gloucester co., by post route 156
miles from AV. C, and 48 from Tren-
ton.
Jacobstown, Hanover t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., near the Great Monmouth
Road, 12 miles N. E. from Mount
Holly, and 9 miles S. E. of Borden-
town; contains 2 taverns, a store,
and some 12 or 15 dwellings.
Jake's Brook, small tributary of
JEF
163
JER
Toms' river, or rather of Toms' bay,
with which it unites, below the village
of Toms' River.
Jefferson, village, Orange t-ship,
Sussex CO., 6 miles W. from Newark,
at the foot of the First mountain ; con-
tains about 30 dwellings, a Baptist
church, and school house.
Jefferson t-ship, Morris co., bound-
ed N. W. by Hardistone t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., N. E. by Pompton t-ship,
Essex CO., S. E. by Pequannock
t-ship, and S. W. by Roxbury t-ship,
Morris co., and by By ram t-ship, Sus-
sex CO. Centrally distant N. W. from
Morristown 15 miles; greatest length
14, breadth 3^ miles; area 25,000
acres. The whole surface is covered
with mountains, save a deep and nar-
row valley, the lower part of which
is called Berkshire, and the upper
Longwood, valley, bounded on the N.
W. by the Hamburg mountain, and
on the S. E. by Green Pond moun-
tain. Through this valley flows the
main branch of the Rockaway river,
which has its source in the Hamburg
mountain near the county line; and
which, in its course through the vale,
gives activity to a dozen forges and
other mill works. On the top of the
Hamburg mountain, near the S. W.
line of the t-ship, lies Hurd's pond
and Hopatcong lake. The first re-
ceives a small stream which has a S.
W. course of 4 or 5 miles, and pours
its waters into the second. Hurd's
pond is about 1^ mile in length, by
1 mile in breadth ; and the lake is be-
tween 3 and 4 miles long, and about
a mile broad, covering about 3000
acres. These waters are remarkable,
as well for their place, as their use;
being at the summit level of the Morris
canal, and employed as its feeders.
They are the source also of that fine
stream, the Musconetcong creek, and
are much celebrated for their fish.
The mountain is rough and broken,
and the descent into Berkshire valley
is wildly picturesque : of which cha-
racter Longwood also partakes. The
base of the whole t-ship is granitic
rock, which breaks through the sur-
face ui every direction, in rude and
heavy masses. From a soil thus con-
stituted, little fertility is expected ; but
the product of the mountain, in wood
and iron, is very valuable. The popu-
lation in 1830, was 1551. In 1832
the t-ship contained 250 taxables, 127
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 in value, 6 stores, 2 grist,
9 saw mills, 3 distilleries, and 18
forges, 206 horses and mules, and
598 neat cattle, over 3 years of age;
and paid state tax, $139 79 ; county,
$312 97; poor, $600; and road,
$1000.
Jenny Jump, a noted eminence in
the northern part of Oxford t-ship,
Warren co., extending N. E. and S.
W. for about 10 miles, and into Inde-
pendence t-ship.
Jersey City, lies on a point of land
projecting into the Hudson river, op-
posite to the city of New York, dis-
tant therefrom, 1 mile, 1 chain, 47
links, in Bergen t-ship, Bergen co.,
13 miles S. of Hackensack, 224 miles
N. E. from W. C, 58 from Trenton,
and 8 from Newark. It was first in-
corporated Jan. 28, 1820, compris-
ing " All that portion of the t-ship of
Bergen, owned by the Jersey Asso-
ciates, formerly called Powles Hook,
constituted and surrounded by a cer-
tain ditch, as the boundary line be-
tween the Jersey Associates and the
lands of Cornelius Van Vorst, dec'd,
on the W. and N. W., and by the
middle of the Hudson river, and the
bay surrounding all the other parts
of the same." By the act of Assembly
the municipal government is vested in
seven selectmen, who are ex offcio,
conservators of the peace, a president
chosen by the board, a treasurer, se-
cretary, city marshal, &c. The town
is commodiously laid out into lots, 25
feet by 100, distributed into 45 blocks,
each 2 acres, with broad streets, and
contains many good buildings. The
whole number of dwellings may be
200, and the inhabitants about 1500.
There are here, an Episcopalian
church of wood, and a new church
of stone being erected, and a Dutch
Reformed church, 2 select schools,
and an academy, owned by the pub-
JOB
164
KET
lie ; the Morris Canal Banking Com-
pany, authorized to have a capital not
exceeding one million of dollars, of
which, $40,000 only, have been paid
in; 20 licensed stores, 5 taverns, a
public garden on the bay, called the
Thatched Cottage Garden; a wind
mill, an extensive pottery, at which
large quantities of delfware are made,
in Ibrm and finish scare inferior to
the best Liverpool ware ; a flint glass
manufactorv, employing from 80 to
100 hands, at $750 the week wages,
yielding an annual product of near
$100,000, of the best plain and cut
glass ware. Both these large manu-
factories arc conducted by incorpo-
rated companies. There are 2 turn-
pike roads running from this city to
Newark, a rail-road to Paterson, and
another through Newark to Bruns-
wick ; and a basin in this town is pro-
posed to be the eastern termination
of the Morris canal, now completed
to Newark. Three lines of stages
run from Jersey City, to Newark,
twice each day. Two steam-boats,
belonging to the Associates of the
Jersey Company, cross to New York
every 15 minutes. This company
was chartered in 1804, for the sole
purpose of purchasing the place from
Cornelius Van Vorst, the former pro-
prietor.
The city is a port of entry, annex-
ed to the collection district of New
York, together with all that part of
the state of New Jersey, which lies
north and east of Elizabcthtown and
Staten Island. An assistant collector
resides at Jersey, who may enter and
clear vessels as the collector of New
York may do, acting in conlbrmity,
however, with such instructions as he
may receive from the collector of
New York. There is a surveyor
also at this port.
JobsviUe, or WUkinsmlle, named
after the proprietor, Deptford t-ship,
Gloucester co., n(;ar the mouth of
Woodbury creek, between 3 and 4
miles W. from Woodbury; contains
some half dozen dwellings.
Johstown, p-t. of Springfield t-ship,
on the Great Monmouth road, 6 miles
N. E. from Mount Holly, 169 from
W. C, and 23 S. E. from Trenton;
contains a tavern, a store, and 8 or
10 dwellings, surrounded by excellent
farms. The proposed rail-road or
Macadamized road from the mouth
of Craft's creek to Lisbon, is designed
to pass by this village.
Johnsonhurg, p-t. and village of
Hardwick t-ship, Warren co.; cen-
trally situate in the t-ship, by post
route, 218 miles N. E. of W. C, 65
from Trenton, and 16 from Belvidere;
contains an Episcopal and a Presby-
terian church, a church belonging to
the sect of Christ-i-ans, 2 taverns, 2
stores, many mechanic shops, a grist
mill, and from 25 to 30 dwellings.
The surrounding soil is of fertile lime-
stone, and well cultivated. A small
tributary of the Bear branch of Pe-
quest creek, flows through it, and
gives motion to the mill of the town.
Jones' Island, Fairfield t-ship,
Cumberland co., formed by Cedar
creek, Nantuxet creek, and their tri-
butaries, and by Nantuxet Cove.
Jugfown, small village, in a valley
of the Musconetcong mountain, and
on the road from Somerville to Phi-
lipsburg, about 12 miles N. W. from
Flemington; contains a tavern, mill,
and some half dozen dwellings.
JulwstotLm, p-t. of Springfield t-sp,
Burlington co., 6 miles N. E. of
Mount Holly, 163 from W. C, and
25 S. E. from Trenton; contains 1
tavern, 2 stores, and from 20 to 30
dwellings. A rail, or Macadamized
road, from the mouth of Craft's creek
to Lisbon, is designed to pass by this
village.
Jumping Brook, one of the sources
of Crosswick's creek. Freehold t-ship,
Monmouth co., which, after a west
course of about 4 miles, unites with
South Run, and forms the creek. It
is a mill stream.
Kettle Run, small tributary of
Haines' creek, Evesham t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., unites with the main
stream at Taunton furnace.
Kettle Creek, Dover t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., rises by two branches,
north and south, which flow east, the
KIN
165
KNO
first about 6, and the second about 4
miles. Their union forms an arm of
Barnegat bay. There is a post-office
in the neighbourhood, named after the
creek, about 65 miles from Trenton.
Kill Van Kuhl, the narrow strait
between Staten island and the south
shore of Bergen co., connecting New
York bay with Newark bay, and in
length about 5 miles.
Kingston, p-t., on the turnpike road
from Princeton to Brunswick, 1 3 miles
from the latter, 180 from W. C, and
13 from Trenton, and on the line se-
parating South Brunswick t-ship, Mid-
dlesex CO., from Franklin t-ship, So-
merset CO., so that part of the town
lies in each county, and half way be-
tween Philadelphia and New York.
There are here a Presbyterian church,
an academy, 3 taverns, 4 stores, a
large grist mill, saw mill, and woollen
factory, driven by the Millstone river,
which runs through the town. The
Delaware and Raritan canal also
passes through it, with a lock at this
place. There are here also, about 40
dwellings. The soil around the town
is of sandy loam, upon red sandstone,
fertile, and in a high state of cultiva-
tion, and valued, in farms, at $60 the
acre. This place was once remark-
able for the number of stages which
passed through it, for New York and
Philadelphia, the passengers in which,
commonly dined at the hotel of Mr.
P. Withington. Before the comple-
tion of the Bordentown and Amboy
rail road, 49 stages, loaded with pas-
sengers, between the two cities, have
halted here at the same time; when
more than 400 harnessed horses were
seen standing in front of the inn. Mr.
Withington has lately made a very
large fish pond on his lands, well
stocked with trout, and other fish of
the country, with which he can, at
any time, supply his table in a few
minutes.
KingiDood t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. E. by Lebanon, S. E. by
Amwell, W. by the Delaware river,
and N. W. by Bethlehem t-ship. Cen-
trally distant W. from Flemington 7
miles; greatest length N. E. and S.
W. 17, breadth E. and W. 7 miles;
area, 35,312 acres ; surface, hilly and
rolling; soil, red shale, clay, and
loam ; in many places fertile and well
cultivated. The tract known as the
Great Swamp, extends on the top of
the mountain into this t-ship, and is
alike remarkable for its fine timber
and extraordinary fertility. The t-p. is
drained southwardly by the Laokatong
creek. Baptisttown, Fairview, Dog-
town, Charleston, and Milltown, are
villages and hamlets of the t-ship ; at
the first there is a post-office, and
there is another office bearing the
name of the t-ship. Population in
1830, 2898. In 1832 there were in
the t-ship 4 stores, 7 saw mills, 7 grist
mills, and 1 oil mill, 7 distilleries, 2
carding machines, 733 horses and
mules, and 1347 neat cattle, above
the age of 3 years ; and the t-ship
paid state and county tax, $1323 75.
Kinseyville, p-t. of Lower Penn's
Neck t-ship, Salem co., on the Dela-
ware river, opposite to the town of
Newcastle, 170 miles from W. C,
58 from Trenton, and 7 from Salem.
It is named after James Kinsey, the
proprietor, and contains 4 or 5 dwell-
ings, 2 taverns, store, and ferry to
Newcastle.
Kirkland's Creek, through the
salt marsh of Lodi t-ship, Bergen co.;
near its head is a saw mill. The
length of the creek is about 3 miles.
Kline''s Mills, post-office, Somer-
set CO., by post route 206 miles N.
E. from W. C, and 40 from Trenton.
Knowlton, t-ship, Warren cc,
bounded N. by Pahaquarry t-ship,
E. by Hardwick t-ship, S. by Oxford
t-ship, and W. by the Delaware river.
Centrally distant N. E. from Belvi-
dere, 10 miles; greatest length 10
miles, breadth 10 miles; area 44,800
acres. The Blue mountain lies upon
the northern boundary, and the De-
laware makes its way through it at
the celebrated Water Gap, at the N.
W. point of the t-ship. The t-ship is
every where hilly, and is said to de-
I'ive its name from its knolls. It is
centrally drained by Paulinskill, and
its branches; on the south-east by
KRO
166
LAM
Beaver brook, and north-east by the
Shawpocussing creek. Gravel Hill,
Sodom, Columbia, Centreville, Hope,
and Ramsaysburg, are villages and
post towns of the t-ship. Population
in 1830, 2827; taxables in 1832,
630. There were in the t-ship, in
1832, 132 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30, 13 pairs of
stones for grinding grain, 7 saw mills,
10 tan vats, 4 distillej-ies, 1 glass
manufactory, 744 horses and mules,
and 1390 neat cattle over three years
of age; and the t-ship paid $1300
for t-ship use, and $1550 for state
and county purposes. Slate and lime
alternate throughout the t-ship; the
hills are commonly of the one, and
the valleys of the other.
A slate quarry above Columbia is
extensively wrought, from whence
excellent roof and writing slates are
taken. There is 1 Presbyterian and
1 Episcopalian church in the t-ship.
Knowlton, post town and village of
the above t-ship, on Paulinskill, 2
miles from its mouth, and by the post
route 217 from W. C, 64 from Tren-
ton, and 10 from Belvidere; contains
1 tavern, 1 store, a large grist and
saw mill, a clover mill, and 6 or 7
dwellings. The country around is
hilly, soil limestone.
Koughstown, village, on the line
between the t-ship of Hillsborough,
in Somerset co., and the t-ship of
Amweli, in Hunterdon co. 5 miles
S. P^ of Flemington, contains a ta-
vern and some 4 or 5 dwellings.
Koughstown, small village on the
line dividing Hillsborough t-ship, So-
merset co; from Amweli t-ship, Hun-
terdon CO., 11 miles ^S. W. from
Somerville, and 4 miles S. E. from
Flemington ; contains a tavern, store,
Dutch Reformed church, and several
dwellings, i)leasantly situated upon
soil of red shale, in the valley of the
Neshanie creek.
Krokacmtll, small mill stream of
Saddle river t-sliip, Bergen co., rising
on the N. border, and flowing by a
course of about 5 miles, to the Pas-
saic river, a mile above the great
Falls.
Lafayette, post town of Newton
t-shij), near the north line of the t-ship,
on the Union Turnpike Road, distant
by the post route 233 miles from W.
C, 75 from Trenton, and 5 miles
from Newton; contains 1 tavern, 1
store, a cupola furnace, a grist mill,
with 4 run of stones, driven by the
Paulinskill, a Baptist church, and
some 10 or 12 dwellings. The pre-
vailing soil around it is limestone, in
excellent cultivation.
Lahaway Creek, Upper Freehold,
t-ship, Monmouth co., rises near the
E. boundary, and flows S. W. about
9 miles, to the Crosswicks creek, be-
low Hornerstown, giving motion to
some mills at that place and at Pros-
pei'town.
Lake Branch, of Hospitality creek,
an arm of the Great Egg Harbour
river, Franklin and Hamilton t-ships,
Gloucester co.
Lakers Bay, in the salt marsh, on
the Atlantic ocean. Egg Harbour
t-ship, Gloucester co., communicates
by several inlets with the ocean; is
about 3 miles long and a mile and
a half wide.
Lambertsville, post town of Am-
weli t-ship, Hunterdon co., 11 miles.
S. W. from Flemington, 16 N. from
Trenton, and 170 from W. C; a
thriving, pleasant village, on the bank
of the Delaware river, opposite to the
town of New Hope, containing 1
Baptist and 1 Presbyterian church,
2 schools, one of which is a boarding
school, under the care of the Rev.
Mr. Studdiford, and more than 30
dwellings, many of which are neat
and commodious. A turnpike road
runs from the town to New Bruns-
wick, and a fine bridge is thrown
over the river by a joint stock com-
pany, with a capital of $160,000, in-
corporated in 1812, by the Legisla-
tures of Pennsylvania and New Jer-
sey; built in 1814. It is sup})orted
on 9 stone piers; length between the
abutments 1050 feet^ width 33 feet,
elevation above the water 21 feet;
roofed. The company for some time
employed a ])ortion of its capital in
banking operations.
LAW
167
LEB
Lamington River, tributary of the
north branch of the Raritan, rises in
Duck pond, Roxbury t-ship, Morris
CO., and flows thence by a S. W. and
S. course of 34 miles, uniting with its
recipient in Bedminster t-ship, Somer-
set CO. It is a large and rapid mill
stream, on which there are many
mills, particularly at Potter's Falls ; in
the north part of its course it bears
the name of Black river.
Lamington, village of Bedminster
t-ship, Somerset co., on the road from
Somerville to Philipsburg, 10 miles
N. W. of the former; contains a
Presbyterian church, a tavern, and
3 or 4 dwellings, situate in a pleasant
fertile country.
Landing Creek, Galloway t-ship,
Gloucester co., rises on the S. W.
line of the t-ship, and flows about 9
miles eastwardly, to the Little Egg
Harbour river; Gloucester furnace
lies upon it. It has two branches,
Indian Cabin branch, and Elisha's
creek.
Laokatong Creek, a fine mill
stream of Kingwood t-ship, Hunter-
don CO., rises in the t-ship and flows
S. W. 10 or 12 miles into the river
Delaware; it gives motion in its
course to several mills.
Lawrenceville, Knowlton t-ship,
Warren co., on both banks of the
Paulinskill, 15 miles N. E. of Belvi-
dere, and 3 miles W. of Marksboro' ;
contains a store and tavern, and 10
or 12 scattering dwellings. The
country around it is hilly ; the soil
slate on the left, and limestone on the
right side of the creek.
Lawrence t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. W. by Hopewell, N. E.
by Montgomery t-ship, Somerset co.,
and West Windsor t-ship, Monmouth
CO., S. E. by Nottingham t-ship, of
Burlington co., and S. W. by Tren-
ton t-ship. Centrally distant from
Trenton N. E. 6 miles ; greatest
length 8, breadth 6 miles; area, by
assessor's return, 13,093 acres; sur-
face, rolling ; soil, loam and clay,
generally well cultivated ; drained
southward by some branches of the
Assunpink creek, and northward by
Stony brook: Lawrenceville is the
post-town, and only village of the
t-ship. Population in 1330, 1430.
In 1832, there were in the t-ship 1
store, 2 saw mills, 3 grist mills, 8 tan
vats, 339 horses and mules, and 710
neat cattle, above the age of 3 years ;
and it paid poor tax, $500 ; road tax,
$400 ; state and county tax, $726 80.
Two turnpike roads from Trenton to
Brunswick run north-easterly through
the t-ship, one of which leads by
Princeton.
Law?'enceville, post-town of Law-
rence t-ship, Hunterdon co., 6 miles
N. E. from Trenton, 18 S. E. from
Flemington, 172 from W. C, situate
on a level and fertile plain, well cul-
tivated in grain and grass, and con-
tains 1 Presbyterian church, 1 tavern,
1 store, a flourishing boarding school
and academy, under the care of Mr.
Philips.
Lawrenceville, town of Hardwick
t-ship, Warren co., near the western
t-ship line, 82 miles N. E. from
Trenton, and 15 from Belvidere.
Lawrence'' s Brook, rises in South
Brunswick t-ship, Middlesex co., and
flows N. E. through New Brunswick
t-ship, by a course of about 12 miles
to the Raritan river, near 3 miles be-
low New Brunswick.
Leaming^s, or Seven Mile Beach,,
Middle t-ship, Cape May co., extend-
ing from Townsend's inlet to Hereford
inlet, having an average width of half
a mile.
Lebanon Branch, of Maurice river,
rises in Deerfield t-ship, Cumberland
CO., and flows eastwardly to the river,
about 2 miles above the town of
Milleville; it is a mill stream, and
has a tributary called Chatfield run*
Lebanon t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. E. by Washington t-ship,
Morris co., E. by Readington and
Tewkesbury t-ships, S. by Kingwood
t-ship, W. by Bethlehem, N. W. by
Musconetcong creek, which divides it
from Mansfield t-ship, Warren co.
Greatest length N. and S. 15 miles;
breadth E. and W. 7 miles; area,
42,000 acres; surface mountainous,
and generally hilly; soil, clay and
LEE
168
LIT
loam on the hills, with grey limestone
in the valleys ; in parts rich and well
cultivated. The Musconetcong moun-
tain and its spurs cover the greater
part of the northern part, and there
are some high hills on the S. E., en-
circling Round Valley. It is drained
by Spruce run and the south branch
of Raritan river, the latter forming
part of the eastern and the south-
eastern boundary, and crossing the
t-ship from Morris county. The
turnpike road from Somerville to Phi-
lipsburg, runs westerly through the
township, by the towns of Lebanon
and Clinton. New Hampton and
Sodom, or Clarkesville, are post-
towns of the t-ship. Population in
1830, 3436. The t-ship contained
in 1832, 13 saw mills, 16 grist mills,
2 oil mills, 87 tan vats, 1 distillery
for grain, 11 distilleries for cider, 2
carding machines, 2 fulling mills,
886 horses, and 1540 neat cattle,
above the age of 3 years ; and it paid
poor tax, $1100; road tax, 800; and
county and state tax, $1585 36.
Lebanon, post-town of Lebanon
t-ship, Hunterdon co., centrally situ-
ated, upon the turnpike road leadino-
from Somerville to Philipsburg; 11
miles N. of Flemington, 47 from
Ti-enton, and 211 from W. C. ; con-
tains 1 tavern, 1 store, and several
dwellings. There is a Dutch Re-
formed church in the neighbour-
hood.
LecfPs Point, post-town, Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester co., 44 miles S. E.
from Woodbury, 83 from Trenton,
and 191 N. E. from W. C; contains
a store, tavern, and some 4 or 5
houses.
Leeahurg, village of Maurice River
t-ship, (Jiunberland co., on the left
bank of Maurice river, about 5 miles
from its mouth, and 20 S. E. of
Bridgetown; contains 15 or 20 houses,
1 store, 1 tavern, and a Methodist
church. There is a considerable
quantity of ship building here, such
as sloops, schooners, &c., and much
trade in lumber and wood. The soil
in the village and country immedi-
ately around, is very productive ; it
is one of the oldest settlements upon
the river.
Libertyville, p-t., of Wantage t-sp,
Sussex CO., on the turnpike road lead-
ing to Milford, Pennsylvania, about
3 miles E. of the Blue mountain.
Liberty Coimer, p-t., Bernard t-sp,
Somerset co., 7 miles N. E. of Somer-
ville, 209 from W. C, and 43 from
Trenton, near Harrison's brook ; con-
tains a tavern, store, and about 20
dwellings, inhabited by intelligent,
respectable families, in a fertile and
well cultivated valley.
Lion Pond, a source of Lubber
run, Byram t-ship, Sussex co., lying
near the centre of the t-ship.
Lisbon, small village of Hanover
t-ship, Burlington co., in the forks of
the Slab Bridge branch, and the north
branch of the Rancocus creek ; con-
tains a grist mill, saw mill, store, ta-
vern, and 10 or 12 dwellings. A rail-
road or Macadamized road, is about
to be made from this village to the
mouth of Craft's creek, upon the De-
laware, about 15 miles, in order to
bring to market a quantity of excel-
lent pine wood, which grows in the
vicinity.
Little Beach, Burlington co., Lit-
tle Egg Harbour t-ship, between Lit-
tle Egg Harbour, New Inlet, and Old
Brigantine Inlet.
Little Ease, village of Franklin
t-ship, Gloucester co., 20 miles S. E.
of Woodbury, upon the head waters
of Maurice river ; contains a tavern,
store, saw mill, and some half dozen
dwellings; soil, sandy.
Little Egg Harbour River. (See
Egg Harbour River, Little.)
Little Falls, of the Passaic, name
of the manufacturing village and post-
town which has grown up here; (See
article Passaic) and which contains,
on the right bankof the creek, 2 saw,
and 1 grist mill, 2 cotton mills, one
of a thousand, and another of fourteen
hundred spindles, a turning mill, a
woollen carpet manufactory, 4 stores,
3 taverns, a school house, used also
as a church, and 47 dwellings. On
the left bank there is a saw mill and
turning mill. This is an admirable
LIV
169
LOD
position for mill works of all kinds.
The whole river inay be used under
a head of 33 feet, 10 of which only arc
now employed to drive the few works
above named, and which would give
motion to a much larger quantity.
The proprietors of this desirable site,
Messrs. Ezekiel and Isaac Miller, and
the heirs of Samuel Bridges, offer
mill seats for sale on very advanta-
geous terms, and the rights of the
former gentlemen to the right bank,
with half the water power, have been
holden at $50,000 only. The place
from its elevation is very healthy; land
in the neighbourhood sells at from
30 to 60 dollars the acre, and town
lots, 100 feet deep, at 2 dollars the foot,
front, in fee simple. The town is
226 miles N. E. from W. C, 60 from
Trenton, 10 from Newark, 4 from
Paterson, and 5^ from Acquacka-
nonck Landing. It has also the ad-
vantage of the Morris canal, which
crosses the river by an aqueduct be-
low the falls.
Lamhe'Tton. See Trenton.
Little Pond, a small basin of wa-
ter in Newton t-ship, Sussex co.,
distant about 4 miles west of the town
of Newton, which supplies, in part, a
small tributary of Paulinskill.
Little Pond, on the sea shore,
Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.,
about 3 miles north of the south boun-
dary of the t-ship.
Little X Roads, p-t., Bedminster
t-ship, Somerset co., 9 miles N. W.
from Somerville, 209 from W. C,
and 43 from Trenton ; contains a
tavern, store, and 5 or 6 dwellings,
in the valley of the north branch of
the Raritan.
Littletoivn, p-t., Hanover t-ship,
Morris co., on the turnpike road from
Newark to Milford, 5 miles north of
Morristown, 224 from W. C, and 59
from Trenton; contains 1 tavern, 1
store, and 4 or 5 dwellings.
Livingston, t-ship, Essex co.,
bounded" N. by Caldwell, E. by
Orange, S. by Springfield, and W.
by the Passaic river, which divides it
from Morris co. Centrally distant,
N. W. from Newark, 9 miles ; great-
est length, N. and S. 5 miles ; breadth
E. and W. 4^ miles, area 13,000
acres; surface on the east, moun-
tainous, elsewhere rolling, except
near the river, where it is level. It
is drained on the N. by the Black
Rock Meadow brook, and on the S.
by Canoe creek, which flow to the
Passaic by short coui-ses, not exceed-
ing three miles. Towns, Centreville,
Livingston, post-town, Northfield,
Squiretown, and Cheapsidc. Popu-
lation in 1830, 1150. In 1832, the
t-ship contained 200 taxables, 65
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 ; 52 single men, .5 mer-
chants, 1 saw mill, 1 woollen factory,
166 horses and mules, and 637 neat
cattle under three years of age; and
it paid state tax, $120 03; county
tax, $314 04; poor tax, $350; and
road tax, $525.
Livingston, small village, and post
town of preceding t-ship, on the turn-
pike road from Newark to Dover, 10
miles N. W. from the former, 225
N. E. from W. C, and 59 from Tren-
ton; contains a tavern, store, and
some 8 or 10 dwellings.
Lockwood, forge and post-office ;
on Lubber run, Byram t-ship, Sussex
CO. ; distant by post route 224 miles
from W. C, 61 from Trenton, and
9 south from Newton.
Lodi, t-ship, Bergen co., bounded
N. by New Barbadoes t-ship, E. and
S. E. by Hackensack river, which
separates it from Bergen t-ship, and
W. and S. W. by the Passaic river,
dividing it from Essex co. Central-
ly distant, S. W. from Hackensack-
town, 5 miles. Greatest length 10,
greatest breadth E. and W. 5 miles;
area 22,000 acres; surface level.
More than half the t-ship consists of
salt marsh and cedar swamp. On
the N. E. there arc about 4000 acres
of arable land, and on the west a
strip running the whole length of the
t-ship, and varying from 1 to 2 miles
in width. These are of red shale,
with a margin of alluvial, on the Pas-
saic, well cultivated, and productive.
Along the latter river are strewed
many handsome country seats, and
LON
170
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about a mile S. E. of Belleville lies
the well known Schuyler copper mine.
Population of t-ship, in 1830, 1356.
In 1832 it contained 527 taxables,
57 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30; 21 single men, 1
store, 5 grist mills, 4 saw mills, 2
toll bridges, and 291 horses and
mules, and 931 neat cattle, above the
age of 3 years. And it paid state
tax, $208 87 ; county $427 69 ; poor,
$400 ; road, $500. There are seve-
ral creeks through the marsh, such
as Berry's, Kirkland's, and Saw-mill
creeks.
Lcgtotvn, small hamlet of Lower
AUoway's creek t-ship, Salem co.,
7 miles S. of Salem-town, and 2 from
Hancock's bridge.
LogansvUlc, 6 miles S. W. of
Morristown, Morris t-ship, Morris co.,
a fine settlement on Primrose creek,
called after the owner, who has a
large estate here.
Logtown, on Mine mountain, Ber-
nard t-ship, Somerset co., at the head
of Mine brook, 12 miles N. of So-
mervillc, contains a mill and 3 or 4
dwellings.
Longacomlng, p-t. of Glouces-
ter CO., on the line dividing the
t-ship of Gloucester and Waterford,
14 miles S. E. from Woodbury, 45
from Trenton, and 153 N. E. from
Washington; surrounded by pine fo-
rest, soil sandy, and naturally barren,
but improving by the application of
marl. The village contains from 20
to 30 dwellings, 2 taverns, 2 stores,
and a Methodist church.
Long Beach, upon the Atlantic
ocean, Stallbrd t-ship, Monmouth co.,
extending about 11 miles from the
inlet to Little Egg Harbour bay, to
Barncgat inlet. There are several
houses on this beach, one of which
was erected by a Philadelphia com-
pany, for the accommodation oft hem-
selves and friends in sca-bathinfj.
Long Branch, m\\\ stream and tri-
butary of Shrewsbury river, Shrews-
bury t-ship, Monmouth co. ; has a
course of about 4 miles N. W. There
is a small village of 12 or 15 houstis,
1 tavern, and 2 stores, east of this
stream, and between it and the At-
lantic, to which the name of Long
Branch is given.
Long Bi-anch, well known and
much frequented sea-bathing place,
on the Atlantic ocean, 75 miles from
Philadelphia, and 45 from New York,
in Shrewsbury t-ship, and Monmouth
CO., which has its name from the
stream and hamlet above. The in-
ducements to the invalid, the idle, and
the hunters of pleasure, to spend a^^
portion of the hot season here, ar6
many. Good accommodations, oblig-
ing hosts, a clean and high shore,
with a gently shelving beach, a fine
prospect seaward, enlivened by the
countless vessels passing to and from
New York, excellent fishing on the
banks, 3 or 4 miles at sea, good gun-
ning, and the great attraction of all
watering places, much, and changing
and fashionable company. During
the season, a regular line of stages
runs from Philadelphia, and a steam-
boat from New York, to the boarding
houses here, of which thei-e are seve-
ral ; Warden's, Renshaw's, and Sear's
are the most frequented. Many re-
spectable farmers also receive board-
ers, who, in the quiet of rural life,
enjoy in comfort and ease, their sea-
son of relaxation, perhaps more fully
than those at the public hotels. Along
the beach at Long Branch is a strip
of fertile black sand, several miles in
length, and exceeding more than a
mile in width. The land adjacent to
the ocean rises perpendicularly from
the beach, near 20 feet. The board-
ing houses arc 20 rods from the water,
with lawns in the intermediate space.
The high banks are formed by strata
of sand, clay, and sea mud.
Long Bridge, over Pequcst creek.
Independence t-ship, Union co., at the
head of the Great Meadows, 16 miles
N. E. from B(>lvidcre. There is a
hamlet here of 6 or 8 dwellings, and
the neighbourhood is settled by mem-
bers of the society of Friends, who
have a meeting house \\'ithin 2 miles
of the Bridge. The soil of the vici-
nity is limestone, naturally fertile,
and sufe'ceptiblc of improvement, as
LOW
171
MAN
may be supposed from the character
of its cultivators ; for "Friends" of all
vanities, dislike most, vain labour.
Long Pond, a small sheet of water
in the Blue mountains, in Walpack
t-ship, Sussex co., whence Vancamp
creek has its source.
Long Pond, Frankford t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., at the east foot of the Blue
mountain, the extreme S. W. source
of the W. branch of Paulinskill.
Long Pond, Newton t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., five miles S. E. of Newton.
Long Pond, or Grcemoood Lake,
crosses the state boundary from
Orange co., New York, into Pomp-
ton t-ship, Bergen co. ; it is about 4^
miles long by near a mile wide, but
only a mile of its length is within
this state. It sends forth a stream
called Long Pond river, which, emp-
ties into Ringwood river, near Board-
ville.
Long Pond, Shrewsbury t-ship,
Monmouth co., upon the sea-shore, 6
miles S. of Long Branch Boarding
TT
Houses, communicates with the sea
by a narrow inlet.
Longwood Valley, Jefferson t-ship,
Morris co., lying between the Ham-
burg and Greenpond mountains, ex-
tending longitudinally N. E. and S.
W. about 10 miles; narrow, deep,
and stony, with soil not very fertile;
it is drained S. W. by a principal
branch of the Rockaway river, on
wliich are sevei'al forges for making
iron, the ore and fuel for which are
supplied abundantly by the adjacent
hills ; Berkshire Valley is the name
given to the S. W. portion of this
vale. The scenery here is wild, rude,
and picturesque. Newfoundland is
the post-office of Longwood Valley.
Lopatcong Creek, rises in the
southern part of Oxford t-ship, Warren
CO., and flows thence by a S. W.
course of 9 or 10 miles through
Greenwich t-ship, to the river Dela-
ware, 3 or 4 miles below Philipsburg,
giving motion to several mills in its
course, and draining a fertile valley
of primitive limestone.
Lower t-ship. Cape May co., bound-
ed N. by Middle t-ship, E. and S. by
the Atlantic ocean, and W. by the
Delaware bay. It is the most south-
ern t-ship of the state, nearly one-
half consists of sea beach and salt
marsh, and the remainder of clay, co-
vered with oak forest. Centrally
distant from Cape May Court House,
S. 9 miles ; length N. and S. 8,
breadths miles; area, 21,000 acres,
Pond creek. New England creek, and
Cox Hall creek, are short streams,
which flow westerly into the Dela-
wai'O bay. Cape May, Cape May
island, and the Cape May light-house,
are in the t-ship. Population in
1830, 995. In 1832, there were in
the t-ship about 200 taxables, 91
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 ; 3 grist mills, 7 stores,
136 horses, 380 neat cattle, over 3
years of age; it paid t-ship tax,
$51 92; state tax, $129; county
tax, $399 38.
Ludlam's Beach, extends upon
the ocean about 6 miles from Car-
son's to Townsend's inlet, partly in
Middle, and partly in Dennis t-ship.
Cape May co.
Lumherton, town of Northampton
t-ship, Burlington co., on the south
branch of Rancocus creek, 3 miles
S. W. from Mount Holly ; contains
2 stores, 2 taverns, a steel furnace,
and from 25 to 30 dwellings, sur-
rounded by very good farms.
Mackepin Pond, Pompton t-ship,
Bergen co., about 2 miles in length,
by half a mile in breadth ; lies among
the mountains, and sends forth a
small tributary to the Pequannock
creek.
Malaga, p-t. of Franklin t-ship,
Gloucester co., 23 miles S. E. from
Woodbury, at the angle of junction
of Salem, Cumberland and Glouces-
ter counties ; on the head waters of
Maurice river, 58 miles S. from
Trenton, and N. E. 164 from W. C. ;
contains 1 tavern, 2 stores, a glass
manufactory, employed on window
glass, 30 dwellings and a grist mill.
Mamapaqve Brook, an arm of the
south branch of Toms' river, Dover
t-ship, Monmouth co.
Manahocking River, Stafford
MAN
172
MAN
t-ship, Monnioutli co., flows S. E.
about 9 miles into Little Egg Harbour
bay, giving motion to a mill, at tho
town of Manahocking.
Manahocldng, p-t. of Stafford
t-ship, Monmouth co., 38 miles S. E.
of Freehold, 73 from Trenton, and
197 N. E. from W. C, upon tho
creek of the same name, about 4
miles from Little Egg Harbour bay,
contains a saw and grist mill, 2 ta-
verns, several stores, and from 20
to 30 dwellings, a Friends' meeting
house, a Baptist and a Methodist
church. There is a considerable
trade carried on here in wood and
lumber, and cedar rails, supplied by
the swamps of the neighbourhood.
Manalapan Brook, or South Ri-
ver, rises in Upper Freehold t-ship,
Monmouth co., near Paint Island
spring, and flows by a devious, but
generally, N. E. course, through
South Amboy t-ship, (forming in
part the line between it and South
Brunswick) a distance of about 28
or 30 miles, to the Raritan river,
about 4 miles below New Brunswick,
receiving from the south, several
considerable tributaries. When the
passage to New York was made by
the town of Washington on this river,
a canal, of about a mile in length,
was cut through the marshes, that by
turning the river into it the steam-boat
might avoid some detours of the Ra-
ritan, and shorten her course. The
project, wc believe, was not success-
fully executed.
Mnnaway Creek, Milleville t-ship,
(Jumberland co., a tributary of Mau-
rice river.
Manantico Creek, a considerable
branch of Maurice river, rising near
the S. W. border of Gloucester co.,
and flowing S. W. about 14 miles,
uniting with the river about two miles
above Port Elizabeth; it turns seve-
ral mills; it receives two tributaries,
Bcrryman's and Panther branches.
Manasqvan Rirer, mill stream of
Moinnouth co., rises by several small
branches in Fret 'hold t-ship, which
unite on the boundary line between
iehold and Howell townships;
thence the river flows by a S. E. di-
rection 18 miles through the latter
township to the ocean, by Manas-
quan inlet. The tide water of the
river, about 3 miles above the mouth,
is crossed by Squan bridge.
Mannington t-ship, Salem co.,
bounded N. by Salem river, which
divides it from Upper Penn's Neck
creek, and Pilesgrove township, E.
by Pilesgrove, S. by Upper Alloways
township, and Salem township, and
W. by Salem river, which here sepa-
rates it from Lower Penn's Neck
township. Centrally distant N. E.
from Salem, G miles; length N. and
S. 9 ; breadth E. and W. 8 miles ;
area, about 90,000 acres, of which
more than 18,000 arc improved; sur-
face, level ; soil, heavy rich loam, well
cultivated in wheat and grass. The
townshij) is drained by Salem river,
bounding it on the N. and W. and
by Mannington creek, which has its
whole course within it, and is a tri-
butary of the former. Near the vil-
lage of Mannington Hill, which is
the post-town of the township, is a
noted nursery of fruit and ornamental
trees, planted by Mr. Samuel Reeves,
who sold from it during the year
1832, 1.5,000 peach trees alone. The
poor-house of th<^ county lies near the
eastern line of the township, in which
from 80 to 120 paupers are annually
relieved. Population, in 1830, 1726.
In 1832, there \\ere in the township
1 Methodist and 1 Baptist church,
102 householders, whose ratablesdid
not exceed $30; 1 store, 2 distilleries,
3.53 taxable inhabitants ; and the
to^vnshil) paid for township pur-
poses, $1000; for county purposes,
$1085 34 ; and state tax, $339 64.
Mannington Hill, p-t., and small
village of Mannington t-ship, Salem
CO. Centrally situate in the town-
ship, upon Mannington creek. It
contains 6 or 8 houses and a store.
It is about 175 miles from W. C, 60
from Trenton, and 5 N. E. of Salem.
Mannington Creek, a small tribu-
tary of Salem river, which rising on
tho S. W. border of Mannington
township, Salem county, flows west-
MAN
173
MAN
erly by a meandering course of 8
miles to its recipient. It is not a mill
stream, but along its banks are some
valuable meadows.
Mansfield t-ship, Warren co.,
bounded N. E. by Independence, S.
E. by the Musconetcong river, which
separates it from Morris and Hunter-
don COS., S. W. by Greenwich t-ship,
and N. W. by Oxford t-ship. Cen-
trally distant from Belviderc, the
county town, 9 miles ; greatest length
on the river 15 miles; breadth 6^
miles; area, 33,000 acres; surface,
mountainous; drained by the Mus-
conetcong and Pohatcong creeks,
which, divided by a chain of lofty
hills, run parallel to each other, but
at a distance of nearly 4 miles apart.
There is a mineral spring, a chaly-
beate, in the S. W. part of the t-ship,
much frequented. Population in 1830,
3303. In 1832 there were 800 taxa-
bles, 169 householders, whose ratable
estates did not exceed 830 ; 1 1 stores,
12 pairs of stones for grinding grain,
8 carding machines, 5 saw mills, 1
furnace, 1 fulling mill, 36 tan vats, 7
distilleries, 862 horses and mules,
and 1407 neat cattle in the t-ship;
and the t-ship paid $1200 road and
poor tax ; and $1659 42 state and
county tax. The Morris canal winds
through the hills the whole length of
the t-ship. This is one of the richest
t-ships of the state, having a large
proportion of valley land underlaid
with limestone. Large quantities of
wheat are raised, and some, farmers
sell as many as 3000 bushels annu-
ally. Iron ore abounds in the hills,
and silver is said to have been dis-
covered near the spring, but most
probably this is iron pyrites.
Mansfield, small village of Mans-
field t-ship, Burlington co. ; centrally
situated in the t-ship 8 miles N. of
Mount Holly, and 4 miles S. of Bor-
dentown ; contains a Friends' meeting
house and 4 or 5 dwellings.
Mansfield or Washington, p-t. of
Mansfield t-ship, Warren co., founded
in 1811, on the turnpike road leading
from Philipsburg to Schooley's moun-
tain ; by the post route 202 miles from
W. C.,and 46 from Trenton, and Si-
miles S. E. of Belvidere, the county
town, 30 from Morristown, 12 from
Easton, and 3 miles from Musconet-
cong creek; contains 1 tavern, 2
stores, from 35 to 40 dwellings, 1
Methodist and 1 Presbyterian church,
and 1 school. Iron ore abounds in
Scott's mountain north of the village.
Around the town the soil is limestone,
fertile and well cultivated, and valued
at from 20 to 50 dollars the acre.
The town is supplied with excellent
water fi'om a spi'ing on the south,
which is distributed by 4 public foun-
tains.
Mansfield t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. E. by Chesterfield t-ship,
S. by Springfield, W. by Burlington
t-ship, and N. W. by the river Dela-
ware. Centrally distant from Mount
Holly N. 7 miles ; greatest length E.
and W. 10 miles; breadth N. and S.
65 miles; area, about 21,000 acres;
surface, level; soil, various, sand,
loam, and clay ; generally well cul-
tivated, and productive. It is drained
north-westerly by Black's, Ci-aft's,
and Assiscunk creeks, all of which
flow to the Delaware river. Along
the river are some noted clay banks,
from which clay is taken for the ma-
nufacture of fire bricks, and for other
purposes requiring great resistance
to heat. The towns are White Hill,,
Georgetown, Mansfield, Bustletown,
Columbus or Black Horse, the last
of which is a post-town. Population
in 1830, 2083. In 18.32 the t-ship
contained 432 taxables, 216 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed $30; 65 single men, 1390 neat
cattle, and 548 horses and mules,
above 3 years old, 4 stores, 2 saw
mills, 3 grist mills, 1 fishery, 1 fur-
nace, 1 fulling mill, 31 tan vats, 1
carding machine, 5 distilleries of
cider, 4 coaches and chariots, 3 phae-
tons and chaises, 49 dearborns, and
84 covered wagons, 3 chairs and
curricles, and 18 gigs and sulkies;
and it paid state tax, $345 88;
county tax, $1212 38 ; and t-ship
tax, $1100.
Mantua Creek, Gloucester co.,
MAR
174
MAT
rises on, and forms the line between
Deptfbrd and Greenwich t-ships, and
flows N. W. by a course of 15 miles
to the Delaware river, above Maiden
island. It is navigable for sloops 7
or 8 miles to Carpenter's Landing,
above which it gives motion to seve-
ral mills.
Maple Island Creek, sets in from
Newark bay about 1 i^ or 2 miles into
the salt marsh, on the S. E. of New-
arktown.
Mapletoicn, hamlet on Millstone
river, a short distance above the
mouth of Stony Brook, 2 miles S. E.
of Princeton, 15 from Now Bruns-
wick; contains a fine grist and saw
mill, and fulling mill, and 4 or 5
dwellings. North of the hamlet on
the river, are some excellent quarries
of freestone; a fine grey, with por-
tions of red, standstone, streaked with
small veins of quartz. It works well
under the hammer, and has been used
in the erection of the locks of the De-
laware and Raritan canal.
Mare Run, small tributary of the
Great Egg Harbour river, flowing
from the west to its recipient, in Ha-
milton t-ship, Gloucester co., about
3 miles above May's Landing.
Marksboro\ p-t. and village of
Hardwick t-ship, Warren co.; cen-
trally situate in the t-ship, and by
post route distant from W. C. 240,
from Trenton 82, from Belvidere 15
miles, 10 from Newton, and 12 from
Columbia, and on the south bank of
the Paulinskill ; contains a Presbyte-
rian church, a grist mill, a cotton
manufactory making 1500 lbs. of
yarn per week, a clover mill, 1 law-
yer, 1 physician, and about 20 dwell-
ings. The town itself lies on a slate
ridge, which is fertile and well culti-
vated, but the soil on the north side
of the creek is secondary limestone ;
the most valuable slate lands rate,
at about $30, and the lime, at about
$40 the acre. The celebrated White
Pond lies about 1 mile north of the
town. Its shores and bottom an;
covered with vast quantities of snail
shells, and its waters afford abun-
dance of white perch and other fish.
Marsh s^ bog, town of Howell t-ship,
Monmouth co., 9 miles S. E. of Free-
hold ; contains 2 taverns, 2 stores,
and 10 or 12 dwellings ; the surround-
ing country is sterile, but there is
considerable business done in the vil-
lage.
Marshall ville, or Cumberland
Wo7'ks, on Tuckahoe creek, Maurice
Creek t-ship, Cumberland co., at the
eastern extremity of the co., 28 miles
S. E. of Bridgeton; contains from
30 to 40 houses, some extensive glass
works belonging to Randall Marshall,
Esq., at which much window glass is
manufactured, 1 tavern, and 2 stores.
There is much ship building carried
on here in vessels of from 50 to 100
tons; soil, sandy.
Martha Furnace, Washington
t-ship, Burlington co., on the Oswego
branch of Wading river, about 4
miles above the head of navigation ;
there are here also a grist and saw
mill. The furnace makes about 750
tons of iron castings annually, and
employs about 60 hands, who, with
their families, make a population of
near 400 souls, requiring from 40 to
50 dwellings ; there are about 30,000
acres of land appurtenant to these
works.
Martinsville post-office, Somerset
CO., 203 miles N. E. from W. C,
and 37 from Trenton.
Mafchaponix Brook, fine mill
stream, which has its source in Up-
per Freehold t-ship, Monmouth co.,
and flows about 10 miles N. W. by
Englishtown, through South Amboy
t-ship, to its recipient, the South river,
near Spotswood.
Matourhin, p-t. of Woodbridge
t-ship, Middlesex co., at the intersec-
tion of the turnpike roads leading,
one from New Brunswick to Eliza-
bethtown, and the other from Perth
Amboy towards Bound Brook, 5
miles from New Brunswick, 6 miles
from Perth Amboy, 31 from Tren-
ton, and 198 from W. C. ; contains
a Presbyterian church, store, 2 ta-
verns, and 10 or 12 dwellings, sur-
rounded by a fertile country of red
shale.
MAU
175
MED
Mattison's Corner, post-office Hun-
terdon CO., by post-route 185 miles
from W. C, and 26 from Trenton.
Mauricetotcn, p-t. on Maurice ri-
ver, 10 or 12 miles from its mouth,
87 miles S. of Trenton, 18 from
Bridgeton, and 184 from W. C;
contains some 20 dwellings, store,
tavern, an academy, and Methodist
church. The town is handsomely
situated upon a high belt of rich land,
and some of the dwellings are of
brick, very neat and pleasant, and
surrounded by valuable meadows.
Maurice River t-ship, Cumberland
CO., bounded N. by Hamilton t-ship,
Gloucester co., E. by Weymouth
t-ship, of same co., S. by Upper and
Dennis t-ships, of Cape May co., and
by the Delaware bay, and W. by
Maurice river, from its source to its
mouth, separating it from Downe and
Milleville t-ships, Cumberland co.
Centrally distant S. E. from Bridge-
ton, 20 miles; greatest length 19,
breadth 11 miles; area, 79,360 acres;
surface, level ; soil, generally sandy
except along the margin of the
creeks, where loam and clay prevail.
It is drained E. by Tuckahoe creek
and its tributaries, and S. by Tarkill
creek. Population in 1830, 2724.
In 1832, there were in the t-ship 525
taxables, 117 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30 ; 11
stores, 6 pairs of stones for grinding
grain, 1 blast furnace and forge,
6 saw mills, 2 glass manufactories, 1
at Port Elizabeth, and the other at
Marshallville, or Cumberland Works,
295 horses, and 1810 neat cattle,
above 3 years old; there are some
very valuable meadows on Maurice
river, commencing 5 miles from the
mouth, and extending nearly to
Milleville, 15 miles. Port Elizabeth,
Bricksboro', Dorchester, Leesburg,
and Marshallville, are villages of the
t-ship ; all, except the last, upon or
near the east bank of Maurice ri\er,
and the last upon Tuckahoe creek.
Maurice Riiier, Prince, rises by
several small branches in Deptford
and Franklin t-ships, Gloucester co.,
which uniting above Fork Bridge on
the line between the S. E. boundary
of Salem co. and Cumberland co.,
form a considerable stream, which
there gives motion to several mills.
About 8 miles below this point, the
river receives from Salem co. a large
tributary, called Muddy run, above
the head of the dam of the Milleville
works. From this dam, which checks
the whole river, a canal of near
3 miles in length, supplies the works
at Milleville. From this town the ri-
ver is navigable for 20 miles to the
bay, for vessels of 80 or 100 tons,
and to within 5 miles of its mouth, its
shores are lined with valuable em-
banked meadows. It receives in its
course a number of considerable tri-
butaries, on either hand. The oys-
ters taken at the mouth of this river,
are famed for their excellent quality.
ManVs Bridge, over the Maurice
river, between Salem and Cumber-
land counties.
May^s Landing, p-t. of Hamilton
t-ship, Gloucester co., upon the Great
Egg Harbour river, at the head of
sloop navigation, 16 miles from the
sea, 35 miles S. E. from Woodbury,
73 from Trenton, and 181 N. E.
from W. C. ; built on both sides of the
river, including the village of Hamil-
ton, and contains 3 taverns, 4 stores,
a Methodist church, and 25 or 30
dwellings ; a considerable ti-ade in
cord-wood, lumber, and ship building,
is carried on at this place.
Mead's Basin, post-oifice, Bergen
CO., 240 miles from W. C, and 74
from Trenton, N. E.
Meel-endam Creek, small tributary
of Little Egg Harbour river, uniting
with it about 4 miles below Pleasant
Mills.
Mcchcscalaxin Creek, tributary of
Atsion river, rises in Hereford t-ship,
Gloucester co., and by a course of
13 miles S. E., unites with Atsion
rivei-, near Pleasant Mills, in Gallo-
way t-ship.
Medford, p-t. Evcham t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., on Haines' creek, 7 miles
S. W. from Mount Holly, 16 miles
E. from Camden, 29 S. E. from
Trenton, and 154 N. E. from W. C. ;
MET
176
MID
contains a large Quaker meeting
house, 2 taverns, 4 stores, and from
30 to 40 dwellings, surrounded by a
pleasant fertile country.
Mendham t-ship, Morris co.,
bounded N. by Randolph, E. by
Morris, S. by Bernard, and Bedmin-
ster t-ships, of Somerset co., and W.
by Chester co. Centrally distant, W.
from Morristown, 7 miles; greatest
length, E. and W. 6; breadth, N.
and S. 4^ miles; area, 14,000 acres;
surface generally hilly, and on the
N. mountainous; soil clay, loam
and grey limestone; the last fer-
tile and well cultivated ; drained
southwardly, by arms of the north
branch of the Raritan, and E. by
Whippany river. Mendham is the
post-town. Population in 1830, 1314.
In 1832, the township contained 270
taxables, 48 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed 830 ; 30 single
men, 5 stores, 4 saw mills, 3 grist
mills, 1 cotton manufactory, 2 full-
ing mills, 2 wool carding machines,
26 tan vats, 7 distilleries and 1 forge,
273 horses and 686 neat cattle, above
the age of three years ; and paid
state tax, $176 03; county tax, 394
12; poor tax, -1250; road tax, $800.
Sulphur was reported to be found, in
this township, in large quantities,
during the revolutionary war.
Mendhani, p-t. of the preceding
tfiwuship, on the Morris and Easton
turupikcsroad, 6 miles W. of the for-
mer, 221 N. E. from W. C, and 55
from Trenton ; contains a Presbyte-
rian church, a boarding school for
boys, in much repute, under the care
of Mr. Fairchild, 1 grist mill, 1 ta-
vern, three stores, and between 40
and 50 dwellings. Circumjacent
country rolling, soil limestone, well
cultivated and fertile.
Merr'itfa Branch of Pohatcong
Creek, rises in Oxn)rd t-ship, War-
ren CO. and flows S. through Green-
wich township, to its recipient, hav-
ing a course of about 7 miles.
Metetecunk River, Monmouth co.,
rises bv two branches, the N. and S.
in Freehold township, and flowing
S. E. about 16 miles, uniting in the
pond of Butcher's works, on the line
of Dover and Howell townships,
about 4 miles above the north end of
Barnegat bay, into which the river
empties. Each branch gives motion
to several mills. The main river is
navigable to Butcher's works.
Middle t-ship. Cape May co.,
bounded N. by Dennis' creek t-ship,
E. by the Atlantic ocean, S. by Low-
er t-ship, and W. by the Delaware
bay; greatest length, N. and S. 12,
breadth, 10 miles; area, 60,000
acres ; surface, level ; soil, sand and
marsh; Dennis' creek runs on the
N. W. border of the township ; Lea-
ming's and Seven Mile beaches lie on
the Atlantic, between which, is Here-
ford's inlet, admitting the sea to the
marshes and lagunes, which extend
westerly, fl^r about four miles. On
the bay there is also, a strip of marsh
from half a mile to two miles in
width, through which flow Goshen,
Dyer's, Green and Fishing creeks.
The interval land between the
marshes, is a stiff* clay, covered
with oak forest, through which arc
interspersed some arable lands. The
population is chiefly seated along the
edge of the marshes, and consisted,
in "l 830, of 1366 souls. In 18.32,
the township contained about 320 tax-
ables, 207 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; 1 grist mill,
3 saw mills, 218 horses, 650 neat
cattle over 3 years of age, 8 stores,
and paid township taxes, $101 3;
county do. $630 47 ; and state tax,
$203 53. There are two villages in
the township ; one at Cape May Court
House, and the other called Goshen.
Middle Run, Weymouth t-ship,
Gloucester co., a marsh creek, which
empties into Great Egg Harbour
bay.
Middlehrooli, Warren and Bridge-
water t-ships, Somerset co., rises in
and flows through a mountain valley
by a S. W. and S. course of about 9
miles, and emptying into the Raritan
near the village of Middlebrook in
the latter township.
Middlebrook, village. See Bound
Brook.
MID
177
MID
Middlesex co., was first erected
by an act of Assembly under the
proprietary government in 1682. Its
boundaries have been settled by the
acts of 1709, 1713 and 1790. It
is now bounded N. by Essex coun-
ty; N. E. by Arthur's Kill or Staten
Island Sound; E. by Raritan bay;
S. E. by Monmouth county ; S. W.
by Burlington, and Huntingdon coun-
ties ; and W. and N. W. by Somer-
set county; greatest length, N. E.
and S. W. 35 miles ; greatest breadth,
17 miles; area, in acres, 21,700, or
about 339 square miles. Central lat.
40° 25' N. ; long, from W. C. 2° 34'
east.
Geologically considered, the coun-
ty is based upon the primitive and
old red sandstone formations. The
former is, in many places, covered
by the latter, and appears most con-
spicuously in the S. W. portion of
the county. The red and gi'ey free-
stone from the quarries of West
Windsor township, S. E. of Prince-
ton, and the redstone near New
Brunswick, and in many other parts
of the county, are admirably adapt-
ed for, and have been extensively
used in building ; the former especi-
ally in the locks of the Delaware and
Raritan canal. The sand of this
stone is mingled in various portions
with other constituents of the soil,
forming in some places, deep sand,
in others, loam, of diverse consist-
ence, from the light sandy, to the
heavy clay. Generally, however,
the soil is of improvable quality,
and is in many places highly culti-
vated. The surface is as various as
the soil ; on the S. E. it is generally
level, and on the N. and N. E. is
undulating, but cannot any where be
deemed hilly ; except at the sand hills,
a few miles E. of Kingston.
Copper ore is found in the red
sandstone near New Brunswick.
Mines were opened and worked many
years ago, but all operations therein
have long been suspended.
The river Raritan divides the coun-
ty into two unequal parts, flowing by
a general but serpentine easterly
z
course of 12 or 14 miles through it,
into the Raritan bay ; receiving from
the south, Lawrence's brook and the
South river, whose many branches
water the country on the S. E. ; and
from the N. some inconsiderable tri-
butaries. The Millstone river cross-
es the S. W. portion of the county
in a N. W. direction, and is di-
vided from the Assunpink creek, by a
neck of land from four to five miles
wide. The one, bending to the north,
seeks the Raritan river, in Somerset
county ; and the other turning to the
S. W. runs to the Delaware, on the
line between Burlington and Hunter-
don counties. The Rahway river
courses the N. E. line, and Green-
brook the N. W. boundary, both
of which receive tribute from the
county. The bay of the Raritan
affords an excellent harbour, com-
municating at all times by a single
tide, with the ocean; and by Staten
Island Sound, with the bay of New
York.
Perth Amboy was originally the
seat of justice of the county, which
has long since been removed to the
city of New Brunswick.
Besides these cities, the county
contains the following towns, viz.
Bridgetown, Samptown, Brooklyn,
New Market, New Durham, Wood-
bridge, Matouchin, Bonhamtown,
Piscataway, Washington, Old Bridge,
Spotswood, Kingston, Princeton,
Williamsburg, Cranberr)^, Hights-
town, Millford, Edinburg, Centre-
ville, &c.
A turnpike road from Trenton
runs by Princeton, along the western
boundary of the county, to New
Brunswick; and thence a like road
passes to New York ; a second runs
from Trenton, by a straight line, N.
W., to New Brunswick ; and a third
from Bordentown to Amboy, which
last two places are also connected by
the Bordentown and Amboy rail-road.
The New Jersey rail-road, now in
progress, will unite the cities of Jer-
sey and New Brunswick. The Dela-
ware and Raritan canal runs a very
considerable distance through the
MID
178
MID
county, and communicates with the
Raritan at New Brunswick.
The population, by the census of
1830, was 23,157 : of whom 10,523
were white males ; 10,487 white fe-
males ; 904 free coloured males ; 914
free coloured females; 130 male
slaves; 179 female slaves; 174
aliens; 12 whites, deaf and dumb, 7
blind, and 3 blacks blind.
The business of the county is chief-
ly agricultural, but considerable trade
is carried on from New Brunswick.
In 1832 the county contained about
4500 taxables, 841 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30;
477 single men, 99 stores, 20 saw
mills, 42 run of stones for grinding
grain, 2 plaster mills, 2 woollen facto-
ries, 7 carding machines, 39 distille-
ries, and 3684 horses and mules, and
7675 neat cattle over 3 years of age ;
and it paid state tax, $3253 26 ;
county, $4000; poor, $5850; road,
3600.
The provisions for moral improve-
ment, in the county, consist of the
following religious associations: viz.
Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Baptist,
Seventh-day Baptist, Dutch Reform-
ed, and Methodist ; one college, and
one theological institution belonging to
Presbyterians, several academies and
boarding schools, at Princeton ; a col-
lege and theological seminary per-
taining to the Dutch Reformed, a
grammar school, and other schools,
at New Brunswick ; two academies
at Rahway, and common schools, at
which the rudiments of an English
education are given in every popu-
lous vicinity ; a county bible society,
Sunday schools, in almost every vil-
lage, and temperance societies which
are spreading over the county.
The public buildings in addition to
the churches and seats of literature,
consist of the court-house, public of-
fices, and prison, at New Brunswick.
The following are post-towns of
the county : Amboy, Cranberry,
riightstown, Kingston, New Bruns-
wick, New Market, Rahway, Six
Mile Run, South or Washington,
Spotswood, and Woodbridge.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
^
13
P
opulation.
Townships, &c.
c
cs
0)
Area.
Surface.
1810.
1820.
1830.
Perth Amboy,
2,577
rolling.
815
798
879
South Amboy,
18
6
64,000
partly rolling.
3071
3406
3782
North Brunswick,
9
7
23,000
level.
3980
4275
5274
South Brunswick,
10
7
36,000
do.
2332
2489
2557
East Windsor,
12
6
24,000
do.
1747
1710
1903
West Windsor,
7
5
19,000
do.
1714
1918
2129
Piscataway,
9
7^
27,000
do.
2475
2648
2664
Woodbridge,
9
9
24,000
do.
4247
4226
3969
219,577
20,381
21,470
23,157
MifJdlctown t-ship, Monmouth co.,
boundi.-d N. by Raritan b.ay and
Sandy Hook, E. by the Atlantic
ocean, S. by Shrewsbury t-ship, and
W. by South Amboy t-ship, Middle-
sex CO. Centrally distant N. I'i. from
Freehold 10 miles; greatest length K.
and VV. 16, breadth N. and S. 10
miles; area, 50,000 acres; surface,
on the east and centre, hilly, else-
where, level; soil, loam, sand, and
clay, not naturally of the first quality,
but highly improved, in places, by
the u.se of marl, which has become
common. Sandy I look bay runs south
into the t-ship from the Raritan, and
is bounded on the S. W. by the pro-
montory of the highlands of Nevi-
sink, and on the E. by the sand
beach, forming Sandy Hook, run-
MID
179
MIL
ning 6 miles north from Shrewsbury
Inlet; upon the north point of which
stands Sandy Hook Light-house. The
t-ship is drained on the S. E., S. and
S. W. by Swimming and Nevisink
rivers; on the N. W. by Middletown
creek ; N. by Waycake, and N. E. by
Watson's and Shoal Harbour creeks.
Middletown, Middletown Point, Bap-
tisttown, or Holmdel and Mount Plea-
sant are villages, the two first post-
towns, of the t-ship. Population in
1830, 5128. In 1832 the t-ship con-
tained about 1000 taxables, 277
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30; 169 single men, 27 stores,
5 saw mills, 13 run of stones for grind-
ing grain, 1 fulling mill, 36 tan vats,
11 distilleries, 956 horses and mules,
and 2286 neat cattle, above 3 years
of age; and paid state and county
taxes, $2620 20. Good lands will
bring in this t-ship an average price
of $60 the acre.
In 1682 Middletown contained
about 1 00 families ; several thousand
acres had been collected for the town,
and many thousand for out-planta-
tions. John Browne, Richard Harts-
horne, and Nicholas Davis, had well
improved settlements here; and a
court of sessions was holden twice
or thrice a year, for Middletown,
Piscataway and their jurisdictions.
Middletown, post-town of Middle-
town t-ship, Monmouth co., 13 miles
N. E. from Freehold, 56 from Tren-
ton, and 221 from W. C, situate in
a rolling and fertile country, based
on marl; contains an Episcopal, a
Dutch Reformed, and a Baptist church,
2 stores, 2 taverns, and from 20 to
25 dwellings, among which, there
are several very neat and commo-
dious.
Middletown Point, port of delivery
of Perth Amboy district, and post-
town of Middletown t-ship, Monmouth
CO., upon Middletown creek, about 3
miles from the Raritan bay, 11 miles
N. of Freehold, 47 N. E. from Tren-
ton, and 213 from W. C; lies on a
bank elevated about 50 feet above the
stream, fronting a marsh on the op-
posite side; contains a Presbyterian
church, from 75 to 100 dwellings,
many of which are very good build-
ings, 8 or 10 stores, 4 taverns, and a
grist mill. This is the market of an
extensive country, and large quanti-
ties of pork, rye, corn, cord wood,
and garden truck, are thence sent to
New York. The soil immediately
around the town is sandy. There is
a bank here, incorporated in 1830,
with a capital of $50,000, of which
$10,000 only were paid in, in 1833.
Middleville, Orange t-ship, Essex
CO., 5 miles S. W. of Newark, con-
tains a tavern, a store, a grist mill,
saw mill, and Universalist church.
Mill Broolc, a small stream of
Montague t-ship, Sussex co., flowing
N. E., a course of about 6 miles, to
the Nevisink river, in the state of
New York, about 1 mile north of the
boundary, giving motion to several
grist, and other mills.
Mill Creek, a tributary of Cohan-
sey creek, flowing southward into it,
and forming the S. W. boundary of
Greenwich t-ship, Salem co.; length
between 3 and 4 miles.
Mill Creek, another tributary of
Cohansey creek, rising in Fairfield
t-ship, Cumberland co., and flowing
S. W. about 4 miles, by the village
of Fairton, to its recipient, giving
motion to two mills.
Millford, E. Windsor t-ship, Mid-
dlesex CO., on Rocky Brook, 17 miles
S. W. from New Brunswick, on
Rocky Brook ; contains a Presbyte-
rian church, a grist mill, and some
10 or 12 farm houses, and dwellings
of mechanics. Soil light, and not
productive.
Millford, village of Alexandria
t-ship, Hunterdon co., on the river
Delaware, at the confluence of a small
creek with that stream, 13 miles N.
W. from Flemington, and 40 from
Trenton; contains a tavern, store,
grist mill, 2 saw mills, and from
15 to 20 dwellings, a Presbyterian
church, and a church of Unitarians,
which styles itself Christian, and
which admits females to participate
in the ministry. This is a place of
MIL
180
MIN
considerable business, particularly in
the lumber trade.
Millhill, village of Nottingham
t-ship, Burlington co., on the S. side
of the Assunpink creek ; contains 2
cotton manufactories, several taverns
and stores, a market house, and about
80 dwellings. (See T/tw^o/i, of which
it is a suburb.)
Millingto/i, post-ofRre, Somerset
CO., 219 miles N. E. from W. C, and
48 from Trenton.
Millstone River, rises near Paint
Island spring, Upper Freehold t-ship,
Monmouth co., and flows thence by
a N. course of about 5 miles, to the
line between Monmouth and Mid-
dlesex COS. ; thence N. W. 13 or
14 miles, through Middlesex to the
mouth of Stony Brook, thence N. E.
by Kingston, into Somerset co., 16
miles to the river Raritan. It is a
strong and rapid stream, receiving
the waters of an extensive country,
including that drained by Stony
Brook; and runs, in many places,
through very narrow valleys, and
consequently is subject to sudden and
great overflows. The Delaware and
Raritan canal enters the valley of
this river, with Stony Brook, and fol-
lows it to the Raritan. The whole
length of the Millstone may be about
35 miles, by comparative courses.
Millstone, post-town of Hillsbo-
rough t-ship, Somerset co., on the
left bank of the Millstone river, 194
miles N. E. of W. C, 28 from Tren-
ton, 5 S. of Somerville; contains 2
taverns, 3 stores, a Dutch Reformed
church, and between 30 and 40 dwell-
ings, in a level, fertile, red shale
country. Some of the dwellings are
very neat and commodious.
Milltown, a small village in the
southern part of Kingwood t-ship,
Hunterdon co., on the Laokatong
creek, 10 miles S. W. from Fleming-
ton; contains a mill, store, and 8 or
10 dwellings.
Millmlle t-shij) Cumberland co.,
bounded N. by (iloucester and Salem
COS., and by Depfdird t-ship, S. E. by
Maurice Kiver t-ship, S. by Downe,
and W. by Fairfield f-ships. Cen-
trally distant E. from Bridgeton, 12
miles; length N. and S. 16 miles;
breadth E. and W. 15; area, 73,000
acres ; surface, level ; soil sandy, and
generally not very productive. It is
drained by Maurice river and its tri-
butaries, of which Manantico creek
is here the chief. Millville and Buck-
shutem, are towns of the t-ship; the
first a post-town. Population in 1880,
1561. In 1832, there were in the
t-ship 349 taxables, 136 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30 ;
7 stores, 6 run of stones for grinding
grain, 1 carding machine, 1 blast fur-
nace, 8 saw mills, 2 glass manufac-
tories ; and it paid road tax, $800,
and county and state tax, $553 58.
Millville, p-t. of Millville t-ship,
Cumberland co., on the left bank of
Maurice river, 20 miles from its
mouth, 11 miles S. E. of Bridgeton,
79 from Trenton, and 176 N. E. from
W. C. ; contains about 60 dwellings,
2 taverns, 4 or 5 stores, a furnace
belonging to Mr. D. C. Wood, and
extensive glass works belonging to
Messrs. Burgin and Pearsall ; con-
sistintT of 2 factories, 1 containino; an
8, and the other a 7 pot furnace, em-
ployed chiefly in the manufacture of
bottles, demijohns, carboys, and the
various kinds of vials used by drug-
gists and apothecaries, giving em-
ployment to from 75 to 100 work-
men. The town lies near the head
of sloop navigation.
Milton, post-town of Morris co.,
242 miles N. E. from W. C, and
79 from Trenton, and 15 N. of So-
merville.
Minisink Island, formed by the
Delaware river, and making the ex-
treme S. W. part of Montague t-ship,
Sussex CO.
Mine Mountain, composed of trap
rock, Bernard t-ship, Somerset co.,
extends from the north branch of the
Raritan, 6 miles to the Passaic river,
and is intersected by tributaries of
the respective rivers ; the chief of
which is
Mine Brook, rising near Logtown,
on the summit of the mountain,and run-
nine 6 miles S. W. to the north branch
MON
181
MON
of the Raritan. It is a mill stream
of great fall, and studded with mills.
Miry Run, tributary of the As-
sunpink creek, rises in East Windsor
t-ship, Middlesex co., and flows N.
W. through Nottingham t-ship, Bur-
lington CO., by a course of 8 miles,
giving motion to several mills.
Mi?'y Run, small stream of Egg
Harbour t-ship, Gloucester co., flow-
ing westerly about 3 miles to the
Great Egg Harbour river, having a
mill at its mouth.
Monroe, p-t. Hardiston t-ship, Sus-
sex CO., at the cross-roads N. W. of
Pimple Hill, 236 miles from W. C,
78 from Trenton, and 9 from New-
ton; contains a mill, store, and seve-
ral dwellings. It is surrounded by
soil of primitive limestone.
Monroe, village of Hanover t-ship,
Morris co., near the Whippany river,
3 miles N. E. of Morristown ; con-
tains a store, 5 or 6 dwellings, and an
extensive paper mill. It is surround-
ed by soil of loam and gravel, well
cultivated.
Monmouth County ; the bounds of
this county were established by the
Acts of 21st January, 1709-10, and
15th march, 1713-14; and it is now
limited on the N. by Raritan bay;
E. and S. E. by the Atlantic ocean;
S. W. and W. by Burlington co. ;
and N. W. by Middlesex ; greatest
length 65, breadth 33 miles; area,
665,000 acres, or about 1030 square
miles. Central lat. 40° 5' N., long,
from W. C. 2° 42' E. The whole coun-
try belongs to the alluvial formation,
and consists of clay mingled with
sand, gravel, and in low places vege-
table mould. In many parts there
are large beds of marl, varying in
quality from that composed almost
altogether of shells, already highly
indurated, to that of blue clay and
sand, in which the shells are finely
broken and sparsely strewed. In the
N. part of the county, marl is gene-
rally used as manure, and with the
greatest advantage. It has restored
many tracts of worn-out land to fer-
tility, and preserved much more from
exhaustion and abandonment.
The surface of the county, except
in Middletovvn t-ship, is generally
level, and a large portion of it cover-
ed with pine forest ; N. of Manasquan
inlet the sea-coast is high, bold, and
clean ; S. of that channel commences
a series of sand beaches, formed into
islands, by Barnegat and Little Egg
Harbour inlets, having a width, va-
rying from half a mile to a mile,
and which extend in this county to
Little Egg Harbour inlet, a distance,
southwardly of full 40 miles. Be-
hind the beach, a bayou, continues,
nominally divided into two, under the
names of Little Egg Harbour, and
Barnegat bays, which also varies
much in width, being from ^ a mile
to 4 miles broad ; with a broad bor-
der of salt marsh, on the west.
The county is well watered, by
many small streams, most of which
flow E., to the ocean. The princi-
pal of these are Manasquan, Mete-
tecunk. Kettle, Cedar, Oyster, Ma-
nahocking, and Westecunk creeks,
Nevisink, Shrewsbury, Toms', and
Forked rivers. From the N. the
Millstone and South rivers flow to the
Raritan, and the W. sends forth the
Assunpink, the Crosswick's, and the
Rancocus, tributaries of the Dela-
ware.
The post-towns of the county are,
Allentown, Barnegat, Cedar Creek,
Colts' Neck, Eatontown, English-
town, Freehold, the seat of justice,
Holmdel, Howel Furnace, Manohock-
ing, Manasquan, Middletown, Middle-
town Point, New Egypt, Shrewsbury,
Squankum, and Toms' River. There
are several other less considerable
villages.
The business of the county is
chiefly agricultural, but many per-
sons are employed in cutting and
sawing timber, and in preparing and
carying cord wood to market, large
quantities of which are sent from
Toms' river, and large quantities of
the finest pork are annually raised for
exportation. Iron is also made in
the central parts of the county, at
Phcenix, Dover, and other furnaces.
The population, originally com-
MON
182
MON
posed of a few Dutch, and some New
England men, who removed from
Long Island, prior to, and about, tiie
year 1664, amounted in 1830, to
29,233: of whom there were, white
free males, 13,900; free white fe-
males, 13,304; male slaves 97; fe-
male slaves, 130; free coloured males,
1794; free coloured females, 978.
There were also, 19 deaf and dumb,
and 14 blind, of the whites; 1 deaf
and dumb, and 1 blind, of the colour-
ed population.
By returns of the assessors of 1832,
there were in the county, about 6000
taxables, 1385 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30 ; 603 sin-
gle men, 103 stores, 52 saw mills,
67 run of stones for grinding grain,
6 fulling mills, 17 caiding machines,
5 furnaces, 238 tan vats, 46 distille-
ries for cider, 4942 horses and mules,
and 12,068 neat cattle, over the age
of 3 years ; and it paid county and
state taxes, $15,492 80.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF MONMOUTH COUNTY.
'■*'
4
Population.
Townships, &c.
fcD
a
rt
Area.
Surface.
1810.
1820.
1830.
Dover,
24
22
200,000
level.
1882
1916
2898
Upper Freehold,
16
10
90,000
do.
3843
4541
4826
Lower Freehold,
23
11
104,000
do.
4784
5146
5481
Howell,
13
11
70,000
do.
2780
3354
4141
Middletown,
16
10
.50,000
part hilly.
3849
4369
5128
Shrewsbury,
13
13
64,000
do.
3773
4284
4700
Stafford,
18
12
87,000
do.
1239
1428
2059
665,000
22,1.50
25,038
29,233
Montague, N. W. t-ship of Sussex
CO., bounded on the N. E. by the state
of New York, S. E. by tke Blue
mountains, S. W. by Sandistone
t-ship, and on the N. W. by the river
Delaware. Centrally distant from
Newton, 16 miles ; greatest length 8^,
breadth 7 J miles ; area, 21,620 acres ;
surface on the S. E. mountainous, on
the N. W. line, river alluvion. Po-
pulation in 1830, 990. There were
in the t-ship in 1832, 85 household-
ers, whose ratables did not exceed
$30; 6 store kof'j)crs, 3 pair of mill
stones, 3 saw mills, 208 horses and
mules above 3 years old, 843 neat
cattle, above that age ; 1 1 tan vats, 1
distillery. The t-ship paid a school
tax of $150; state and county tax,
$364 89; poor tax, 100; and road
tax, $500. It is drained N. E. by
Mill brook, W. by Chamber's Mill
brook, and S. W. by Big and Little
Flat Kills. There is a post-office
here, bearing the name of the t-shij) ;
distant 245 miles from W. C, 87
from Trenton, and 17 from Newton.
Two turnpike roads run through the
t-ship, and unite at the Delaware, op-
posite Milford bridge; this bridge,
completed in 1826, cost $20,000. Be-
tween the Blue mountain and Dela-
ware river, the space is six miles,
through which runs a vein of transi-
tion limestone, bordered by an exten-
sive river flat. The soil is fertile and
well cultivated, producing much
wheat. The t-ship Avas originally
settled by the Dutch, some years
prior to 1680.
Montgomery t-ship, Somerset co.,
bounded N. by Hillsborough, E. and
S. E. by Millstone river, which sepa-
rates it from Franklin t-ship, W. by
Lawrence and Hopewell t-ships, Hun-
terdon CO. Centrally distant S. W.
from Somerville 1 2 miles ; greatest
length N. and S. 8, breadth E. and
W. 8 miles; area, 36,500 acres;
surface, hilly; soil, clay, sandy loam,
MOR
188
MOR
and red shale. Beden's Brook and
its tributaries, Rock, Pike, and No-
pipe Brooks flow eastwardly through
the t-ship to the Millstone river, and
Stony Brook crosses the S. W. angle.
Rock mountain or the Nashanic,
forms the N. W. angle, and Rocky
hill spreads itself over the south.
Princeton, the northern side of the
main street. Rocky Hill, Stoutsville,
Harlingen, and Plainville, are towns
of the t-ship. Population in 1830,
2834. In 1832 the t-ship contained
about 600 taxables, 170 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30;
and 66 single men, 15 stores, 5 saw
mills, 5 grist mills, 1 fulling mill, 54
tan vats, 5 distilleries, 743 horses
and mules, 1295 neat cattle, 3 years
old and upwards; and paid state tax,
$352 72 ; county tax, $900 94.
Montiiille, village of Pequannock
t-ship, Morris co., lying in a deep
valley, through which passes the
Morris canal, by two inclined planes ;
the town lies between 10 and 11
miles N. E. from Morristown, and
contains a grist mill, saw mill, 2
stores, 1 tavern, and from 10 to 15
dwellings, and a Dutch Reformed
church.
Moorestown, p-t., Chester t-ship,
Burlington co., on the great road from
Camden to Monmouth, 10 miles
from the former, and 8 S. W. of
Mount Holly, 30 miles from Trenton,
and 147 from W. C. This is a very
pleasant town, situated on a fertile
plain of sandy loam, extremely well
cultivated, near the north branch of
Pensaukcn creek ; contains a large
Quaker meeting house, a Methodist
church, a school, 3 taverns, 4 or 5
stores, and between 50 and 60 dwell-
ings, most of which are neat and
commodious, some large and elegant.
The town has communication by
stages, daily, with Camden and Mount
Holly.
Morris County, was taken from
Hunterdon, by act of Assembly of
15th March, "l738-9, directing "that
the portion of " said county lying to
the northward and eastward of a well
known place, being a fall of water,
in part of the north branch of the
Raritan, called in the Indian language
AUamatonck, to the north-eastward
of the north-east end of the lands
called the New Jersey Society Lands,
along the line thereof, crossing the
south branch of the said river, and
extending westerly to a certain tree
marked with the letters L M, stand-
ing on the north side of a brook
emptying itself into the said south
bi'anch, by an old Indian path to the
northward of a line to be run north-
west from the said tree to a branch of
Delaware river called Musconetcong,
and so down the said branch to Dela-
ware river." It was named from
Lewis Morris, then Governor of the
province. These ample limits were
contracted by the erection of Sussex
county, 8th June, 1753, from which
Warren was subsequently taken.
Morris county is now bounded on
the N. W. by Sussex, N. jE. by Ber-
gen, E. and S. E. by Essex, S. by
Somerset, S. W. by Hunterdon, and
W. by Warren. Greatest length N.
E. and S. W. about 30 miles. ; breadth
27 miles; area, 292,900 acres; cen-
tral latitude 40° 53' N.; longitude
2° 28" E. from W. C.
The county is divided between the
transition and primitive formations,
two-thirds of it on the south being of
the latter, but even in it, the primitive
appears in the hills as in the Trow-
bridge mountain, and the ridge on the
north-west of Morristown. The tran-
sition also appears in the range most
generally primitive, as in the grau-
wacke of the Copperas mountain, and
the grey limestone at its southern base;
a bed of which, probably, underlays
the country from Potter's Falls on
the S. W., to Charlottesburg on the
N. E., upon Pequannock creek.
Trap rocks are scattered over the
county in various places, as in the
Pompton Hills, Long Hill, and else-
where.
The northern portion of the coun-
ty is mountainous and divided into
several ridges, whose continuity is
broken as they extend south and
east. Schooley's, or the Hamburg
I
MOR
184
MOR
mountain, which is a continuation of
the Musconetcong, continues in an
unbroken mass across the county,
varying from three to six miles in
width. On the north-east, longitu-
dinal divisions are formed by the
branches of Rockaway river, in the
Green Pond and Copperas mountains ;
whilst Pequannock t-ship is covered
with short ridges and rounded knolls.
The Trowbridge mountain is a con-
siderable eminence near the centre of
the county, varying in breadth from
one to three miles, and having a
length of fifteen miles. South and
east of this ridge the county is level,
or at most, undulating with a soil
in which red shale predominates ; it
may be deemed the valley of the
Passaic. On the south-east border
of the county, however, rises another
hill, around whose western extremity
the Passaic turns, to follow its base
north-eastwardly.
The county is rich in iron ore,
and we believe that the great bed of
red oxide of zinc, found in the Ham-
burg mountain near Sparta, in the
adjacent county, extends into this.
Iron ore is indeed here very abundant.
and is chiefly of the magnetic cha-
racter. The great bed first worked in
Franconia, near the White Hills in
New Hampshire, extends in the di-
rection of the stratification, into this
county, and which is said by Mr.
M'Clure, to lose itself near Black-
water; but which most probably ex-
tends indefinitely S. W.; since iron of
the saino character is abundant near
the spring at Schooley's mountain.
The mine of the Hon. Mr. Dickerson,
on the head waters of the Black river,
is one of tlie best and most extensive-
ly wrought of the district. (See
Randolph t-ship.)
The county is a!)undantly watered;
a line drawn almost due; south and
north from the village of Mendham,
to Drakesville, determines the course
of the streams east and west. Thus
the Rockaway with its tributaries,
the Parcippany and VV^hippany rivers,
seek the first; whilst the tributaries
of the north and south branches of
the Raritan river, have a westerly in-
clination. The Passaic river has its
source in a swamp near the village of
Mendham, and forms a natural boun-
dary between this and the county of
Somerset on the south, and the county
of Essex on the S. E., receiving the
Rockaway west of the village of
Frankhn, and the Pequannock, or
Pompton river, north of the village of
Fairfield. The last stream forms
the N. E. boundary of the county,
separating it from Bergen.
The chief 'villages and post-towns
of the county are Berkshire Valley,
Bottle Hill, Chatham, Chester, Den-
ville, Dover, Flanders, Hanover, Ha-
nover Neck, Littleton, Mendham, Mil-
ton, Montville, Morristown, the seat
of justice. Mount Freedom, New-
foundland, New Vernon, Parsippany,
Pompton, Powerville, Rockaway,
Schooley's Mountain, Stockholm,
Suckasunny, Washington, &c.
The provisions for moral improve-
ment in the county, consist in church-
es of the Presbyterians, the Dutch
Reformed, the Methodists, and the
Episcopalians ; a county Bible Socie-
ty, a county Sunday school union,
and several Sunday schools and
temperance societies in various parts
of the county; several academies in
the larger villages, where the rudi-
ments of the classics and mathe-
matics are taught, and common Eng-
lish schools in almost every vicinity.
By the census of 1830, the popula-
tion consisted of 23,666 souls, of
whom 1 0,7 1 9 were white males ; 1 1 08
white females; 77 male slaves; 88
female slaves; 438 free coloured
males ; 364 coloured free females :
and of whom there were 20 whites,
and 4 blacks, deaf and dumb; 11
whites, and 1 black, blind; and 497
aliens.
In 1832, the county contained
4836 taxables, 1083 househ(jlders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30 in
value; 528 single men, 83 stores, 71
saw mills, 56 grist mills, 215 tan
vats, 53 distilleries, 5 paper mills, 5
four horse stages, 43 forges and 2
furnaces, 9 rolling and slitting mills,
MOR
185
MOR
13 fulling mills, 11 carding ma-
chines, 1 plaster mill and 6 cotton
mills, 4056 horses and mules, and
11,821 neat cattle, above 3 years
old ,• and it paid state tax, |i3171 23 ;
county tax, $7100; poor tax, $10,900. |
The courts of common pleas, or- ;
phans' coui't, and quarter sessions, are
holden at Morristown, on the follow-
ing Tuesdays ; 3d December, 3d
March, 1st July, and 4th September ;
and the circuit courts, on the 3d
Tuesdays in March, and 4th of Sep-
tember.
This county abounds with copper,
iron, zinc, plumbago, copperas, man-
ganese, ochres of various colours,
excellent brick clay, freestone, lime-
stone, precious marbles, oil stone, &c.
&c. With such metallic resources, the
pioneers in the settlement of this por-
tion of New Jersey, were rather ma-
nufacturers than agriculturists; and
the narrow valleys of the mountain
region, which contain many and ex-
cellent mill seats, were only partially
tilled for the subsistence of wood
cutters and bloomers. The foi'ge
was uniformly the precursor of the
farm. The iron master occupied
large tracts of land, which, when
stripped of timber, were subdivided
among agricultural successors, ope-
rating on the smallest scale. As the
country was cleared, the makers of
iron gradually retired to the remote,
rough, and almost inaccessible re-
gions, where the cost of transporta-
tion of the ores, and of the metal to
market, rendered their operations
very unprofitable. Relief in this re-
spect will be obtained from the com-
pletion of the Morris canal, which
has been created in a great measure
with that view.
A region abounding so much in
metallic ores, necessarily produces
mineral springs ; but that of Schoo-
ley's mountain, is the only one which
has yet attained celebrity. A few
years since, the county was famed
for its apple orchards, its cider,
and apple whiskey ; of the last, large
quantities were annually made for
market. The annual average pro-
duct of the Morris orchards was esti-
mated at 800,000 bushels. But a
succession of bad crops, for some
years, has discouraged the cultivation.
Few new orchards are planted, and
the old ones are frequently neglected.
Attempts have been made to cultivate
the foreign grape upon the hill sides,
but without success, the frosts prov-
ing too severe. It is possible that some
indigenous qualities might be planted
with profit.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF MORRIS COUNTY.
^
T3
Population.
Townships. i
bo
B
Area.
Surface.
4)
1810.
1820.
1830,
Chatham,
9
5
13,400
various.
2019
1832
1865
Chester,
9
6i
18,000
rolling.
1175
1212
1338
Jefferson,
14
3
25,000
mountainous.
1281
1231
1551
Hanover,
12
^i
35,000
various.
3843
3503
3718
Mendham,
6
4^
14,000
do.
1277
1326
1314
Morris,
13
6
33,000
hilly.
3753
3524
3536
Pequannock,
16
11
74,000
mountainous.
3853
3820
4451
Roxbury,
12
10
35,000
do.
1563
1792
2262
Randolph,
7
5
18,000
do.
1271
1252
1443
Washington,
8
n
27,500
do.
1793
1876
2188
292,900
21,828
21,368
23,666
2A
MOR
186
MOU
Morris t-ship, Morris co., bounded
N. and N. E. by Hanover t-ship ; E.
by Chatham; S. E. by New Provi-
dence t-ship, of Bergen co. ; S. and
S. W. by Somerset co. ; and W. by
Mendham and Randolph t-ships, Mor-
ris CO. Greatest length N. and S.
13 miles; breadth E. and W. 6 miles ;
surface, on the north, centre, and
south, hilly; elsewhere, generally
rolling, with occasional plains ; soil,
clay and sandy loam; drained on the
W. and S. by the Passaic river (and
its tributaries) which courses its boun-
dary ; and on the N. E. by the Whip-
pany river. The Elizabethtown and
Morris, Newark and Morris, Morris
and Easton, Morris and Milford turn-
pike roads cross the t-ship. Morris-
town, Logansville, New Vernon,
Morris's Plains, are villages of the
t-ship. Morristown is the seat of
justice for the county. Population
in 1830, 3536. In 1832 there were
in the t-ship 780 taxables, 21 stores,
6 saw mills, 4 gi'ist mills, 11 distille-
ries, 1 pa})er mill, 1 fulling mill, 1
carding machine, and 546 horses, and
1674 neat cattle, above the age of 3
years. The t-ship paid state tax,
558 85; county tax, 1251 19; poor
tax, $600 ; and road tax, $2000.
Morristown, Morris t-ship, post-
town and seat of justice of Morris co.,
on the Whippany river, by post-route
221 miles N. E. of W. C, 71 from
Trenton, 17 from Newark and Eliza-
bethtown, and 26 from New York ;
pleasantly seated on a high plain,
built upon several streets, with a large
area or public ground in the centre
of the town ; on which, front the Pres-
byterian church, many of the best
houses, and most of the places of bu-
siness. The town contains 1 Pres-
byterian, 1 Episcopalian, 1 Baptist,
and 1 Methodist church ; an academy
in which the classics and mathema-
tics are taught; a very large and
handsome court-house, newly built
of brick, with the prison in the base-
ment story ; a grist mill, saw mill,
and 2 paper mills; a bank with a
capital of $50,000, which may be ex-
tended to $100,000, incorporated by
act of 28th January, 1812, and con-
tinued by act 19th February, 1820 ; 5
taverns, 18 stores, 4 practising attor-
neys, and 3 physicians, 2 printing
offices, from each of which a weekly
newspaper is issued, viz. The Jersey-
man and The Palladium of Liberty ;
a county bible society, Sunday school
union, and temperance societies. This
is a beautiful town. The houses are
generally well built, neatly painted,
surrounded with garden plots, and im-
press upon the visiter the conviction,
that comfort at least, reigns here.
The town is supplied by water from
a fine spring a mile and a half distant,
and disti'ibuted by subterraneous pipes.
A stage runs to Elizabethtown daily ;
one every other day to Easton and
Jersey City, and one to Oswego in
New York, three times a week. It
was a noted station of the American
army during the revolutionary war,
and the ruins of a small fort, over-
grown by stately trees, still crown
the hill which commands the town.
Morris Plains, hamlet and level
land, lying S. E. of Trowbridge
mountain, with a tolerable soil of
sandy loam, watered by a branch of
Whippany river. The hamlet is on
the line between Morris and Hanover
t-ships, 2 miles north of Morristown,
and contains a half dozen dwellings.
Moses' Pond, small sheet of water
on the Pochuck mountain, Vernon
t-ship, Sussex co., which sends forth
westerly, an inconsiderable tributary
to the Wallkill river.
Mount Bethel, hamlet, on Stony
Hill, Warren t-ship, Somerset co.,
7 miles N. E. of Somerville ; contains
a Baptist church, tavern, store, and 4
or 5 dwellings.
Mount Carmel, a mountain ham-
let of Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon CO.,
3 miles N. W. Irom Flemington;
contains a tavei-n and some 4 or 5
dwellings, and a store. The soil
around it is clay, cold, and at present
not very productive, but it is improv-
able by the use of lime.
Mount Clinton, a village laid out
on the Palisade rocks on the North
river, in Hackcnsack t-ship, Bergen
MOU
187
MUD
CO., 5 miles N. E. of Hackensack-
town.
Mount's Creek, a small tributary
of the Cohansey river, near the S.
W. border of Hopewell t-ship, Salem
county.
Mount Ephraim, village, of Glou-
cester t-ship, Gloucester co., 5 miles
S. E. from Camden, and the same
distance N. E. of Woodbury ; con-
tains a store, tavern, and some 20 or
30 dwellings. The hill from which
it has its name is, for this country,
elevated, and afibrds an extensive
view of the vicinity, even to the De-
laware.
Mount Freedom, p-t., Morris co.,
227 miles N. E. from W. C., and
61 from Trenton ; contains a Pres-
byterian church, and some 10 or 12
dwellings.
Mount Holly, p-t., Northampton
t-ship, and seat of justice of Burling-
ton CO., on the road from Camden to
Freehold, and at the head of tide and
navigation, on the north branch of
Rancocus creek, 20 miles N. E. from
the city of Camden, 6 S. E. from
Burlington, 21 from Trenton, 156
from W. C, and 18 from Philadel-
phia, has its present name from a
mount of sand and sandstone near it,
and some holly trees about its base.
It was formerly called Bridgetown;
and this name was recognised in a
charter for a library company here,
so early as 1765. At the period of
the revolutionary war, the town con-
tained 200 dwellings, and at present,
1833, has not more than 230 ; many
of which are good brick buildings,
erected on 7 streets. It contains a
court-house of brick, about 40 by 60 ft.,
two stories high, with cupola and bell ;
a stone prison, 1 Episcopal, 1 Metho-
dist, 1 Baptist churches, and 2 Qua-
ker meeting houses ; 1 boarding school
for young ladies, 4 day schools, 5
taverns, 8 stores, 1 grist mill, 1 saw
mill, 1 fulling mill, woollen factory,
plaster mill, and a paper mill, of the
latest and most improved construc-
tion, where paper of fine quality is
made by machinery, and from 40 to
50 hands are employed. — 10,000
reams of paper may be manufactured
in this mill yearly. The country
around is flat; soil, sandy loam, ge-
nerally of good quality, well culti-
vated, and worth from 40 to 120
dollars the acre, in extensive farms ;
corn, rye, and oats, are the chief pro-
ducts. A bank was established here
in 1816, with authority to possess
capital to the amount of $200,000;
of which $100,000 only have been
paid in. There run from the village,
2 stages twice a day to Burlington, 1
to Camden, 1 to Trenton, 1 to Pem-
berton, 1 to Vincenttown, 1 to New
Egypt; and 2 to Manahocking, tri-
weekly. There are 2 newspapers
printed here, weekly ; viz. the Herald,
and New Jersey Mail.
Mount Misery, hamlet of North-
ampton t-ship, Burlington co., 15
miles S. E. from Mount Holly, in
the pine forest; contains a tavern,
saw mill, and 4 or 5 dwellings.
Mount Pleasant, p-t., Alexandria
t-ship, Hunterdon co., 9 miles N. W.
from Flemington, 43 from Trenton,
and 196 from W. C, on the Hake-
hokake creek; contains a church,
grist mill, store, and some half dozen
dwellings.
Mount Pleasant, small village and
forge, Pequannock t-ship, Morris co.,
on the t-ship road leading from Mor-
ristown, N. W. 10 miles; there are
here a grist mill, and some half do-
zen houses, and very valuable iron
mines, extensively wrought.
Mount Pleasant, village of Middle-
town t-ship, Monmouth co., on Mid-
dletown creek, 10 miles N. of Free-
hold; contains from 12 to 15 dwell-
ings, a grist mill, a tavern and store.
The ground around it is sandy, but
high; elevated at least 50 feet above
the waters.
Muddy Creek, a small marsh
stream of Lower Alloways Creek
t-ship, Salem co., which has a course
of a mile or two; and empties into
the Delaware, between Stow and
Deep creeks.
Muddy Run, a branch of the Mor-
ris river, running near to, and form-
ing in part, the S. W. boundary of
NAN
188
NEV
Pittsgrove t-ship, and the line be-
tween Salem and Cumberland cos.
Mud Pond, a small basin in the
Wallkill mountains, Vernon t-ship,
Sussex CO., which sends forth a tri-
butary to the Wallkill river.
Mullica Hill, p-t. and village of
Gloucester co., on the line separating
Greenwich from Woolwich t-ships,
and on Raccoon creek, 7 miles S. E.
from Woodbury, and 5 E. from
Swedesboro'; 47 S. from Trenton,
and 153 N. E. from W. C. ; contains
a Friends' meeting house, an Episco-
pal church, 2 taverns, 2 stores, and
between 50 and 60 dwellings. The
country around the village is much
improved by the use of marl which
abounds here, and in some places is
found in an indurated state, assum-
ing the character of limestone.
Muscojietcong Creek, or River,
issues from the Hopatcong pond, or
lake, in Jefferson t-ship, Morris co. ;
and flows by a course S. W. and
nearly straight, through a longitudi-
nal valley of the South mountains, for
nearly forty miles. This valley is
bounded S. E. by the Musconetcong
and Schooley's mountains, and on
the N. W. by a southern continua-
tion of the Hamburg hills ; it is nar-
row and deep, and has throughout its
whole length a limestone base. The
stream has a large volume, and gives
motion to a very great number of
mills for various purposes.
Musketoe Cove, an arm of Barne-
gat bay, Dover t-ship, Monmouth
CO., which makes about two miles
inward through the marsh, between
Toms' bay and Kettle creek.
Nacote Creek, a tributary of Lit-
tle Egg Harbour river, rises by two
branches, Clark's mill, and Moss
branch, which unite at Wrangle-
boro', in Galloway t-ship, Gloucester
CO. ; the whole length of the stream
is about 9 miles.
Nantuxct Creek, said to be more
properly called Anhixct, Cumberland
CO., rises on the boundary line be-
tween Fairfield and Downe t-ships,
and flows along the boundary, about
9 miles to Nantuxet cove, in the De-
laware; it is navigable near four
miles to Nantuxet, or Newport Land-
ing.^
Nantuxet Village. (See iVe?«-
port.)
Nantuxet Cove, inlet to Nantuxet
creek, from the Delaware bay.
Nashanic Creek, a tributary of
the south branch of the Raritan river,
rises by several branches at the foot
of a range of hills on the N. W.
line of Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
and flows by an easterly course to its
recipient in Hillsborough t-ship, So-
merset CO., giving motion to several
mills. It is a large stream, and
with its several tributaries drains the
easterly part of the wide valley be-
tween the Nashanic or Rock moun-
tain, and Mount Carmel.
Nashanic Mountain, or Rock
Mountain, part of the chain of trap
hills which extends from below Lam-
bertsville, on the Delaware, to the
Raritan river, near Somerville : it is
the largest and most prominent of the
chain; is about 11 miles long and
about 3 miles over at its widest part.
Rock brook, a tributary of Beden's
brook, almost passes through it.
Nashanic, small stream on the
N. W. foot of the Nashanic moun-
tain, 7 miles S. W. from Somerville ;
contains a Dutch Reformed church,
a store and tavern, and 10 or 12
dwellings; soil, clay, sandy loam,
and red shale.
Nesochcaque Creek, tributary of
Atsion river, rises by several branches
in Gloucester, Hereford, and Gallo-
way t-ships, Gloucester co., and unites
with the river, at Pleasant Mills, in
the last named t-ship.
Nevisink Hills, on the Atlantic
coast, and extending across the noi'th-
ern part of the county of Monmouth.
Adjacent to the ocean these hills are
between 300 and 400 feet high. They
consist in the higher strata of sandy
earth, coloured by oxide of iron, and
imbedding reddish brown sand and
pudding stone, cemented by iron, rest-
ing on banks of oyster shells and
other marine relics, blended with
clay and sea mud. A small portioji
NEW
189
NEW
of these hills only, is cultivated,
being rough, broken and generally
covered with wood. (See Introduc-
tory Chapter, Ibl. 1 and 2.)
Nevisink or Carpenter's Point, a
small neck of land formed by the De-
laware and Nevisink rivers, at the
extreme northern point of the state.
Nevisink River, called above tide
water Swimming river, rises by seve-
ral branches in Freehold, Shrews-
bury, and Middletown t-ships, Mon-
mouth CO. The main stream flows
about 13 miles to the salt water estua-
ry or arm of Sandy Hook bay ; which
is about 5 miles long, to the S. E.
base of the Nevisink hills, varying in
breadth from f to 1^. Swimming
river and its north and south branches
are mill streams, on which are seve-
ral mills. The Nevisink is separated
from the Shrewsbury river, by a
neck of land about 2 miles in breadth.
Newark, p-t., and seat of justice,
Newark t-ship, Essex co., on the
right bank of the Passaic river, be-
tween 4 and 5 miles by the course of
the stream from Newark bay, 9 miles
a little N. of W. from New York,
215 N. E. from W. C, and 49 from
Trenton ; stands upon a plain of fer-
tile loam, resting on old red sand-
stone, bounded westward by rising
ground which was probably the pri-
mitive bank of the river. Lat. 40°
44' N., long. 2° 44' E. from W. C.
This is, perhaps, the most flourishing
town of the state. In 1830 its popu-
lation, t-ship included, amounted to
10,953, and in November, 1833, it is
ascertained to be nearly 15,000; the
increase having been greater during
the last three years than in the ten
preceding. There are 1712 dwell-
ings, of which 1518 are wooden, and
194 stone and brick. 109 dwellings
were built in 1832, and as many in
1833; many of them large and ele-
gant. The town is remarkable for
its manufactures, with which it sup-
plies the market throughout the United
States ; and in which the great pro-
portion of the inhabitants are en-
gaged. The principal of these are sad-
dlery and harness, carriages, shoes,
and hats. Sixteen extensive manl?-
factories of saddlery and harness, em-
ploy 272 hands, and a capital of
$217,300, yielding an annual pro-
duct of $346,280, and paying wages
$70,000 annually. These are inde-
pendent of the coachmakers who
make their own saddlery and harness.
Ten carriage manufactories have 779
workmen, an aggregate capital of
$202,500, and produce $593,000
annually. These establishments, ge-
nerally, do all their work, including
plating, lamp making, &c. Eighteen
shoe manufactories engage 1075
hands, to whom they pay $175,000
yearly wages; have a capital of
$300,000, whose annual product is
estimated at $607,450 : they cut up
annually, $400,000 worth of leather.
The amount of sales of boots and
shoes, in 1832, was $900,000; the
balance, over the product of the town,
having been procured abroad, in or-
der to supply the orders. This large
amount is exclusive of the manu-
facture for home consumption, which,
it is supposed, employs 225 additional
hands. Nine hat manufactories em-
ploy 487 hands, a capital of $1 06,000 ;
pay $142,000 in yearly wages, and
make an annual return of $551,700.
Thirteen tanneries employ 103 hands,
a capital of $78,000, and return an-
nually, $503,000. Beside these pro-
minent manufactories, there are others
of less, though great consideration. —
Thus, there are two soap and can-
dle manufactories, with a capital of
$21,000, whose gross product is
$165,000; 7 iron and brass founde-
ries, employing 125 men; 2 exten-
sive founderies of malleable iron, em-
ploying 60 men ; 2 coach spring fac-
tories, employing 50 hands ; besides
2 others connected with the carriage-
making establishments; 5 tin, sheet
iron, and stove factories ; 1 hardware
manufactory, employing 50 work-
men; and 2 patent leather manufac-
tories. There are, also, more than
350 tailors engaged in making gar-
ments for the home and southern
markets ; 140 carpenters, 26 sash and
blind makers, 100 masons, 60 cabi-
NEW
190
NEW
netmakers, 51 coach lace weavers,
25 chairmakers, 42 trunkmakers, 9
looking glass manufacturers, 12 stone
and marble cutters, 10 iron turners,
50 jewellers, and many other species
of handicrafts, of which we are unable
to give particular details, such as
smitheries, wagon-making, manufac-
tories of saddle trees, watches and
clocks, segars, silver plating; planes,
locks, guns, whips, brushes, cooper-
ing, ploughs, pumps, &c.; with the
usual number of butchers, bakers,
confectioners, painters, glaziers, book
binders, &c. &c.
There are here also, 2 breweries,
2 grist mills, 1 extensive steam saw
mill, 5 saw mills driven by horses, 1
distillery, 2 rope walks, 1 pottery,
and 2 dyeing establishments.
Four printing offices employing 22
hands, from which 3 weekly and 1
daily newspapers are issued; 40
schools with 1669 scholars; and
about 1500 scholars receive instruc-
tion in the Sunday schools ; 4 Pres-
byterian churches with large congre-
gations, beside a small Presbyterian
congregation of coloured persons.
The first Presbyterian church was
founded in 1787, by the Rev. Alex-
ander M'Whorter, D. D., who pre-
sided over the congregation from
1759 until his death in 1807, nearly
a half a century; public worship
was first offered in it 1st Jan. 1794:
The second Presbyterian church in
1808; the third, in 1824; and the
fourth, in 1831, 1832. One Episcopal
church, with a large and increasing
congregation, which was commenced
about 1734, by Col. Isaiah Ogden and
others, who left the Congrcgation-
alists in consequence of the rigour
with which his conduct, in saving
his grain in a wet harvest, by labour-
ing on the Sabljath, was condemned.
The present house for worship was
erected in 1808, on a site occupied
by a first and older building: Two
Baptist churches ; the congregation of
the first was constituted in 1801, and
the church built in 1804, was rebuilt
in 1810; the second church was con-
structed in 1833: 1 Dutch Reformed
congregration, recently organized,
with a settled minister : 2 large Me-
thodist Episcopal churches ; the first
congregation was organized in 1806,
and the first chapel built in 1810;
the second chapel was built in 1832:
1 Primitive Methodist church, and 1
African Episcopal Methodist chapel,
built in 1810: a Roman Catholic
church, built in 1824. Of these
churches the first and second Pres-
byterian, the Episcopal and the Catho-
lic, are of stone; the third Presbyte-
rian, of brick; the others of wood:
the fourth Presbyterian, second Bap-
tist, and second Methodist Episcopal
churches are remarkably large, and
some of them have great architectu-
ral beauty.
Beside the churches, the only pub-
lic building of the town, of much im-
portance, is the court-house and pri-
son, of brick, under the same roof —
in which the keepers' apartments and
cells of the prisoners are on the ground
floor; the court room, jury rooms,
and sheriff's ofiice, on the second;
and the apartment for insolvents on
the third. The offices of the clerk
and surrogate are also in the same
building. An election in 1807 for de-
termining the location of the court-
house, is still remembered by the in-
habitants, as the most exciting re-
corded in their annals. The contest
was between Newark and Day's Hill.
By a construction given to the state
constitution, the women were then
suffered to vote, and they seem to
have been so delighted with this pri-
vilege of exercising their wills, that
they were unwilling to circumscribe
it within the legal limit; many ladies
voting, we arc told, 7 or 8 times, un-
der various disguises.
Of literary institutions in addition
to the schools, we may name an ap-
prentices' library, a circulating libra-
ry, and the mechanics' association for
literary and scientific improvement,
which possesses a valuable library
and pliilosoi)hical apparatus. It is
to the credit of the town, that the
New Jersey college was located here
for several years subsequent to 1747,
NEW
191
NEW
under the charge of its second presi-
dent, the Rev. Aaron Burr, father of
the ex-vice President of the United
States; who was in 1736, called to
the pastoral charge of the first Pres-
byterian church, and was highly dis-
tinguished for his learning, energy,
and public spii'it, which contributed
much to the growth and prosperity of
the town.
The commerce of Newark, alrea-
dy considerable, rapidly increases.
It is a port of delivery, and eiibrts
are used to make it a port of entry.
It employs 65 vessels, averaging
100 tons, in the coasting trade ;
8 or 9 of which are constantly en-
gaged in transporting hither various
building materials. The Morris ca-
nal, which runs through the town,,
gives it man)^ advantages for internal
trade, for which purpose 25 canal
boats are supplied by the inhabitants.
The facilities for communication with
New York, render the town a suburb
of that great city. A steam-boat
plies twice a day between the two
places, carrying an average of 75
passengers each trip, each way ; two
lines of stages communicate between
them almost hourly, conveying at
least 800 passengers a week ; and
this communication will be still more
frequent and facile, when the New
Jersey Rail-road, now rapidly pro-
gressing, shall have been completed.
The Directors of the Rail-road Com-
pany have not only run the road
through part of the town, but have
opened a splendid avenue of 120 feet
wide, by its side, and propose to cross
the Passaic river, about the centre of
the town, upon a wooden bridge on
stone abutments, which will give an
additional trait of beauty to the place.
There are three banks here, viz.
"T/te Neioarh Banking and Insu-
rance Company^'''' incorporated in
1804, with an authorized capital of
8800,000, of which $350,000 have
been paid in; '■'■The State Bank at
NerimrJe,''^ incorporated in 1812, with
an authorized capital of $400,000, of
which §280,000 have been jiaid in ;
and "TAe Mechanics Bank at Neiv-
ark" incorporated in 1831, with an
authorized capital of $250,000, of
which $200,000 have been paid in.
During the year 1833, the business
of the town, manufacturing and com-
mercial, has greatly increased, and
consequently the demand for banking
capital ; to meet which, one of the
banks has called in a further instal-
ment, and another has availed itself
of the privilege given by charter, to
double its capital. The rise in the
value of real estate, the sure indica-
tion of prosperity, has been astonish-
ingly great — a remarkable instance
of which is given us in November,
1833; where a property was sold at
public auction for $10,000, which
but five years, previously, was pur-
chased by the late vendor for $60!
A whaling and sealing company has
been incorporated, (October, 1833)
which is vigorously prosecuting its
object.
The town is laid out upon broad
streets, and has a great and salu-
brious ornament, in the greens or
commons, which are shaded by noble
trees, and bounded by the principal
avenues. It is abundantly supplied
with wholesome water, by a joint
stock company, from a fine and steady
spring, about a mile distant ; and se-
ven miles of iron pipes have already
been laid for the accommodation of
the inhabitants. The present style
of building, copied fi-om that of the
great cities, is costly, elegant, and
commodious. Granite basement sto-
ries, in the places of business, admit
of convenient stores, whilst lofty edi-
fices give accommodation to families.
Houses designed for private residence
are now generally of brick, neat, and
frequently splendid.
We close this interesting account
of this thriving town, for which we
are indebted to a committee* of the
Young Men's Society, &c., with a
brief historical notice, much of which
has been abstracted from the town
records.
* Consisting of Messrs. A. Armstrong,
C. H. Halsey, S. H. Pennington, D. A.
Hays, and J. B. Congar.
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192
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Soon after the arrival of Governor
Carteret, in 1665, he published in
New England, and elsewhere, the
" Concessions" of the proprietaries,
and invited settlers to the new colony.
Tlie first fruit of this measure was
the settlement of Elizabethtown. In
the succeeding year, agents were des-
patched from Guilford, Brandford,
and Milford, in Connecticut, to sur-
vey the country, and to ascertain the
state of the IncUans who inhabited it.
Upon their favourable report, particu-
larly, of that district " beyond the
marshes lying to the north of Eliza-
bethtown," they were empowered to
contract for a township, to select a
proper site for a town, and to make
arrangements for an immediate set-
tlement. Thirty families from the
above named towns and New Haven,
embarked in the same year, and after
a passage, as long and tedious as a
voyage in the present time across
the Atlantic, arrived in the Passaic
river. Their landing was opposed
by the Hackensack tribe of Indians,
who claimed the soil which the go-
vernor had granted to the emigrants,
and insisted on a full compensation
therefor, previous to its settlement.
The governor not being able to re-
move this obstacle, the discouraged
voyagers prepared to return ; but were
at length, by the solicitation of the
governor and others, induced to hold
a council with the Indians, from
whom they eventually purchased a
tract of country on the west side of
the Passaic river, extending from
WoquakicJc (or Bound) creek, on the
south, to its fountain head; and
thence westerly about seven miles to
the ridge of the Great mountain,
called by the Indians (Wacchung) ;
thence by the said ridge north to the
line of Acquackanonck t-ship; thence
east by that line to the mouth of
( Yantokah) Third river ; thence down
the Passaic river and bay to the
place of beginning. These limits
formed the original t-ship of Newark,
comprehending the present t-ship of
that name, and the t-ships of Spring-
field, Livingston, Orange, Bloomfield,
and Caldwell. The price of this
purchase was £130 New Er^^land
currency, 12 Indian blankets, aid 12
Indian guns. The title thus derived
from the aborigines, was subsequent-
ly set up against that of the proprie-
taries, and was the source of much
litigation and forcible contention,
which for many years disturbed the
peace of East Jersey.
The settlers at first segregated
themselves according to the towns
whence they came ; but the sense of
mutual danger soon induced a change
in this respect. On the 21st May,
1666, delegates from the several
towns resolved to form one t-ship,
to provide rules for its government,
and " to be of one heart and hand,
in endeavouring to carry on their
spiritual concernments, as well as
their civil and town atfairs, accord-
ing to God and godly govern-
ment." And for the more speedy
accomplishment of their desires, " a
committee of eleven were appointed
to order and settle the concernments
of the people of the place." These
rules had a full proportion of the pu-
ritanical spirit of the people who made
them, and of that religious intolerance
which was the distinguishing trait
of the inhabitants of Massachusetts,
whence they were originally derived ;
contrasting strongly with the liberality
of the " Concessions" of Berkeley and
Carteret, to which these emigrants
were indebted for the very soil on
which they had alighted. " No per-
son could become a freeman or bur-
gess of their town, or vote in its elec-
tions, but such as was a member of
some one of the Congregational
churches : — nor be chosen to the ma-
gistracy, nor to any other military or
civil office. " But all others admitted
to be planters, were allowed to in-
herit and to enjoy all other privileges,
save those above excepted." With
a singular disregard of the rifirhts of
the proprietaries of New Jersey, and
apparently with a resolution of dis-
claiming all fealty towards them, and
of depending on their Indian grants,
they, also, resolved " to be ruled by
NEW
193
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such officers as the town should an-
nually choose from among them-
selves, and to be governed by the
same laws as thej^ had, in the places
from whence they came." At this
period, (1667,) there were 65 effi-
cient men in the settlement, beside
women and children.
At the first distribution of land,
each man took by lot six acres as a
homestead ; and as the families from
each of the several original towns,
had established themselves at short
distances from those of other towns,
the allotments were made to them in
their respective quarters of the new
settlement. Seven individuals, select-
ed for the purpose, assessed on each
settler his portion of the general
purchase money. The lands were
eventually divided into three ranges ;
each range into lots, and parcelled
by lottery; first setting apart certain
portions, called tradesmen's lots ; one
of which was to be given to the first
of every trade, who should settle per-
manently in the place ; reserving
also, the present Upper Green of
the town for a market place, and the
Loiccr Green for a military parade;
and that part of the town in and adja-
cent to Market street, where the tan-
neries now are, then a swamp, for a
public watering place for cattle. This
last portion having been sold by
the town, is altogether in possession
of individual owners.
In 1767, the Rev. Abraham Pier-
son, the first minister, commenced
his official duties here. He is said
to have been " episcopally ordained"
at Newark, in South Britain, and to
have named this town after that of
his ordination ; by which name it
was sometimes called abroad, but
was known at others by that of Mil-
ford. In the next year, the first
"meeting house," 26 feet wide, 34
long, and 13 between the joists, was
erected; the town voting £30, and
directing that every individual should
perform such labour as a committee
of five might require, towards its
completion.
Robert Treat, and Jasper Crane,
2 B
were chosen the first magistrates, In
1668; and representatives to the first
assembly of New Jersey, convened at
Elizabcthtown, 26th May, of the
same year ; by whicli the first state
tax, £12 sterling, of which the pro-
portion of Newark was 40s., was
laid. Mr. Treat was also chosen first
recorder or town clerk; and after a
residence here of many years, return-
ed to Connecticut, where he became
governor, and died. The town also
established a court of judicature, hold-
ing annually one session, on the last
Wednesday of February, and another
on the 2d Wednesday of September;
having cognizance of all causes with-
in its limits. On the 24th May, 1669,
the first selectmen, five in number,
were chosen. The number was sub-
sequently increased to seven, who
continued to administer affairs until
1736, when the present township offi-
cers were created by law. And in
this year Indian hostility appears to
have displayed itself in petty robbe-
ries and depredations, the increase
of which, in 1675, induced the towns-
men to fortify their church as a place
of refuge, in case of general attack,
and to take proper measures of watch
and ward.
On the 23d October, 1676, a war-
rant was granted by the Governor,
for 200 acres of land and meadow,
for parsonage ground, and also, for
so much as was necessary for land-
ing places, school house, town house,
market place, &c.; and in 1696, a
patent from the proprietaries to the
town, covered all the lots, in various
parts of the township, called " Parson-
age Lands;" which have been since
divided, with some difficulty and con-
tention, among five churches: viz.
the three Presbyterian, and the Epis-
copal, at Newark, and the First Pres-
byterian church, at Orange.
In 1721, the first freestone was
quarried for market ; and this article,
celebrated for its excellent quality,
has long been exported in great quan-
tities.
At the commencement of the revo-
lutionary war, the town was much
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194
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dividod upon the questions agitating
the country ; and on the Declaration
of Independence, by the State, seve-
ral families, among whom was Mr.
Brown, pastor of the Episcopal church,
who had ministered from its founda-
tion, joined the royalists in New
York. From its vicinage to that
strong hold of the enemy, the town
suffered greatly, by his visitations,
made by regular troops and marau-
ders. On the night of the 25th of
January, 1780, a regiment of 50U
men, commanded by Colonel Lumm,
came from New York, following the
river on the ice, and burned the aca-
demy, then standing on the upper
green. This was a stone building,
two stories high, with apartments for
the teacher. On the same night an-
other British party, unknown to the
first, fired the Presbyterian church,
at Elizabethtown,the light from w^hich
affrighted the incendiaries at Newark,
and caused their hasty retreat. They
carried away with them Joseph Hod-
dens, Esq., an active whig, who had
zea,lously opposed their previous de-
predations ; dragging him from a
sick bed, and compelling him to follow,
with no other than his night cloth-
ing. The party returned by the
route by which they came; and a
soldier, more humane than his fel-
lows, gave Mr. H. a blanket, a short
time before they reached Paules
Hook. At this place Mr. H. was
confined in a sugar house, where
he perished in a few days, in conse-
quence of the sufferings from that
dreadful night.
The prosperity of this enterprising
and industrious town, is deservedly
great ; and being founded on the
indispensable manufactures of the
country, will necessarily progress
with the general population, and with
such increased momentum as the
highly stimulated spirit of its inhabi-
tants will not fill to give it.
Newark, t-ship, Essex co., bound-
on the N. by P)l()omfield t-ship; N.
E. by the Passaic river, which sepa-
rates it from Bergen co. ; E. by New-
ark bay ; S. by Elizabeth and Union
t-ships; and W. by Orange t-ship.
Greatest length, E. and W. 7 miles;
breadth, N. and S. 6 miles; ar^a,
about 1"2,000 acres; surlace lev .;
soil marsh and red shale ; a lar ^e
proportion of this t-ship lying N. of
Boundbrook, and E. of the turnpike
road from Elizabethtown to Newark,
is salt marsh ; the remainder consists
of well improved land. Population,
in 18.30, including the town of New-
ark, 10,953. In 1832, there were
2500 taxables, 1114 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed #30 ;
527 single men, 95 • merchants, 4
grist mills, 3 saw mills, 3 furnaces,
1 fulling-mill, 26 tan vats, 1 wool
factory, and 1 distillery. The t-ship
paid in state tax, $933 72 ; county,
S2443 92 ; poor tax, $2500 ; road tax,
$500.
Newark Bay, a large sheet of
water, of 7 miles in length, and 2 in
breadth, between Bergen and Essex
COS., and separated from the New
York, by a strip of land one mile
wide, but communicating therewith,
by the Kill-van-Kuhl. The Passaic
and Hackensack rivers debouch in
this bay. Its easterly shore is bold
and clean, but its westerly, has a
broad margin of salt marsh.
New Barhadoes, t-ship, Bergen
CO., bounded N. by Harrington; E.
and S. E. by Hackensack ; S. W. by
Lodi, and W. by Saddle river t-ships.
Greatest length, N. and S. 7 ; breadth,
E. and W. 4 miles; area, 11,500
acres; surface generally level, but
towards the N. there is some undu-
lating ground ; soil, sandy loam, and
red shale, extremely well cultivated,
and productive in grass and vegeta-
bles for the New York market. The
farms are generally small, and re-
markable for their neatness. Most
of the dwellings arc built in the sim-
ple Dutch cottage style, with a single
story, high gal)le ends, and project-
ing pcnt-lifHises. The t-ship is drain-
ed on the E. boundary, by the Hack-
ensack river, on which are the post-
towns of New Milf()rd, and the ham-
lets of Old and N<w Bridge; and on
the W. line, by Saddle river. The
NEW
195
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town of Hackensack, the county seat
of justice, lies in the S. E. angle.
Population in 1830, 1693. In 1832,
there were in the t-ship, 440 taxables,
85 householders, whose ratablcs did
not exceed $30 ; 40 single men, 15
mei'chants, 5 grist mills, 5 saw mills,
2 carding machines, 1 fulling mill,
1 wool factory, 28 tan vats, 315
horses, and 548 neat cattle, under 3
years old ; and paid taxes, state,
$188 90; county, $339 97; poor,
$500; school, $100 ; road, $1000.
New Bargaintown, Howell t-ship,
Monmouth co., upon Manasquan
river, 9 miles S. E. of Freehold ;
contains a grist mill, and some half
dozen dwellings, surrounded by a
sandy soil, and pine forest.
Newhold's Island, in the Dela-
ware river, about 2 miles below Bor-
dentown, and ^ a mile from White
Hill, in Mansfield t-ship, Burlington
CO.; has a fertile alluvial soil, and a
fine fishery.
New Bridge, hamlet, of Hacken-
sack t-ship, Bergen co., on the Hack-
ensack river, 2 miles above Hacken-
sack town ; contains a grist and saw
mill, a store, tavern, and 10 or 12
dwellings. Surrounding country,
level ; soil, fertile loam.
New Brunswick, p-t. and city, and
seat of justice for Middlesex co., lying
on the right bank of the river Rari-
tan, 15 miles from the head of the
bay at Amboy, 40 miles by water
and 25 by land S. W. from New
York, 26 N. E. from Trenton. The
city is partly in Nortli Brunswick
t-ship, Middlesex co., and partly in
Franklin t-ship, Somerset co., the
post-road or Albany street forming
the line between the t-ships and coun-
ties.
. At the close of the seventeenth
century, the place where the city
now stands, was covered with woods,
and called after the name of its pro-
prietor, " Prigviore^ s Swamp.'''' The
first inhabitant, of whom any account
is preserved, was one Daniel Cooper,
who resided where the post-road
crossed the river, and kept the ferry
which afterwards, in 1713, when the
county line was drawn, was called
Inian's Ferry. This ferry was grant-
ed by the proprietors, 2d Nov. 1697,
for the lives of Inian and wife, and
the survivor, at a rent of 5 shillings
sterling per annum. One of the first
houses is said to be still standing, at
the foot of Town lane; and some
other buildings, erected at an early
period, may be distinguished by their
antique structure, in Burnet and Al-
bany streets. The first inhabitants
of Eui'opean origin, were from Long
Island. About 1730 several Dutch
families emigrated from Albany,
brinmno; with them their building
materials, in imitation of their ances-
tors, who imported their bricks, tiles,
&c. from Holland. Some of them
built their houses upon the present
post-road, which thence acquired the
name of Albany street; though origi-
nally it was called French street, in
honour of Philip French, Esq. who
held a large tract of land on the north
side of it. About this time the name
of New Brunswick was given to the
place, which had, hitherto, been dis-
tinguished as " The River."
The city was incorporated in 1784,
and is now divided into five wards.
The old market, called Coenties' mar-
ket, was of ancient date, and stood in
Commerce Square; the present was
built in 1811. The court-house was
erected in 1793 ; the bridge, original-
ly, in 1796, and was rebuilt by a joint
stock company in 1811, at the cost
of $86,687. It is a wooden structure
about 1000 feet in length, divided into
two carriage ways by a wood parti-
tion, and rests on eleven stone piers
and abutments.
A portion of the town lying imme-
diately on the river, is low, and the
streets are narrow, crooked, and lined
principally with small frame houses,
extending for near half a mile from
the bridge to the landings for steam-
boats. Albany street is a broad, well
paved thoroughfare, ornamented with
some excellent buildings, and the
streets upon the upper shelving bank,
are generally wide, and the houses
neat and commodious ; many of them
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196
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expensively built, and surrounded by
gardens. The streets generally, are
paved with boulders. Those unpaved
are, in the rainy season, scarcely
passable, the red sandy loam of the
soil, being easily wrought into deep
paste. From the top of the hill or
bank, especially from the site of Rut-
gers' college, there is a wide prospect
of miles, terminating on the north by
the Green Brook mountains, and on
the east by the Raritan bay.
The tide in the river extends to
Raritan Landing, about two miles
above the town ; but immediately
above the bridge, at the town, the
river is fordable. At this point the
ice, when broken up in the spring,
sometimes lodging, forms a dam,
which raising the water many feet
above its usual level, causes it to
overflow the lower streets. The De-
laware and Raritan canal has its out-
let here, by a lock of 12 feet lift, into
a basin 200 feet wide, made in the
bed of the river, and extending a mile
and a quarter in front of the town,
where vessels of 200 tons burden
may lie. From the canal a very im-
portant hydraulic power will be ob-
tained, under a fall of 14 feet, with
all the water of the Raritan river,
and all the surplus water of the canal.
Consequently, New Brunswick may,
at no distant period, claim considera-
tion among the manufacturing towns
of the United States.
The city contains between 5 and
6000 inhabitants, about 750 dwell-
ings, 120 large stores, among which
are 12 extensive grain stores; 20 ta-
verns, 12 practising attorneys, and rt
physicians ; 1 Methodist church, built
in 1811, and another belonging to
blacks of the same denomination : A
Dutch Reformed church, the present
house being the third pertaining to
that profession ; the first was built on
the corner of Schuremem and Burnet
streets, before the year 1717; the
second, on the site of the present, be-
tween the years 1750 and 1783, dur-
ing the ministry of the Rev. Johan-
nes Leydt ; and the present, com-
menced in 1812, was mmpleted in
1828, by the construction of a brick
stuccoed steeple — a Presbyterian con-
gregation occupying their second
house lor worship; their first wa^
built before, or during the ministry
of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, who be-
came their pastor in 1726, in Burnet
street, below Lyell's Brook ; and was
wantonly destroyed by the British
soldiers in 1776 or 1777; the pre-
sent edifice was erected in 1784 ; —
The Episcopal church, called Christ
church, was built in 1743, the steeple
in 1773 ; but the latter was burned to
the stone basement in 1802, and re-
built in the same year: the Baptist
church was erected in 1810, and a
small Catholic chapel in 1832. There
are in the town a college called Rut-
gers' college, and grammar school
connected with it ; 2 academies ; an
extensive boarding and day school for
young ladies; a Lancasterian school,
incorporated and endowed with about
$4000, and several common schools.
The town has an extensive trade.
The enterprising inhabitants have
opened a ready communication with
Easton and the valley of the Dela-
ware, by the Jersey turnpike road ;
and have made it the depot of the
produce from a large tract of fertile
country ; its business will be greatly
increased by the trade of the Dela-
ware and Raritan canal. There are
now 12 sloops employed in its com-
merce, and 300,000 bushels of Indian
corn, and 50,000 bushels of rye arc
annually expoi'ted. Two lines of
stages connected with steam-boats
hero and at Lamberton, on the Dela-
ware, run daily from the town, and
stages depart hence daily to various
parts of the country ; and communi-
cation is had four times, daily, by
steam-boats, with New York. There
are now two banks established here :
the Stale Bank incorporated in 1812,
with an authorized capital of $400,000
of which 88,000 have been called in;
and the New Brunswick Bank, incor-
porated in 1807, with a capital of
$200,000, 90,000 of which have been
paid.
There is .i voin of cropper ore adj?i-
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197
NEW
cent to the town, which was formerly
very extensively wrought, but which
has been for many years abandoned.
For an account of this mine, see pre-
fatory chapter, page 10.
New Dm-liam, village on the turn-
pike-road leading from Hoboken to
Hackensack, Bergen t-ship, Bergen
CO., 3 miles from the one and seven
from the other ,• contains 2 taverns, a
store, and some 10 or 12 dwellings.
NeiD Durham, small village of
Piscataway t-ship, Middlesex co., 5
miles east of north from New Bruns-
wick, and on the turnpike road lead-
ing from Perth Amboy toward Bound
Brook ; contains a tavern, store, and
some half dozen dwellings.
New Egypt, p-t. of Upper Free-
hold t-ship, Monmouth co., on the
Crosswicks creek, 23 miles S. W.
from Monmouth Court House, 170 N.
E. from W. C, and 16 miles S. E.
from Trenton ; contains about 20
dwellings, 2 taverns, 2 or 3 stores,
valuable grist and saw mills, and a
Methodist church within a mile of the
town. The country around it is le-
vel; soil, of clay and sand. The
name is derived from the excellent
market the mills formerly afforded
for corn.
New England, village of Fairfield
t-ship, Cumberland co., near Co-
hansey creek, 5 miles S. of Bridge-
ton; contains some 12 or 15 dwell-
ings, scattered along the road within
the space of a mile ; near it is a Me-
thodist church.
New England Creelc, a small
stream of Lower t-ship, Cape May
CO., flowing into the Delaware bay.
New Freedom, small village of
Gloucester t-ship, Gloucester co., on
the road from Camden to Great Egg
Harbour river, 18 miles S. E. from
the former, and 14 from the latter;
contains a Methodist meeting, a glass
manufactory, a tavern and store, and
some 12 or 15 dwellings. It is in
the midst of the pines, on Inskeep's
branch of Great Egg Harbour river.
Newfou?idland, is the post-office of
Longwood Valley, 17 miles N. W.
from Morristown, 245 N. E. from
W. C, and 79 from Trenton; there
is a Presbyterian church here.
New Gei-mantown, p-t. of Tewkes-
bury t-ship, Hunterdon co., on the
turnpike-road leading from Laming-
ton to Schooley's mountain, 14 miles
N. E. from Flemington, 45 from
Trenton, and 211 from W. C. ; con-
tains about 30 dwellings, 1 tavern,
3 stores, 1 Lutheran, 1 Methodist,
and a Presbyterian, church and an
academy. The town lies near the
foot of a spur of the Musconetcong
mountain, and is surrounded by a
rich and highly cultivated limestone
soil, in which there are masses of bres-
cia or pudding limestone, which are
perhaps equal in beauty, to that in
the capitol at Washington.
New Hampton, p-t. of Lebanon
t-ship, Hunterdon co., in the N. W.
angle on the S. side of Musconetcong
creek, and on the turnpike leading to
Oxford Furnace, 18 miles N. W.
from Flemington, 41 from Trenton,
and 200 from W. C. ; contains 1
grist mill, 1 saw mill, 2 stores, 3 ta-
verns, and from 20 to 25 dwelhngs.
New Hamburg, post-office, Ber-
gen CO.
Neio Market, village of Amwell
t-ship, Hunterdon co., 8 miles S. of
Flemington; contains a tavern and
store, 6 or 8 dwellings. Snydertown,
a small hamlet, divided from it by a
branch of Stony creek, contains a
grist mill, and 2 or 3 dwellings; the
surrounding country is hilly, stony,
and poor.
New Market, formerly called Quib-
blctown, village of Piscataway t-ship,
Middlesex co., 7 miles N. of New
Brunswick, on the left bank of Cedar
creek; contains a grist mill, a tavern,
a store, and some 20 dwellings, in a
fertile country of red shale.
New Milford, village of Hacken-
sack t-ship, Bergen co., in the ex-
treme N. W. angle of the t-ship, 4
miles N. of flackensacktown, upon
the Hackensack river ; contains 2
mills, some half dozen dwellings, a
store and tavern; surrounding coun-
try, level; soil, sandy loam, with red
shale, well cultivated and fertile.
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198
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New Mills. (See Pemherton.)
Netcport Creek, rises on the con-
fines of Stow creek and Greenwich
t-ships, Cumberland co., and flows
westerly about 6 miles into Stow
creek, forming the south boundary of
the first, and north boundary of the
second t-ship.
Neu'port, or Nantuxet, said to be
more properly called " Antvxef,''^
p-t. of Dover t-ship, Cumberland co.,
on the Nantuxet creek, 5 miles above
its mouth, 10 miles S. from Bridgcton,
187 N. E. from W. C, and 81 S. of
Trenton ; contains from 20 to 30
houses, 1 tavern and store. This
place is noted as having been the re-
sort of refugees and tories during the
revolution.
New Prospect, p-t. of Franklin
t-ship, on the Hohokus creek, 241
miles N. E. from W. C, 74 from
Ti-enton, and UN. W. from Hack-
ensack ; very pleasantly situated upon
high ground, on a fertile soil, and in
the centre of a thriving manufactur-
ing settlement; what may appropri-
ately be called the town, contains 2
taverns, 1 store, 2 paper mills, 2
grist mills, and chair manufactory,
with lathes running by water, and se-
veral dwellings.
New Proindence t-ship, Essex co.,
bounded N. E. by Springfield t-ship ;
E. by Westfield; S. by Warren
t-ships, Somerset co. ; and W. and
N. W. by the Passaic river; which
separates it from Morris co. Cen-
trally distant S. W. from Newark,
13 miles; greatest length 6, breadth
2^ miles; area, 7680 acres ; surface
hilly, on the west mountainous; soil,
clay loam, and red shale; carbonate
of lime is found on the east, near
Green Brook, in which are metallic
appearances supposed to be gold and
silver, but arc perhaps only the de-
ceptive pyrites of iron or copper.
Population in 1830, 910. In 1832,
the t-ship contained 195 taxables, 45
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30; 29 single men, 3 mer-
chants, 3 grist mills, .5 saw mills, 1
paper mill, 13 tan vats, 147 horses,
and 503 neat cattle, above 3 years old;
and it paid state tax, S97 43 ; county,
$254 92; poor, 300; road, $702.
New Providence, p-t. of preceding
t-ship, 13 miles S. W. of Newark,
218 N. E. from W. C, and 52 from
Trenton ; contains a Presbyterian and
Methodist church, a tavern, store, and
several dwellings.
Netvton t-ship, Gloucester county,
bounded N. by the city of Camden ;
N. E. by Cooper's creek, which sepa-
rates it from Waterford t-ship; S. E.
by Gloucester t-ship; S. W. by Glou-
cestertown t-ship; and W. by the
river Delaware. Centrally distant N.
E. from Woodbury 6 miles ; great-
est length E. and W. 6, breadth N.
and S. less than 4 miles ; area, 9000
acres ; surface, level ; soil, sandy ;
timber, chiefly yellow pine ; the cul-
tivated land employed principally in
raising vegetables and fruit for mar-
ket. Besides Cooper's creek on the
N. W., it has Newton creek on the
S. W., which being stopped out,
makes some valuable meadows. —
Haddonfield and Rowantown arc vil-
lages of the t-ship, the first a post-
town. Population in 1830, including,
we presume, the city of Camden,
3298. In 1832 the t-ship contained
199 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30 ; 6 stores, 2 fisheries,
3 grist mills, 1 saw mill, 1 fulling
mill, 1 tan yard, 2 distilleries, 643
neat cattle, and 287 horses and mules
aliove 3 years of age. The t-ship
paid county tax, $532 44 ; poor tax,
$266 47 ; road tax, $700.
Newton Creel', Newton t-ship,
Gloucester co., rises on the south
border of the t-ship, and flows N.
W. about 5 miles, to the river Dela-
ware. The influx of the tide to the
creek is stopped by dam and sluice,
by which some valuable meadows
are gained along its Inuiks.
Newton or Pine Creek, Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester co., a tributary of
Little Egg Harbour river.
Newton t-shiji, Sussex co., bound-
ed N. by Frank ford t-ship; E. by
Ilardiston t-ship; S. E. by Byram
t-ship; S. W. by Green t-ship; W.
by Stillwater, and N. AV. by Sandi-
NEW
199
NOR
stone t-ships. Greatest length N. and
S. 12, breadth E. and W. 10 miles;
area, 65,920 acres ; surface, hilly on
the N. W. andS. E.; centrally, level.
It is watered chiefly by the Paulins-
kill, which flows S. W. through it,
towards the Delaware. (See Paulins-
kiU.) The Newton and Bolton turn-
pike road runs centrally through the
t-ship, and through the town of New-
ton ; and the turnpike road by Sparta
to Milford, through the N. E. angle,
on which lies the post-town of Lafay-
ette. Population of the t-ship in 1830,
3464; taxables in 1832, 530. There
were in the t-ship in 1832, 140 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed $30 ; 14 stores, 14 run of stones
for grinding grain, 6 carding ma-
chines, 3 fulling mills, 650 horses
and mules, and 1330 neat cattle,
above the age of 3 years ; 4 tan vats,
8 distilleries. The t-ship paid in
1832, state and county tax, $1156
05 ; poor tax, $400 ; road tax, $1200.
Newton, borough, county, and post-
town, Newton t-ship, Sussex co., on
the Newton and Bolton turnpike road,
distant by the post-route 228 miles
from W. C, and 75 from Ti-enton,
60 from New York, 40 from Easton,
and 100 from Philadelphia. The
town lies upon the slope of a gentle
hill, of mingled slate and limestone,
at whose foot a spring sends forth the
first waters of the Paulinskill, the
chief river of the county, whose vo-
lume is swelled by the tribute from
Moore's Pond, covering 8 or 10 acres,
distant about 1 mile S. E. from New-
ton. There are several streets, and
a large common or public lot, fronts
the court-house and prison, and on
which the public ofliccs are erected.
It contains about 130 dwellings, and
900 inhabitants, 4 taverns, 8 exten-
sive stores, 2 printing offices, at each
of which a weekly journal is publish-
ed, viz. the New Jersey Herald, by
Mr. Fitch, and the Sussex Register,
by Mr. Hall ; a very large and com-
modious Presbyterian church, an
Episcopal church, with a valuable
glebe farm of 200 acres, near the
town; and a Methodist church; 2
seminaries, in which the classics ai-e
taught — one of which is incorporated
as an academy ; 6 common schools,
3 Sunday schools, a public library,
a lyceum for the promotion of the
study of letters and science; a bank
with a capital of $100,000, establish-
ed in a handsome building, specially
erected for it. The court-house is a
low and ancient looking stone build-
ing, finished in 1765, having the pri-
son in the basement story. There
are in the town 4 practising attor-
neys, 4 physicians, and 2 resident
clergymen. Some of the dwellings
are very neat: the place has an air
of business, and there is in fact a
very considerable trade carried on
with the surrounding country. In
healthiness of situation, by the report
of the inhabitants, it cannot be ex-
celled.
New Village, p-t., of Greenwich
t-ship, Warren co., on the turnpike
road from Schooley's mountain to
Philipsburg, and on the Morris canal,
by the post-route 196 miles from W.
C., 52 from Trenton, and 10 miles
from Belviderc, the county town ;
contains 1 store, 1 tavern, and 10 or
12 dwellings. It is surrounded by a
fertile limestone country.
New Vernon, p-t.,of Morris t-ship,
Morris co., 4 miles S. W. from Mor-
ristown, 217 N. E. from W. C., and
51 from Trenton; contains a store,
an academy, and 4 dwellings.
Nischisakawick Creek, rises in
Alexandria t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
and flows S. W. into the Delaware
river, by a course of 7 or 8 miles, at
the town of Alexandria.
Norman'' s Pond, small lake of Har-
distonc t-ship, Sussex co., on the
Hamburg or Wallkill mountain, near
the town of Sparta, a principal source
of the Wallkill river. The stream
from the pond gives motion to a forge
immediately on issuing trom the lake.
Northampton t-ship, Burlington
CO., bounded N. E. by Springfield
and Hanover t-ships ; E. by Mon-
mouth CO. ; S. by Little Egg Harbour
and Washington t-ships; W. by
Evesham and Chester t-ships ; and
NOP
200
NOT
N. W. by Willingboro' and Burling-
ton t-ships. Greatest length N. W.
and S. E. 33 miles; breadth E. and
W. 18 miles; area, 135,000 acres;
surface, generally level ; soil, sand
and sandy loam ; the portion on the
north-west of the t-ship well cultivated
and productive ; southern and easter-
ly parts chiefly pine and oak forests.
It is drained north-west by the north
and south branches of the Rancocus
creek, and southerly by tributaries of
the Little Egg Harbour river. Mount
Holly, the county town. New Mills,
or Pemberton, Vincenttown, Eayrs-
town, Buddstown, Tabernacle, &c.,
are villages of the t-ship. Popula-
tion in 1830, 5516. In 1832, the
t-ship contained 1000 taxables, 654
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed 830; 183 single men, 2371
cattle, and 1005 horses and mules;
13 stores, 7 saw mills, and 9 grist
mills, 2 forges, 1 paper mill, 2 full-
ing mills, 1 cotton factory, 1 plaster
mill, 50 tan vats, 3 carding machines,
6 distilleries for cider, 1 four horse
stage, 2 two horse stages, 60 dear-
borns, 154 covered wagons, 4 chairs
and curricles, 43 gigs and sulkies;
and paid state tax, $675 87 ; county
tax, $2359 50 ; t-ship tax, $3900.
North Branch, or Bailes\ p-t., of
Bridgewater t-ship, Somerset co., on
the turnpike road from Somerville to
Easton, 4 miles from the former and
29 from the latter, 203 N. E. from
W. C, and 29 from Trenton, upon
the north branch of the Raritan river,
in a level, fertile country ; contains a
large grist mill and fulling mill, a ta-
vern, 2 stores, and about 20 dwell-
ings. There is a Dutch Reformed
church in the neighbourhood.
North Brunswick. (Sec Bruns-
wick, North.)
Northfield, small village of Li-
vingston t-ship, Essex co., 8 miles
W. of Newark ; contains a Baptist
church, store, and 3 or 4 dwellings.
No Pipe Brook, tributary of Be-
den's brook, rises by two branches in
the Nashanic mountain, on the con-
fines of Montgomery and Hillsbo-
rough t-ships, Somerset co., which
flow S. E. about 5 or 6 miles to
their recipient.
Notch, The, a pass over the First,
or Newark mountain, Acquacka-
nonck t-ship, Essex co., through
which the road leads from Acquacka-
noncktown to the Little Falls of the
Passaic, distant 7 miles from the
former.
Nottingham t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. W. by the Assunpink
creek, which divides it from Trenton
and Lawrence t-ships, Hunterdon co.;
N. E. by East and West Windsor
t-ships, of Middlesex co. ; S. by the
Crosswicks creek, and S. W. by the
river Delaware. Centrally distant N.
E. from Mount Holly, 17 miles;
greatest length N. and S. 10 miles;
greatest breadth, 7 miles ; area,
25,000 acres ; surface generally le-
vel, varied only by the abrasion of
the streams, which have worn their
courses through deep and narrow val-
leys ; soil, various ; along the banks
of the river and creeks, there is some
stiff clay ; sandy loam and sand cha-
racterize the remainder. Much of
the t-ship, with due care, is suscepti-
ble of beneficial cultivation, and is
productive in wheat, rye, corn, oats,
and grass ; the latter being much
aided by the use of marl, which is
abundant. The streams are the As-
sunpink, on the north, with its tribu-
taries, Miry and Pond runs, and the
Crosswicks, on the south, which re-
ceives a small stream from the t-ship.
The villages are Sandtown, Notting-
ham Square, Mill Hill, Bloomsbury,
Lamborton, and the Sand Hills. Popu-
lation in 1830, 3900. In 1832, there
were in the t-ship 960 taxables, 430
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 ; 165 single men, 11
merchants, 5 fisheries, 4 saw mills,
19 pair of grist mill stones, 1 paper
mill, 1 fulling mill, 3 cotton manu-
factories, 75 tan vats, 2 carding ma-
chines, 5 distilleries for cider, 3 four
horse stages, 3 two horse stages, 37
dearborns, 37 covered wagons, 50
chairs and curricles, and 2 gigs and
sulkies; 1032 cattle, and 004 horses
and mules over 3 years of age; the
ORA
201
ORA
t-ship paid state tax, $486 87 ; coun-
ty tax, $1702 05 ; township tax,
$1900.
Nottingham Square, village of
Nottingham t-ship, Burlington co., on
the road from Trenton to AUentown,
6 miles E. of the former, on a sandy
plain ; contains 1 Presbyterian, and 1
Baptist church, a store, a tavern, and
from 8 to 12 dwellings.
Obhonon, an arm of the south
branch of Toms' river, Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co.
Ogdensbiirg, village of Hardiston
t-ship, Sussex co., about 75 miles N.
E. from Trenton, and about 9 miles
from Newton, in the valley of the
Wallkill river; contains 21 dwell-
ings, a small store, and saw mill,
scattered along the road within the
distance of a mile. There are some
good lands in the narrow valley here,
but the sides of the mountain are
broken and stony.
Old Bridge, hamlet of Hacken-
sack t-ship, Bergen co., on the Hack-
ensack river, 4 miles N. of Hacken-
sack town; contains a store, tavern,
and 10 or 12 dweUings; country
level ; soil, fertile loam, well cul-
tivated.
Old Bridge, hamlet of North
Brunswick t-ship, Middlesex co., on
South river, and on the turnpike-road
from Bordentown to South Amboy,
6 miles S. E. from New Brunswick ;
contains a tavern, and some half do-
zen dwelling houses ; surrounded by
a sandy and light soil.
Old Mail's Creeli, rises in Glou-
cester CO., Franklin t-ship, about 3
miles E. of a point on the Salem co.
line; from which line it runs N. W.,
forming the boundary between Glou-
cester and Salem cos. for about 25
miles, following the meanderings of
the creek to the river Delaware. It
is a crooked stream flowing through
a flat country, and has considerable
tracts of banked meadow on its mar-
gin, as high as Pedricktown, to which
place wood shallops ascend.
Ong\^ Hat, hamlet of Northamp-
ton t-ship, Burlington co., 10 miles
S. E. of Mount Holly.
2 C
Orange t-ship, Essex co., bound-
ed N. W. by Caldwell; N. E. by
Bloomfield ; E. and S. E. by New-
ark; S. by Union; S. W. by Spring-
field; and W. by Livingston. Cen-
trally distant, N. W., from Newark,
4| miles ; greatest length, N. and S.,
7; breadth, E. and W., 5 miles;
surface, on the west, hilly ; the First
and Second mountains crossing it
here; elsewhere rolling; soil, red
shale, generally well cultivated ;
area, about 14,000 acres. Orange,
the post town. South Orange, Camp-
town, Middleville and Jefferson
village, are towns of the town-
ship. It is drained N. E. by Second
river, and S. W. by branches of the
Rahway. Population in 1830, 3887 ;
in 1832, there were in the township,
625 taxables, 172 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30
in value, 76 single men, 15 mer-
chants, 3 grist mills, 2 saw mills,
40 tan vats, 362 horses and mules,
and 1099 neat cattle, above the age
of three years ; and it paid state tax,
$298 19; county, 780 20; poor,
$600; road, $1050.
Orange, is a straggling village of
the preceding township, and a post-
town, extending about 3 miles along
the turnpike road, from Newark to
Dover ; and distant about 3 miles N.
W. from the former; 219 N. E.
from W. C, and 53 from Trenton;
contains 1 Episcopal, 2 Presbyterian,
and 1 Methodist churches, 2 taverns,
10 stores, 2 saw mills and a bark
mill, from 200 to 230 dweUmgs,
many of them very neat and commo-
dious. A large trade is carried on
here in the manufacture of leather,
shoes and hats. The country about
it is level, red shale, and carefully
cultivated. A chalybeate spring near
the town is much resorted to.
Orange, South, a village of the
same township, lies on the turnpike-
road from Newark to Morristown, 5
miles W. of the first; it contains
about 30 dwellings, a tavern and
store, a paper mill and a Presbyterian
church ; the lands around it are also
rich and well farmed.
OXF
202
PAC
Oranoken Creek, Downe t-ship,
Cumberland co., rises in the town-
ship, and flows S. W. 12 or 14
miles, into Maurice River Cove,
sending forth several small streams,
laterally to the west, which have
their mouths higher up in the bay.
Oswego, east branch of Wading
river. (See Wading River.)
Oxford t-ship, Warren co., bound-
ed N. VV. by Knowlton ; E. by Hard-
wick and Independence; S. E. by
Mansfield; S. by Greenwich t-ships,
and W. by the Delaware river. Great-
est length, N. E. and S. W., 16
miles; breadth, N. W. and S. E.,
5i miles ; area, 42,000 acres. Drain-
ed chiefly by the Pequest creek and
its tributary, Beaver Brook. Popu-
lation in i830, 3665; taxables, in
1832, 800. In 1832, the township
contained 254 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30 in value,
17 stores, 18 pair of stones for
grinding grain, 1 carding machine,
7 saw mills, 3 furnaces, 1 0 tan vats,
4 distilleries, and 802 horses and
mules, and 1407 neat cattle ; and
it paid tax for township use, $1200,
and for state and county purposes,
$2229 02. Belvidere, 'the county
town, lies on the Delaware river, in
this township, and Bridgeville, Oxford
and Concord are small villages from
3 to 4 miles distant from it. The
surface of the township is much
broken, and it possesses a great va-
riety of soil and cultivation. The
mountains, which are composed of
granitic rock and crowned with Avood,
cover a considerable portion of it,
and arc cultivated wherever the hopes
of reward will justify the labour.
The valleys of limestone are very
productive; and large quantities of
wheat are grown for market. Green-
pond is a small lake 1^ mile long by
^ of a mile wide, on the S. E. de-
clivity of Jenny Jump mountain;
mountain and bog ore abound, and
manganese on the Delaware ])elow
Foul Rift. The towns are Belvidere,
the seat of justice of the county,
Bridg(;villc, Oxford, Concord, and
Roxburg.
Oxford, small hamlet of Oxford
t-ship, Warren co., three miles S. E.
of Belvidere, the county town; con-
tains a Presbyterian church, a tavern,
1 grist and 1 clover mill, and 10 or
12 dwellings.
Oxford Furnace, and village, on
a branch of the Pequest creek, near
the E. line of Oxford township, and
five miles E. of Belvidere, the seat
of justice, at the N. W. foot of Scott's
mountain. This mountain vale is a
very ancient site for the manufacture
of iron, a furnace having been erect-
ed here more than seventy years
since by the ancestor of the present
owners, Messrs. Robison; but it had
been out of blast for more than 20
years, when Messrs. Henry and Jor-
don, of Pennsylvania, undertook to
renew operations. These gentlemen
have obtained a lease of the furnace,
with 2000 acres of woodland, and
have rebuilt the works. Abundance
of excellent iron ore is found in the
mountain a few hundred yards from
the furnace ; and the lessees have
sunk several shafts, and are now
working a vein of magnetic ore about
13 feet thick, enclosed by walls of
rotten mica. This ore is very rich
and easily smelted. Old excavations
are visible in many places, and shafts
have recently been discovered more
than 100 feet deep, and drifts exceed-
ing 120 yards in length. The rock of
Scott's mountain is primitive, and its
constituents are found separately in
masses, and also variously combined
with each other, with hornblende and
with iron of various species, forming
granite, sienite, &c. The whole
range of hills, of which Scott's moun-
tain is part, forms a very interesting
study for the mineralogist and geo-
logist.
Oyster Creek, Stafford t-ship,
Monmouth co., flows N. E. about 10
miles, and empties into Barnegat
bay, on the line separating Stafford
from Dover township.
Pacak Creek rises in the Wawa-
yanda mountains, Vernon t-ship,
Sussex CO., and by a southerly
PAl
203
PAR
course, of about seven miles, unites
with the Pequannock creek, in Har-
distone township.
Pahaquarry, N. W. t-ship of
Warren co., bounded N. E. by Wal-
pack t-ship ; S. E., by Hardwick and
Knowhon t-ships ; S. W. and W. by
the river Delaware. It lies wholly
between the Blue mountain and the
river; is centrally distant, N. from
Belvidere, 15 miles. Greatest length,
N.-E. and S. W., 13 miles; breadth,
2\ miles; area, 12,800 acres; sur-
face, mountain and river bottom.
Population by census of 1830, 258.
In 1832, it contained 13 household-
ers, whose ratables did not exceed
$30 in value ; but no store, and but
one grist mill, 4 mill saws, 59 horses
and mules, and 121 neat cattle above
the age of three years, and paid a
state and county tax of 8109 61.
Vancamp brook flows southerly
through the N. W. part of the town-
ship. Pahaquarry is the name given to
a small cluster of houses, situate in the
northern part of the township. The
Water Gap, by which the Delaware
flows through the Blue mountain, is
on the southwestern boundary of the
township. Brotzmanville is the post-
office. A road has lately been made
through the Gap, and partly cut out
of the mountain at the expense of the
state. Before it was made, even foot
passengers were unable to follow the
river through the Gap on the Jersey
side without the aid of rope ladders
to assist them over the precipitous
rocks. The narrow margin above
the river, which nowhere exceeds
the breadth of the fourth of a mile,
is fertile. Upon the Pennsylvania
side this margin is wider and under-
laid with limestone.
Paint Island Spring, on the boun-
dary between Upper and Lower Free-
hold t-ships, Monmouth co., 5 miles
E. of Wrightsville, and near the
source of Toms' river. This is a
large chalybeate spring whose waters
hold so great a quantity of the super
carbonate of iron, blended with the
black oxyde of iron in solution, that
they leave a very extensive deposit of
this mineral. By exposure to the air
an atom of carbonic acid escapes,
the oxyde takes another atom of oxy-
gen from the atmosphere, and is preci-
pitated in the form of oxy-carbonat,
an insoluble powder of a yellow co-
lour. The colour may be converted
into a beautiful brown by heating the
yellow ochre sufficiently to expel its
carbonic acid, leaving behind the se-
cond oxide of iron. The heat of
boiling water is sufficient for this
purpose ; and the ore so changed has
most of the properties of umber. A
manufacture of this paint has given
name to the spring. It is esteemed
by the neighbours tor medicinal qua-
lities, and j)ic nic parties are made
here frequently in the summer. It
was also formerly known as Law-
rence's spring, but is now, we believe,
the property of Samuel G. Wright,
Esq.
Pamrepatf, small scattering settle-
ment, in Bergen t-ship, Bergen co.,
on New York bay, about 5 miles be-
low Jersey City, occupied by de-
scendants of the original Dutch set-
tlers.
Panther Pond, on the N. W. of
Byram t-ship, Sussex co., one of the
eastern sources of the Bequest creek.
Papaking Creek, rises in Frank-
ford t-ship, Sussex co., and flows,
N. E. by a course of about 10 miles,
to Deep Clove creek, below Decker-
town, Wantage t-ship ; giving motion
to several mills.
Pa?-amus, small hamlet, on the
Saddle River, and on the boundary
of Plarrington and Franklin t-ships,
Bergen co.; contains a church, a ta-
vern, a mill and several dwellings,
about 7 miles N. W. from Hacken-
sack.
Parcipany, p-t. of Hanover t-ship,
on the turnpike road from Franklin
to Mount Pleasant, 7 miles N. of
Morristown, 229 N. E. from W. C,
and 63 from Trenton, on the Parci-
pany river; contains 2 grist mills, 2
stores, 2 taverns, a Presbyterian, and
a Methodist church, an academy,
and from 15 to 20 dwellings. The
PAS
204
PAS
soil around it, is sandy loam, well cul-
tivated.
Parcipany Creek, rises by two
branches, in the Trowbridge moun-
tain, Hanover t-ship, Morris co.; and
flows by a S. E. course of about 8 or
9 miles, into the Whippany river,
about a mile above its junction, with
the Rockaway, giving motion to se-
veral mills.
Parviii's Run, Fairfield t-ship,
Cumberland co., a tributary of the
Cohansey creek, which joins its re-
cipient, 2 miles S. of Bridgeton ; no-
table as part of the boundary between
Deerfield and Fairfield t-ships.
Parviii's Branch, of Maurice river,
rises in Millville t-ship, Cumberland
CO., and flows eastward ly to the head
of the Pond, of Millville works.
Paskack Brook, tributary of Hack-
ensack river, rises in Rockland co.,
New York, and flows by a course,
S. and S. E., of about 12 miles, to
its rcci})ient, in Harrington t-ship,
Bergen co., giving motion to many
mills.
Passaic River. This stream is en-
dowed with a very singular charac-
ter. Rising in, and flowing through
a mountainous country, it is the most
crooked, sluggish, and longest of the
state; and yet presents the two most
profound cataracts, and the greatest
hydraulic force. Its extreme source
is near Meiidham, Morris co., where
its head waters interlock with those
of the north branch of the Raritan :
thence it flows a little E. of S. about
10 miles; in which distance, it has
considerable fall — turns several mills,
and forms the boundary between So-
merset and Morris cos.; thence turn-
ed by Stony Hill, of the former co.,
at the N. base of which it receives
Dead river, it assumes a N. E. course,
by the foot of Long Hill, dividing
Morris from Essex county. On this
line, for 20 miles, it steals its way,
partly through a narrow vale, and
partly through a broad valley, with
scarce a ripple or a murmur to indi-
cate its course; and consequently,
with (cw mill-works of any kind.
At the S. W. point of the Horse-Shoe
mountain, it receives the Rockaway
river, which having had for many
miles, a rapid, spirited, and useful
course, assumes the torpor of its re-
cipient ; and spreads itself as if seek-
ing rest, after its hurried flow and
mighty labours. Collecting its wa-
ters, the united stream meanders along
the curve of the Horse-Shoe, about 8
miles, when deflected by the north-
eastern point, it inclines to the Second
mountain, still preserving its monoto-
nous and sluggish character. But,
in its way through this mountain,
that character is suddenly changed
for high and admirable energy. By
two perpendicular leaps, and a rocky
rapid, it descends, at the Little Fall,
51 feet in the distance of a half mile,
into the valley N. of the First moun-
tain. The first fall has comparative-
ly a gentle, and certainly, a very beau-
tiful appearance. It is 10 feet deep,
and more than an hundred yards
broad, and has been artificially form-
ed into a broad angle opening down
the stream, over which the whole
river, but now still and lifeless, as a
sea of glass, is precipitated, in two
broad and dense sheets, which are
shaken by the shock into clouds of
foam, and scarce recover their liquid
form, until they encounter the second
precipice. This has a depth of 16
feet, over which the flood, confined,
in ordinary seasons, to a very limited
bed, pours in a deep mass, with tre-
mendous force, covering itself with
a perpetual halo of spray, and then
hastening rapidly away, beneatli
the bold and lofty arch of the aque-
duct oi'the Morris canal, as if regret-
ting, and gladly seeking, its broken
quiet. The aqueduct, a beautiful
piece of architecture, formed of cut
stone, with a span of 80 feet, and
height of 50 feet, adds an admirable
feature to the scene; the whole of
which, including the basaltic colum-
nar walls of the ravine, erected upon
their broad bases of red sandstone,
is best seen from the rocky brink of
the river, which may be descended
to, from cither bank, but more com-
modiously from the left.
PAS
205
PAT
Between the Little and the Great
Falls, a distance of 5^ miles, the I'iver
is broken by some inconsiderable rip-
ples, which afibrd sufficient fall for
mills, but do not much disturb the
placidity of its course ; but before the
great leap, it is again composed into
a steady calm, as if concentrated for
a new and more vigorous effort. Ere
it reaches the perpendicular pitch, it
rolls over the artificial dam, erected
by the Passaic Manufacturing Com-
pany, and a low ledge of rocks ; and
then pours itself in one unbroken co-
lumn, 50 feet in altitude, into a deep
and narrow chasm, of about 60 feet
in width; through which it dashes,
foams and roars, into a broad and
still basin, which it has excavated for
itself. From this it rushes impetu-
ously, by a rapid descent of 20 feet,
beneath the level of Paterson plain,
curbedby walls of trap-rock and sand-
stone, whose loose and disjointed
character, has enabled the stream to
excavate its passage through the deep
chasm.
From Paterson to the port of Ac-
quackanonck, 10 miles, where the
river meets the tide, its course is
again sweetly still ; and the tide wa-
ters of no river can present a more
charming scene. The shore spread-
ing like an amphitheatre upon either
side, is covered with verdure, and
studded with dwellings, and other
monuments of successful industry,
which give it the appearance of a
highway, through a thrifty village;
whilst the clear and quiet waters
tempt the spectator to venture upon
their bosom. Few rivers possess
more attraction than the Passaic,
between Paterson and Newark,
above the marshes; nor are the
charms of its beautiful scenery di-
minished, by the sport which the
stream offers, to the patient follower
of Isaac Walton, in the finny tribe,
with which it is stored. From Ac-
quackanonck to the head of Newark
bay, the distance may be 15 miles,
and thus the whole course of the
river is about 70 miles, in passing
through which, it has looked to every
quarter of the compass, save the
west.
Paterson. This thriving manu-
facturing town is one of the creations
of the genius of Alexander Hamilton,
the true father of the system of do-
mestic industry, now cherished as the
American system. In the early part
of the year 1791, on the recommen-
dation, and by the active and influen-
tial exertions of this distinguished and
patriotic statesman, a number of pub-
lic spirited individuals of New York,
New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, asso-
ciated themselves for establishing use-
ful manufactures, by the subscription
of a capital of more than $200,000.
The number of shares originally sub-
scribed was 5000, at $100 the share;
but 2267 shares only, were fully paid
up. The general object of the com-
pany was to lay the foundation of a
great emporium of manufactures for
all articles not prohibited by law.
Their immediate object was the ma-
nufacture of cotton cloths; and the
attempt is highly characteristic of the
enterprising spirit of our countrymen.
At this period, the improvements of
Arkwright in cotton machinery,
though perfected, were not very ex-
tensively used, even in England, and
were absolutely unknown in all other
countries. In America no cotton had
been spun by machinery. Having
resolved to establish themselves in
New Jersey, the " contributors" were
incorporated by the legislature on
22d Nov. 1791, by an act authoriz-
ing a capital stock of one million of
dollars, with the right to acquire and
hold property to the amount of four
millions, and the power to improve
the navigation of the rivers, make
canals for the trade with the princi-
pal site of their works, and to raise
by way of lottery, the sum of one
hundred thousand dollars. The act
of incorporation, which was drawn,
or revised by Mr. Hamilton, also gave
a city charter, with jurisdiction over
a tract of six square miles.
The society was organized at New
Brunswick, on the last Monday of
November, 1791, by the choice of its
PAT
206
PAT
first board of directors, composed of
William Duer, John Devvhurst, Ben-
jamin Walker, Nicholas Low, Royal
Flint, Elisha Boudinot, John Bayard,
John Neilson, Archibald Mercer,
Thomas Lowring, George Lewis,
More Furman, and Alex. M'Comb.
William Duer was chosen the first
governor of the company. We give
these names, because they are illus-
trated by the present flourishing con-
dition of the society, the result of
their labours.
Mr. Hamilton, who was not a stock-
holder of the company, and whose
disinterested exertions in its behalf,
were prompted by higher motives
than pecuniary gratification, had,
previously to the act of incorpora-
tion, at the request of the company,
engaged English and Scotch artizans
and manufacturers of cotton machine-
ry and cotton goods, to establish their
business here. After its organiza-
tion, the society advertised their de-
sire to purchase a suitable site for
their city, with the requisite water
power, in any part of New Jersey.
They received proposals from the
West Jersey Associates, from South
River, Perth Amboy, Millstone, Bull's
Falls, the Little Falls of the Passaic,
and from the inhabitants of the Great
Falls of that river; and in May, 1792,
they selected, with admirable judg-
ment, the last place,as the principal site
of their proposed operations ; giving to
their town the nameof Paterson, after
governor William Paterson, who had
signed their charter. At this period
there were not more than ten houses
here.
At a meeting of the directors, at the
Godwin hotel, on the 4th July, 1792,
appropriations were made for build-
ing factories, machine shops, and
shops for calico printing and weav-
ing; and a race-way was directed to
be made, for bringing the water from
above the falls to the proposed mills.
Unfortunately, the direction of these
works was given to Major L'Enfan,
a French engineer, not more cele-
brated for the grandeur of his con-
ceptions, than his recklessness of
expense ; and whose magnificent pro-
jects commonly perished in the waste
of means provided for their attain-
ment. He immediately commenced
the race-way and canal, designing to
unite the Upper Passaic with the
Lower, at the head of tide, near the
present village of Acquackanonck, by
a plan better adapted to the resources
of a great empire than to those of a
private company.
In January, 1793, Peter Colt, Esq.
of Hartlbrd, then comptroller of the
state of Connecticut, was appointed
" general superintendent of the affairs
of the company, with full powers to
manage the concerns of the society,
as if they were his own individual
property," Major L'Enfan being re-
tained, however, as engineer ; but he,
after having spent, uselessly, a large
sum of money, resigned his office in
the following September. Mr. Colt,
thus in sole charge of the works,
completed the race-way, conducting
the water to the first factory erected
by the society. The canal to tide
water, had been abandoned before
the departure of the engineer.
The factory, 90 feet long by 40
wide, and 4 stories high, was finish-
ed in 1794, when cotton yarn was
spun in the mill ; but yarn had been
spun in the preceding year, by ma-
chinery moved by oxen. In 1794,
also, calico shawls and other cotton
goods were printed; the bleached
and unbleached muslins being pur-
chased in New York. In the same
year the society gave their attention
to the culture of the silk worm, and
directed the superintendent to plant
the mulberry tree for this purpose.
In April of this year, also, the socie-
ty, at the instance of Mr. Colt, em-
ployed a teacher to instruct, gratui-
tously, on the Sabbath, the children
employed in the factory, and others.
This was probably the first Sunday
school established in New Jersey.
Notwithstanding their untoward
commencement, and the many dis-
couragements attending their pro-
gress, the directors persevered in
their enterprise ; and during the years
PAT
207
PAT
1795, and 1796, much yarn of va-
rious sizes was spun, and several spe-
cies of cotton fabrics were made.
But, at length satisfied that it was
hopeless to contend, successfully,
longer with an adverse current, they
resolved, July, 1796, to abandon the
manufacture, and discharged their
workmen. This result was produced
by a combination of causes. Nearly
$50,000 had been lost, by the failure
of the parties to certain bills of ex-
change purchased by the company,
to buy in England plain cloths for
printing; large sums had been wasted
by the engineer; and the machinists
and manufacturers imported, were
presumptuous, and ignorant of many
branches of the business they en-
gaged to conduct; and more than all,
the whole attempt was premature.
No pioneer had led the way, and no
experience existed in the country, re-
lative to any subject of the enter-
prise. Beside, had the country been
in a measure prepared for manufac-
tures, the acquisition of the carrying
trade, which our merchants were
then making, was turning public en-
terprise into other channels. The
ruin of the company under these cir-
cumstances, cannot now be cause of
astonishment. But to this catas-
trophe the children of Mr. Colt, now
deeply interested in the operations of
the company, have the just and proud
satisfaction to know, that their parent
was in no way auxiliary. On clos-
ing their concerns, the directors una-
nimously returned him their thanks
" for his industry, care and prudence,
in the management of their affaii-s,
since he had been employed in their
service; fully sensible that the fail-
ure of the objects of the society was
from causes not in his power, or that
of any other man, to prevent."
The cotton mill of the company
was subsequently leased to individu-
als, who continued to spin candle
wick and coarse yarn until 1807,
when it was accidentally burned
down, and was never rebuilt. The
admirable water-power of the com-
pany, was not however wholly unem-
ployed. In 1801, a mill seat was
leased to Mr. Charles Kinsey, and
Israel Crane; in 1807, a second, and
1811, a third, to other persons; and
between 1812, and 1814, several
others were sold or leased. In 1814,
Mr. Roswell L. Colt, the pi-esent en-
terprising governor of the society,
purchased, at a depreciated price, a
large proportion of the shares, and
reanimated the association. From
this period, the growth of Paterson
has been steady, except during the 3
or 4 years which followed the peace
of 1815.
The advantages derivable from the
great fall in the river here, have been
improved with much judgment. A
dam of 4^ feet high, strongly framed
and bolted to the rock in the bed of
the river above the falls, turns the
stream through a canal excavated in
the trap rock of the bank, into a
basin ; whence, through strong guard-
gates, it supplies in succession three
canals on separate planes, each below
the other ; sivina; to the mills on each,
a head and fall of about 22 feet. By
means of the guard-gate, the volume
of water is regulated at pleasure, and
a uniform height pi-eserved ; avoiding
the inconvenience of back-water. The
expense of maintaining the dam, ca-
nals, and main sluice-gates, and of
regulating the water, is borne by the
company ; who have expended, in
raising the main embankment, and
constructing the feeder from the river
and new upper canal, and for works
to supply water to the third tier of
mills, the sum of $40,000.
The advantages which Paterson
possesses for a manufacturing town,
are obvious. An abundant and stea-
dy supply of water; a healthy, plea-
sant, and fruitful country, supplying
its markets fully with excellent meats
and vegetables — Its proximity to New
York, where it obtains the raw mate-
rial, and sale for manufactured goods ;
and with which it is connected by
the sloop navigation of the Passaic,
by the Morris canal, by a turnpike-
road, and by a rail-road, render it
one of the most desirable sites in the
PAT
208
PAT
Union. The transportation of mer-
chandise to and from New York, has
heretofore cost from two, to two
and a half dollars the ton ; but will
be reduced on the rail-road to one
dollar.
A water-power, consisting of as
much water as may be drawn
through an aperture one foot square,
or of 144 square inches, with a lot
for buildings, having lOU feet on the
front and rear, was let in the first in-
stance at a rent of $75 per annum;
in the second, at $100 ; in the third,
at $160 ; and the price has been ad-
vanced from time to time, to $200,
$250, $300, $400, and $500 rent,
per annum. At present, the terms
of the company for such power and
lot, are — rent of $500 per annum,
on a lease of 21 years ; renewable
every 21 years at the same rent,
on the payment of a fine of $500, or
an absolute right in fee simple for the
sum of $10,000. Lots for dwellings,
&c., may be obtained at from $150,
to $1000 each. In good situations,
the ordinary price is about 5 or 6
hundred dollars for 25 feet in front,
by 100 in depth.
The city of Paterson is incorpo-
rated pursuant to 26th and 27th sec-
tions of the act of 22d November,
1791, and the plot, lies partly in the
county of Bergen, and partly in the
county of Essex, on both sides of the
river, and covers 36 square miles, and
is governed by a mayor, recorder,
common council, &c. It is 15 miles
N. from Newark, and 18 N. W. from
New York, 61 N. E. from Trenton,
91 from Philadelphia, and 227 from
W. C. The following statistics of
the town arc derived from a very va-
luable memoir prepared by the Rev.
Dr. Fisher, pastor of the First Pres-
byterian church there, in 1832. The
number of dwellings are 765, stores,
&c. 76, families 1586, consisting of
4515 males, and 4570 females, of
whom 3949 were under 16 years of
age, and 250 were coloured persons.
During the year <^nding 4tli .Tulv,
1832, the number of births was 321,
and of deaths 170; excess of births
151. This population is divided into
14 religious denominations, strongly
illustrating the diversity of religious
opinion in thickly settled districts of
the United States, and the harmony
which may prevail among the wor-
shippers of the Deity, where lust of
temporal dominion cannot be grati-
fied. There were here of heads of
families, Presbyterians 384, Reform-
ed Dutch 323, Roman Catholics 288,
Methodists 269, Episcopalians 149,
Baptists 86, Reformed Presbyterians
35, Dutch Seceders 6, Lutherans 6,
Friends 2, Chrisfian Baptist 1, Uni-
versalists 2, Unitarians 2, Deists 4;
and there were 11 persons who either
professed no religion, or whose senti-
ments were unknown. There are 9
houses for religious worship, viz:
Presbyterian 1, Reformed Dutch 2,
Roman Catholic 1, Methodist 1, Epis-
copal 1, Reformed Presbyterian 1,
Baptist 1 , True Reformed Dutch 1 ;
the eight first of which had, each, its
settled minister. The provision for
education in the town, consisted of
20 pay schools, 13 for males and 7
for females, having scholars 384; a
free school supported by the town for
poor children, having 188 pupils; an
infant school under the direction and
patronage of a society of ladies, se-
lected from the ditferent religious de-
nominations, in which poor children
between the ages of 3 and 8 years,
are gratuitously instructed, without
regard to the religious professions of
their parents. At this school, there
was 173 pupils, making the whole
number of children thus instructed,
weekly, 1 1 95. Seven Sabbath schools
taught 1531 scholars, a large pro-
portion of whom attended no other
schools.
There is here also, a philosophical
society composed of young gentle-
men, who have associated for litera-
ry improvement, and have collected
a respectable library ; and a mecha-
nics' society, incorporated by the le-
gislature, for advancement in science
and the mechanic arts, which lias laid
the foundation of a library and a col-
lection of philosophical apparatus.
PAT
809
PAT
In 1832 the town contained 163
widows, in whose families there were
834 souls, the greater portion of
whom, now maintained by the ma-
nufacturing establishments, would,
otherwise, have been dependant upon
public or private charity, for sup-
port.
There wez-e, atthis time, 12 black-
smiths, besides those immediately
connected with the machine shops —
in these 22 fires, and 37 hands are
employed ; 34 shoemakers, employ-
ing 183 hands; 13 tailors and tailor-
esses, employing 70 hands; 9 milli-
ners, employing 34 hands ; 3 book-
stores; 1 bindery; 1 circulating li-
brary, of 1300 volumes; 1 incorpo-
rated library company, with a libra-
ry of 250 volumes ; 1 bank, viz.
" The People's Bank of Paterson"—
Alex. Carrick, president, and James
Nazro, cashier; 10 physicians; 6 li-
censed attorneys ; 2 commissioners ;
3 masters in chancery, and 5 nota-
ries ; 3 judges of the county courts,
and 10 justices of the peace; 2 print-
ing offices, from which are issued 2
weekly papers, viz. the " Paterson
Intelligencer," printed by David Bur-
nett, the proprietor, and published on
Wednesday ; and the " Paterson Cou-
rier," printed by A. S. Gould, the
proprietor, and published on Tues-
day : 1 post-office, Moses E. De Witt,
post-master; 10 licensed taverns; 40
grocery and provision stores ; and 51
grogshops, where little else but ardent
spirits is sold ; 1 dry good, hardware,
crockery, and grocery store ; 2 dry
good and crockery stores; 14 fancy
dry good stores; 2 hardware stores;
1 fancy chair store ; 1 fancy chair
and looking-glass store; 1 apotheca-
ry and paint store, and 4 medicine
stores ; 5 shoe stores ; 1 corset, mil-
linery, and fancy store; 2 hat stores,
and 1 hatter, employing 4 hands ; 1
poor-house, 21 paupers ; 2 brewe-
ries; 1 file cutter; 1 girth manufac-
turer, and 4 looms; 1 reed maker;
4 bakeries; 2 carpet weavers ; 1 ma-
nufactory of fine ingrained carpets,
employing 7 looms and 12 hands; 1
gun and locksmith, &c. ; 2 coopers,
2 D
employing 11 hands; 1 sizing esta-
blishment; 3 dyeing establishments,
separate from the factories, and 8
hands ; 1 umbrcllamaker ; 1 chair
bottomer ; several heddlemakers ; 2
tobacconists, 9 hands; 2 watchma-
kers, jewellers and silversmiths ; 4
cabinetmakers, 35 hands; 1 candle
and 2 soap factories; 2 barbers; 3
lottery offices ; 1 tanner and currier,
33 vats and 9 hands; 3 hay scales.
Bull's patent; 4 painters and gla-
ziers, 22 hands ; 1 Masonic hall ; 1
auction mart ; 1 counterpane weaver ;
1 marble yard, 6 hands; 1 freestone
yard, 5 hands ; 7 slaughter-houses,
and 9 butchers ; 4 livery stables ; 7
wheelwrights and 1 9 hands ; 2 sad-
dle and harnessmakers, and trimmers,
10 hands; 8 confectionery and toy
shops ; 2 copper, tin, and sheet iron
manufactories, and 24 hands; 2 large
and commodious market-houses, and
the market is well supplied with meat,
fish, and vegetables of the various
kinds ; 1 museum, fitted up with taste;
1 hoe factory, 4 hands ; 1 sashmaker,
2 hands ; 4 public engines for extin-
guishing fires, and 7 private ones —
2 moveable and 5 attached to the fac-
tories ; 1 5 master carpenters, employ-
ing 122 hands ; 8 master masons,
employing 174 hands; 1 public dis-
pensary, incorporated by act of the
legislature.
Paterson contains 1 saw mill, with
2 saw carriages and 2 saws; 1 grist
mill, with 2 run of stones ; 4 turning
and bobbin factories, employing 43
hands; 2 bleaching establishments,
employing 18 hands; 5 millwright
establishments, employing 59 hands;
1 manufactory of cotton wadding,
where wadding of a superior quality
is manufactured ; 4 machine factories,
employing 404 hands. In the last the
manufacture of cotton and other ma-
chinery is brought to a high state of
perfection. In that of Messrs. Plun-
ket and Thompson, are employed be-
tween 60 and 70 hands, and being
recently established, it contains the
latest improvements in their art, and
produces machinery of superior qua-
' litv.
PAT
210
PAT
Attached to the works of Godwin,
Clark, and Co., and of Rogers, Ket-
churn, and Grosvenor, are two exten-
sive brass and iron founderies, where
mill shafts, wheels, and the various
parts of cotton machinery, &c. are
cast : 20 manufactories of cotton ; in
these are 40,501 spindles in opera-
tion; they employ 1646 hands, and
use annually 3,360,272 lbs. of raw
cotton.
The Phenix Manufacturing Com-
pany, in addition to their cotton esta-
blishment, have 1616 spindles, em-
ployed in spinning flax ; the flax an-
nually consumed is 493,000 lbs., giv-
ing employment to 196 hands. This
flax is manufactured into duck and
bagging.
In the cotton establishment of John
Colt, Esq. were manufactured in
1831, 460,000 yards of cotton duck:
A sattinet factory, with a dyeing esta-
blishment annexed, employs 1322
spindles, 75 hands, 23 power looms,
and 13 hand looms; consuming, an-
nually, 105,000 lbs. of wool.
Tke power looms in operation in
all the factories were 311, hand looms
14. In the village and out of the fac-
tories, there were only 50 hand
looms.
Total number of power and hand
looms 374. Total spindles 43,439.
Total cotton, wool, and flax annually
consumed is 3,958,272 lbs. Total
hands employed in all the establish-
ments 2543: a large proportion of
whom are children.
A button factory, employing 28
hands. In this factory are made steel
buttons, clasps, ornaments, and a va-
riety of other articles of iron and
steel : A gilt button manufactory,
employing 20 hands, and manufac-
turing at the rate 9000 groce of l)ut-
tons a year. The average price of
these buttons is about $4 50 a groce.
Annual produce $40,000. Tlie but-
tons manufactured at this establish-
ment, as it res[)ects perfection of
workmanship and elegance of finish,
in the opinion of competent judges,
arc not surpassed by any gilt buttons
imported from Europe.
The large four story brick factory
of Rogers, Ketchum, and Grosvenor,
besides the room occupied by the
machinists, is capable of containing
5000 cotton spindles, with the ma-
chines for preparation.
One large three storied paper mill.
In the establishment of Messrs.
Collet and Smith, were manufactured
in 1831, 900 pieces of nankeen, of a
superior quality, from nankeen cot-
ton, raised by Governor Forsyth of
Georgia.
That part of the village of Pater-
son, situated on the north side of the
Passaic river, usually called New
Manchester, had
dwellings, families, souls.
In 1824, 31 48 289
1827, 66 115 625
1829, 89 154 852
1832, 114 217 1214
In the whole village of Paterson, in
1824, there were,
814 families, & 4787 souls.
In 1825, 849 do. 5084 do.
1827, 1046 do. 6236 do.
1829, 1220 do. 7033 do.
1832,1568 do. 9085 do.
The spindles in operation in 1825,
were 19,036; in 1827, 25,998; in
1829, 30,295; and in 1832, 43,439.
The raw material consumed in
1827, was.
Cotton, 1,843,100 lbs.
Flax, 620,000
Total, 2,463,100 lbs.
In 1829, Cotton, 2,179,600 lbs.
Flax, 600,000
Total, 2,779,600 lbs.
In 1832, Cotton, 3,360,272 lbs.
Flax, 493,000
Wool, 105,000
Total, 3,958,272 lbs.
In consequence of the great im-
provement in cotton machinery, yarn
of a much finer thread is spun; con-
sequently, the consumption of the
PAU
211
PEN
raw material has not increased in
proportion to the increased number
of spindles.
In 1827, there were employed in
all the manufacturing establishments,
1453 hands, and the annual amount
of wages paid to them, as ascertained
from the pay lists of the manufac-
turers, was $221,123. In 1829,
there were employed, 1879 hands;
annual wages, $285,453; in 1832,
there were employed, 2543 hands;
annual amount of wages, $367,003.
The salutary influence of this thriv-
ing town, is sensibly felt throughout
the whole of the N. E. section of the
state. The agriculturist has parti-
cipated, in no small degree, in its
prosperity. His lands have greatly
increased in marketable value, and
his physical and moral condition has
been in all respects improved. If wise,
he will maintain this source of pre-
sent enjoyment to himself, and of fu-
ture happiness to his posterity, with
a zeal becoming its value.
Pattenbiiry, small village of Beth-
lehem t-ship, at the S. foot of Mus-
conetcong mountain, on Alberson's
brook, 12 miles N. W. of Fleming-
ton, Hunterdon county, contains a
gristmill, a store, 6 dwellings. Soil,
red shale, through or near which a
vein of limestone probably passes.
PaulinskUl, creek of Sussex and
Warren counties, which rises by
two branches ; the easterly one from
a pond on the south of Pimple hill,
in Hardiston t-ship, and flowing
thence N. W., through Newton town-
ship, into Frankford township ; the
westerly one, from Long and Cul-
ver's ponds, at the foot of the Blue
mountain, in Frankford, in which
township the branches unite near the
town of Augusta, and flow thence by
a south-west course of 22 or 23 miles,
to the Delaware river : the whole
length of the stream, by its eastern
branch, may be 35 miles. It gives
motion to many mills, and flows
through a very fertile country of lime
and slate formations, separating them
for a considerable part of its course.
Paulsboro\ town of Greenwich
t-ship, Gloucester co., near Mantua
creek, 4 miles W. of Woodbury;
contains a tavern, store, 10 or 12
dwellings, and a Methodist church.
Paxtoii's Island, in the Delaware
river, Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon co.
Peck^s Beach, on the coast of the
Atlantic ocean, in Upper t-ship, Cape
May CO., extends about 10 miles,
from Corson's to Egg Harbour inlet.
Pedricktown, p-t. of Upper Penn's
Creek t-ship, Salem co., lying on
Oldman's creek, about 8 or 9 miles
from its mouth ; contains between 20
and 30 dwellings, 1 Friends' meeting
house, 1 tavern, 2 stores, 1 school;
and is inhabited by agriculturists and
mechanics. The soil around it is
a sandy loam and well cultivated, by
means of the marl found in the neigh-
bourhood. The Palma Chrlsti, or
castor bean, is extensively produced
here, and about 1500 galls, of oil
manufactured annually. The town
is distant, 16 miles N. E. from W.
C. ; 54 S. from Trenton, and 14 or
15 N. from Salem.
Pemberton, or New Mills, p-t. of
Northampton t-ship, Burlington co.,
on the north branch of the Rancocus
creek, 6 miles above Mount Holly,
13 from Burlington, 27 from Tren-
ton, and 162 from W. C. ; contains
a grist mill, saw mill, fulling mill, a
cotton manufactory, a cupola fur-
nace, 1 Methodist and 1 Baptist
church, a school house, 2 taverns, 5
stores, and about 100 dwellings.
This is a thriving town, growing
rapidly by reason of its manufac-
tures.
Perinington, p-t. of Hopewell t-ship,
Hunterdon co. Centrally situated,
8 miles N. of Trenton; 174 from
W. C, and 15 S. from Flemington;
in a level country of red shale, fer-
tile and well cultivated ; contains 1
Methodist and 1 Presbyterian church,
both good buildings of brick, the lat-
ter having a cupola and bell, 3 ta-
verns, as many stores, and about
30 dwellings, a public library aJid an
academy. This is a very jx^at and
pleasant village, surrounded by weal-
thy and liberal farmers.
PEN
212
PEN
Penii's (rrove, small hamlet and
ferry, on the Delaware river, in
Upper Penn's Neck t-ship, Salem co.,
distant about 15 miles N. of Salem;
there are here 6 or 8 dwellings, a
tavern and store. The Wilmington
and Philadelphia steam boat touches
here daily, to receive and land pas-
sengers, and a 4 horse stage runs
daily between the ferry and the town
of Salem.
Penii's Neck, (see Williatnsburg,)
lies in the angle tbrmed by the Stony
Brook and Millstone river, West
Windsor township, Middlesex county,
about a mile S. E. of Princeton.
Penn's Neck, Lower, t-ship, of
Salem co, bounded N. by Upper
Penn's Neck ; E. and S. E. by Salem
river, which divides it from Man-
nington ; and S. W. and W. by the
river Delaware. Centrally distant,
N. W. of Salem, 5 miles ; greatest
length, 9; breadth, 6 miles; area,
12,645 acres; surface, level; soil,
partly rich clay loam, partly sandy
loam, and partly excellent marsh
meadow. Products, wheat, rye, corn
and vegetables for market. Popula-
tion in 1830, 994. In 1832, the
township contained 228 taxables;
73 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30 in value; 4 school
houses, an Episcopal, a Presbyterian
and a Methodist church, 2 taverns,
2 stores, 2 fisheries ; and it paid town-
ship tax, $300 ; county tax, $722 76 ;
state tax, $226 50.
A canal, of two miles in length,
near the northern bf)undary, cut
through a dead lev(^l, unites the Sa-
lem river with the Delaware at about
12 miles above the mouth of the for-
mer, saving to vessels from this point,
a circular navigation of 25 miles.
Kinscyville is a small village on the
Delaware, at which there is a ferry.
Penn's Neck, Upper, t-ship, Sa-
lem CO., bounded N. and E. by Wool-
wich t-ship, Gloucester co. ; S. E.
by Piles Grove t-ship, Salem co. ; S.
by Mannington t-ship; S. W. by
Lower Penn's Neck; and W. by the
river Delaware. Centrally distant
from Salem, 10; greatest length, 9;
breadth, 1\ miles ; surface level ;
soil light sandy loam; generally cul-
tivated with rye and Indian corn;
area, 21,053 acres. There are, in
the township, 1 Friends' and 1 Me-
thodist meeting, 5 schools, 5 taverns,
6 stores, 1 grist and 1 saw mill, 1
ferry, 1 distillery. In 1832, there
were 340 horses and mules, and 900
neat cattle, over three years of age;
117 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30 ; 330 taxable inha-
bitants. In 1830, the population by
census, was 1638. In 1832, the
township paid township tax, $400;
county tax, $738 20 ; state tax,
$230 75.
A valuable bed of shell marl lies in
the township, near Pedricktown; the
extent of which has not yet been ex-
plored. Large quantities have been
dug and used with great advantage
in this and the neighbouring town-
ships. It is found most useful on the
light and sandy soils, in the culture
of grass and grain, when applied in
quantities of 10 or 12 two horse wa-
gon loads to the acre. In opening
the pits a bed of oyster and other
shells, at irregular distances from the
surface, from three to twenty feet,
presents itself. This bed is about
three feet thick. Beneath it is a mass
of undiscovered depth, composed of
black earth and shells, known as gun-
powder marl, but it is not in as much
repute as the stratum of shells.
These shells, when exposed to the
air, disintegrate rapidly. The marl
is sold at about 50 cts. the wagon
load. More than an acre of this bed
has been already excavated.
Pennypot, name of a small tribu-
tary of the Great Egg Harbour river,
and also of a tavern and mill, near
the junction of Hospitality branch,
with the; main stream, in Hamilton
t-ship, Gloucester co.
Pensavkin Creek, rises by two
branches, one in the N. part of Eves-
ham t-ship, and the other on the line
between that t-ship, in Burlington co.,
and Waterford t-ship, of Gloucester
CO., uniting about four miles above
tlie mouth, and flowing into the De-
PEQ
213
PEQ
laware, three miles above Petty's
island. It is a mill stream, naviga-
ble for 5 or 6 miles, and forms part
of the boundary line between Bur-
lington and Gloucester counties.
Pepack Creek, mill stream, and
tributary of the N. branch of the Ra-
ritan ; rises in Chester t-ship, Morris
CO., and flows to its recipient, by a
southerly course of about 7 miles, in
Bedminstcr t-ship, Somerset co.
Pepack, p-t., of Bedminster t-ship,
Somerset co., 11 miles N. W. from
Somerville, 212 from W. C, and 46
from Trenton; contains a tavern,
store, grist mill, and some 10 or 12
dwellings, in a fertile limestone coun-
try.
Pequannock, t-ship, Morris co.,
bounded N. E. by the Pequannock
creek, which separates it from Pomp-
ton t-ship, Bergen co.; E. by Pomp-
ton river, dividing it from Saddle river
t-ship, of the same co. ; S. E. by
Caldwell t-ship, Essex co. ; S. by
Hanover and Randolph t-ships, and
W. by Jefferson t-ship. Centrally dis-
tant, N. from Morristown, 10 miles.
Greatest length, E. and W. 16,
breadth, 11 miles; area, 74,000
acres. The surface of the t-ship is
hilly, being covered with mountain
ridges and knolls. On the northern
boundary, is Green Pond mountain,
girding a narrow valley, through
which flows the Burnt Meadow branch
of the Rockaway river, and bounded
southward, by Mount Hope, and Cop-
peras mountain. Between these and
the next ridge, is a wider valley, drain-
ed by the Beaver Branch of the same
river, and south of this, innominate
knolls and ridges make valleys,
through which run minor tributaries
of the river. The soil of the t-ship
is generally loam and clay, but grey
limestone is found in the valley, S. of
Copperas mountain, and probably in
other places. Iron abounds in the
hills in the N. W., and is of excellent
quality, from which many iron works
in the neighbourhood are supplied.
From the sulphate of iron in the Cop-
peras mountain, much copperas was
formerly made. Green Pond is a
large sheet of water, nearly 3 miles
long, by a half-mile in width ; in the
vale between Green Pond and Cop-
peras mountain, much resorted to for
boating and fishing; and the wild
scenery around it is much admired.
The valley is inhabited sparsely, by
persons dependant upon the iron
works. Pompton plains, on the east
border of the t-ship, are level and
sandy, but densely inhabited, and to-
lerably cultivated. Pompton, Mont-
ville, Powerville, &c., are post-towns
of the t-ship. Population in 1830,
4451. In 1832, the t-ship contained
129 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30 in value, 132 single
men, 1050 taxables, 8 stores, 9 saw
mills, 5 grist mills, 37 tan vats, 2
distilleries, 30 chairs and sulkies, 14
forges for making iron, 1 furnace, 1
four horse stage, 4 rolling and slit-
ting mills, 1 fulling mill, 690 horses
and mules, and 2265 neat cattle,
above the age of 3 years ; and it
paid state tax, $574; county tax,
$1285 10; poor tax, $800 ; road tax,
$3000. The Newark and Milford
turnpike road crosses the western,
and the Newark and Hamburg, and
Paterson and Hamburg, turnpike
roads, cross the eastern end of the
t-ship, and the Morris canal runs
through the southern part, and for
some distance along the valley of the
Rockaway river.
Pequannock Creek, rises in the
Wallkill and Wawayanda mountains,
in Sussex co., and flows by a south-
east and south course, of about 27
miles, to the Passaic river; forming
the boundary between Morris and
Bergen cos. Below Pompton village
it takes the name of Pompton river.
It has a rapid current, through a nar-
row valley, and considerable volume ;
and is, therefore, an excellent mill
stream.
Peqiiest Creek, rises by two branch-
es, in the eastern part of Sussex co.,
which unite in Independence t-ship,
Warren co., and flow thence by a
S. W. course, through Oxford t-ship,
to the Delaware river, at the town of
Belvidere. Its whole length is about
PER
214
PER
30 miles. This is a large and rapid
stream, affording abundant water-
power, and draining, by the main
stem and branches, an extensive val-
ley of primitive limestone. (See Bel-
videre.)
Perryville, small p-town of Beth-
lem t-ship, Hunterdon co., on the
turnpike road from Somerville to
Philipsburg, about 10 miles N. of
Flemington, 35 from Trenton, and
194 from W. C.
Perth Amboy City, p-t., t-ship,
and port of entry of Middlesex co.,
at the head of the Raritan bay, and
at the confluence of the Raritan river
with the Arthur Kill, or Staten Island
Sound. It lies 14 miles from the
sea, at Sandy Hook, 25 miles by the
Sound from New York, 15 by the
river, and 10 by land, from New
Brunswick ; 36 by post-route from
Trenton, 65 by rail-road from Phila-
delphia, and 212 from W. C. The
port, large and safe, and one of the
best on the continent, is easily ap-
proached from the sea by a broad
estuary, having generally 12 feet
water, and in the main channel from
24 to 26 feet.
This advantageous site for a town,
was early noticed by the agents of the
East Jersey proprietors; in the lan-
guage of deputy governor Lawrie,
in 1684, " there being no such place
in all England, for conveniency and
pleasant situation." The place was
known to the aboi'igines as Ambo,
the Point; and was greatly resorted
to by them on account of its fish and
oysters, the latter of which are yet
abundant here. The relics of Indian
festivities, arc still visible in the large
quantities of oyster shells which min-
gle with, and enrich portions of the
soil. The name of Perth was given
to it in honour of James, Earl of
Perth, one of the 24 proprietaries ;
and it was called by that name only in
the instructions of the proprietaries,
until 1698, when we, for the first
time, in the instructions to the deputy
governor, Basse, find the name of
" Perth Amboy."
The town was laid out into 150
lots, by Samuel Groome, one of the
proprietaries, and surveyor general,
as early as 1083. In the following
year, Gawn Lawrie, a proprietary
and deputy governor, added large
tracts for out-lots. The town plot
was designed to contain 1500 acres;
and lots were sold at 20 pounds, with
condition that the purchasers should
each build a house 30 feet long, by
18 feet wide. Lawrie contracted at
this time for the erection of several
houses for the proprietaries, and one
60 feet long and 18 wide, for the go-
vernor. He was directed to make
the town the seat of government and
the chief mart of the province, and to
incorporate the inhabitants by char-
ter, with the necessary privileges and
jurisdiction of a city.
This was a favourite spot with the
East Jersey proprietaries, who used
many efforts to render it the site of a
large city, but it was overshadowed
by New York, and their exertions
were in vain. After the surrender of
the proprietary governments to the
crown, the general assembly and the
supreme court of the province, as-
sembled at this place and Burlington,
alternately.
The city was incorporated under
the proprietary and royal govern-
ments, but its present charter em-
bracing the provisions of the prior
ones, is under the act of 21st Decem-
ber, 1784, and gives the following
boundaries. " Beginning at the meet-
ing of the waters of the Raritan river
with those of the Sound, at that part
of Staten Island from the main to the
southward of the fiat or shoal that
runs off from Cole Point; thence up
the Sound, on the eastern bank of the
channel as the same runs to Wood-
bridge creek ; thence up the creek to
the mouth of the stream on which
Cutler's mill stands; thence up said
creek to a lane leading to a line be-
tween George Herriott and Grace
Innsley; thence by said lane to the
road leading from Amboy to New
Brunswick ; thence by said road south
PER
215
PER
to a lane leading to Florida Landing ;
thence by said lane to the north coi'-
ner of the {arm late of Samuel Ne-
ville; thence by the line of the same
to Raritan river, and across the same
to the south bank of the channel
thereof; and thence to the place of
beginning." The government of the
city is under a mayor, recorder, three
aldermen, who are justices of the
peace, ex-officio, and appointed by
the legislature for seven years; and
six common councilmen, sheriff, coro-
ner, and sergeant-at-mace, and town-
ship officers, elected annually by the
people. The mayor, recorder, and
aldermen, have power to grant tavern
licenses, and to hold a court of re-
cord, having jurisdiction of all causes
of a commercial nature, wherein the
matter in dispute shall have arisen
within the corporation, and subsists
between foreigner and foreigner, or
between foreigner and citizen of the
United States. And to induce the set-
tlement of merchants here the port
was declared free, and they exempt
from taxation for 25 years. The
township contains 2577 acres of land,
of alluvial formation, consisting of
clay, sand loam, and gravel, in
which, at various depths, are found
organic remains. It is elevated above
the tide some 40 or 50 feet, and is un-
dulating in its surface. The popula-
tion, which is principally gathered
near the point, there not being more
than 20 dwellings separated from the
town, amounted in 18.30, to 879.
The township in 1832, contained
about 140 dwellings, 78 household-
ei's, whose ratable estates did not ex-
ceed $30 in value; 39 single men,
10 storekeepers or traders, 5 taverns,
an Episcopal, Presbyterian, and a
Baptist church, 1 school for boys,
another for girls, and a third esta-
blished under the school fund of the
state. St. Peter's the Episcopal
church, was founded probably about
the year 1685. In July 30tli, 1718,
it was incorporated by George I ;
and William Eier, and John Barclay,
were appointed the first churcli war-
dens, and Thomas Gordon Esq.,
John Rudyard, Robert King, and
John Stevens, the first vestrymen.
The church is indebted to Thomas
Gordon, George M illocks, and Mar-
garetta Willocks, his wife, and major
John Harrison, for considerable en-
dowments, upon which its prosperity is
based. There is an extensive pottery
of excellent stone-ware in the town in
which the clay from South Amboy
is chiefly, if not solely used. But the
chief business of the city is the oys-
ter fishery. The shell-fish are abun-
dant in the bay, and the bottom is so
favourable to their growth, that large
numbers are transplanted thither, not
only from the river above, but also
from Virginia. A capital of more
than $40,000 is said to be thus em-
ployed, yielding an annual profit of
more than $20,000. The state of
Jersey has leased about 250
of land, covered with water,
in small lots, of a few acres
whose tenants rear oysters
them. But the state of New
claimino; exclusive right of
New
acres
here,
each,
upon
York,
property, in the soil under water, to
the line of low-water mark, on the
shore of the state; conflicting claims
have induced vexatious disputes, and
even alarming riots, which have pre-
vented the quiet enjoyment of the
tenants, and the collection of rents.
In 1832, the city paid poor tax, $350;
county tax, $135 87; and state tax,
$110^56.
From its agreeable position, vicini-
ty to the ocean, and sea-water baths,
Perth Amboy is a pleasant residence
during the hot months, and is much
visited for recreation, by the citizens
of New York. Some years since, a
very large and commodious hotel,
called Brighton, was erected for their
accommodation; but, at that period,
there was not sufficient support to
sustain it, and Brighton-house is now
a handsome country-seat.
The destiny of this town, long ob-
scured, notwithstanding its fine port,
and pleasant and healthy position, is
probably about to receive a favoura-
ble change, through the agency of
the Delaware and Raritan canal, and
PIL
216
PIS
the rail-roads to Philadelphia. The
ready transportation of merchandise,
by these means, may convert this
into an out-port of Philadelphia.
The collection district of Perth
Amboy, comprehends all that part of
East New Jersey, (that part excepted
which is included in the district of
Little Egg Harbour) south of Eliza-
bethtown, together with all the waters
thereof, within the jurisdiction of the
state. The towns of New Brunswick,
and Middletown Point, are ports of
delivery only. The collector resides
at Amboy, and a surveyor at New
Brunswick.
Peter'' s Beach, on the Altantic
ocean, Galloway t-ship, Gloucester
CO., at the mouth of Absecum inlet,
and between it and Quarter inlet.
Philipsburg, town of Greenwich
t-ship, Warren co., on the left bank
of the Delaware river, opposite the
borough of Easton, in Pennsylvania,
14 miles below the town of Belvidere,
and about 60 above Trenton. Con-
•"»- tains about 20 dwellings, 4 stores,
'JP and 2 taverns. The Morris canal
communicates with the Delaware
here, opposite to, and a short distance
below, the basin of the Lehigh canal.
A bridge of wood of three arches,
covered, 600 feet long, and 24 feet
wide, over the Delaware, which cost
$80,000, connects Philipsburg with
Easton.
Pike BrooJc, tributary of No-Pipe
Brook, rises in the Nashanic moun-
tain, Montgomery t-ship, Somerset
CO., and flows S. E. about .5 miles to
its recipient.
Pilesgrove, t-ship, Salem co.,
bounded, N. E. by Woolwich t-ship,
Gloucester co., from which it is di-
vided by Oldman's creek ; S. E. by
Pittsgrove t-ship; S. W. by Upper
Alloways, and Manninston t-ships,
and N. W. by Upper Pcnn's Neck
t-ship. Centrally distant, N. E. from
Salem, 10 miles. Greatest length 9,
breadth 62 miles; area, about 24,000
acres; of which, little more than 1000
may be unimproved. Surface, level ;
soil, stiff clay and deep loam, well
cultivated in wheat, rye, oats, and
corn. The Salem creek flows N. W.
through the t-ship, and gives motion
to a woollen factory, and several mills.
Population in 1830, 2150. In the
year 1832, there were in the t-ship,
128 householders, whose ratables
did not exceed $30 ; 3 grist mills, 3
saw mills, 4 tan yards, 2 distilleries
for cider, 553 horses and mules, and
966 head of neat cattle, above the age
of 3 years. Sharptown and Woods-
town are villages and post-towns of
the t-ship. Near the latter are some
valuable marl beds. There are 1
Quaker, 1 Baptist, and 1 African
Methodist church in the t-ship.
Pimple Hill, a noted eminence of
Plardiston t-ship, Sussex co., near
the eastern line of the t-ship.
Pine Brook, Caldwell t-ship, Essex
CO., rises in the Second mountain,
and flows W. to the Passaic river,
by a course of about 3 miles. It is a
mill stream.
Pine Mount Creek, Greenwich
t-ship, Salem co., rises on the E. line
of the t-ship, and flows southward,
some 3 or 4 miles, when dividing into
two branches, in opposite directions,
it isolates an eminence covered with
pines, and bounded southward by the
Cohansey river, of which the creek is
a tributary.
Piscataway, t-ship, Middlesex co.,
bounded N. by Westfield t-ship ; E.
by Woodbridge; S. and S. W. by
the Raritan river, and N. W. by
Green Brook, separating it from War-
ren t-ship, Somerset co. Centrally
distant, N. from New Brunswick, 5
miles. Greatest length, N. and S. 9
miles; breadth, E. and W. 71 miles;
ai-ea, 27,000 acres. Green Brook
receives from the t-ship two tributa-
ries, Amherst and Cedar Bi'ooks. New
Market, post-town; Samptown, Green
Brook, Brooklyn, New Durham, Pis-
cataway, and Raritan Landing, are
villages of the t-ship. Population in
1830, 3969. In 1832, the t-ship
contained an Episcopalian church,
695 taxables, 85 householders, whose
ratables did nut exceed $30 in value;
91 single men, 10 stores, 2 saw mills,
6 grist mills, 1 plaster mill, 4 distil-
PIT
217
PLA
leries, 709 horses and mules, and
1501 neat cattle, above the age of H
years ; and it paid state tax, $495 91;
county tax, $609 72,- poor tax, $1400;
road tax, $1000. The surface of
the t-ship is level, soil of loam, clay,
and red shale, generally very well
cultivated.
Piscataway, village of the above
t-ship, 3 miles E. from New Bruns-
wick, and 1 N. from the Raritan
river, on the turnpike road from New
Brunswick to Woodbridge; contains
an Episcopal church, a store, tavern,
and some 10 or 12 dwellings, in a
tolerably fertile country. This was
an old Indian village, and is re-
markable for having been the seat
of justice for Middlesex and Somer-
set COS., so early as the year 1683.
At that period, the courts were holden
sometimes at this place, and some-
times at Woodbridge.
Piscot Brook, a small tributary
of the south branch of the Raritan
river, rises in Round valley, in the
S. E. angle of Lebanon t-ship, Hun-
terdon CO.
Pittsgrove, t-ship, Salem co.,
bounded N. E. by Franklin and
Woolwich t-ships, of Gloucester co. ;
S. E. by Millville t-ship, of Cumber-
land CO. ; S. W. by Upper Deerfield
t-ship, of Cumberland, and by Upper
Alloway's Creek t-ships, of Salem
CO. Centrally distant, E. from Sa-
lem, 16 miles. Greatest length, 15,
breadth, 7 miles ; area, about 44,000
acres, of which 26,000 acres are un-
improved. Population in 1830, 2216.
Surface, partly undulating, and part-
ly level ; the soil is chiefly sandy and
gravelly loam. A proportion on the
N. W. part, is forest, of pine and
white oak timber, which has been
much cut over, and is known as the
Barrens. It is drained on the S. E.
and S. W. by branches of Maurice
run, and on the N. W. by the head
waters of Salem and Oldman's creeks.
Daretown, Centreville, and Pittstown,
are villages of the t-ship; the last
two of which are post-towns. There
were in 1832, in the t-ship, 1 Pres-
byterian, 1 Baptist, and 3 Methodist
2 E
churches; 161 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30 in value;
510 taxables, 6 stores, 2 grist mills,
5 saw mills, 2 fulling mills, 1 large
tan yard, 5 cider distilleries, 525
horses and mules, and 933 neat cat-
tle, above 3 years of age. The t-ship
paid tax for t-ship purposes, $300;
county, $921 92 ; state tax, $294 42.
By the act of 19th Nov., 1821, and
its supplement, 19th Nov., 1823, a
township called Centreville, was taken
from this, but was returned to it, by
act 18th Feb., 1829.
Pittstoicn, p-t., of Salem co. ; cen-
trally situate in Pittsgrove t-ship, 16
miles E. of Salem; 180 N. E. of
W. C, and 74 S. from Trenton;
contains 15 dwellings, 2 taverns, and
2 stores, a grist mill, saw mill, school
house, and masonic hall. The soil
around it, hght and sandy.
Pittstown, Alexandria t-ship, Hun-
terdon CO., on the line of Kingwood
t-ship, and on a tributary of the S.
branch of the Raritan river, 8 miles
N. W. of Flemington, 31 from Tren-
ton, and 190 from W. C; contains
1 tavern, 1 stoi-e, a grist mill, and be-
tween 15 and 20 dwellings. The
soil around it is clay, cold and poor;
surface hilly.
Plainfeld, a large and thriving
village of Westfield t-ship, Essex co.,
on Green Brook, the line between
that and Somerset co. 211 miles N.
E. from W. C, 65 from Philadelphia,
45 from Trenton, 20 S. W. from
Newark, 16 from Elizabethtown, 25
from New York, and 11 N. E. from
New Brunswick ; — on a plain of very
level land, between 2 and 3 miles
wide, and about 11 long; contains
1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, and 1 Me-
thodist church, 2 Friends' meeting
houses, (Hicksite and Orthodox) 2
grist mills, 1 saw mill, 4 stores, 3
schools, 2 clergymen, 1 lawyer, 2
physicians, 2 taverns, 4 stores, 13
master hatters, who manufacture
about $75,000 worth of hats annual-
ly; 5 master tailors, employing 70
hands, who work for the southern
market ; a fire engine, and company,
a mutual insurance company, esta-
PLE
218
POL
blished in 1832, which in a few
months, executed pohcies to the
amount of more than $150,000;
and 120 dwellings ; a ladies' library,
an apprentices' library. A four-
horse mail stage, to New York, three
times a week, and as often to Phila-
delphia, on alternate days, runs
through the village. The country
around the town is rich, well culti-
vated, and healthy ; the water good,
and the society moral and religious,
and ambitious of improvement. The
neighbouring mountain, about a mile
N. of the town, affords an abundant
supply of cheap fuel, and screens the
valley from the violence of the N.
and N. W. winds ; and gives a very
pleasing prospect to the S. and E.,
over a space of 30 miles.
Plainsboroiigh, hamlet of South
Brunswick t-ship, Middlesex co., 14
miles S. W. of New Brunswick, 14
S. E. from Trenton; contains a ta-
vern, store, and 8 or 10 dwellings.
Soil, light, gravelly and sterile.
Plainville, Montgomery t-ship,
Somerset co., 8 miles S. W. from
Somerville; contains a tavern, store,
and 4 or 5 dwellings.
Pleasant Grove, on Schooley's
mountain, Washington t-ship, Morris
CO., on the turnpike road from Mor-
ristown to Easton, 21 miles from the
former, and 20 from the latter ; con-
tains a tavern, store, and several
dwellings, and a very neat stone
church, belonging to Presbyterians.
The surrounding country is pleasant,
and is impi'oving much by the use of
lime ; the soil is a stiff clay.
Pleasant Mills, p-t. of Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester co., on the Atsion
river, 30 miles S. E. from Woodbury,
65 from Trenton, and 173 from W.
C. ; contains a tavern, 2 stores, a
glass factory, belonging to Messrs.
Coffan & Co., a cotton factory, with
3000 spindles, and from 20 to 30
dwellings.
Pleasant Valley, of the South
mountain, Mansfield t-ship, Warren
CO., through which runs a small tri-
butary of the Pohatcong creek. The
soil here, as in other valleys of the
t-ship, is of primitive limestone. There
is a small hamlet in the valley, at
which there is a grist mill, and seve-
ral dwellings, upon the turnpike road
to Easton.
Pleasant Valley, Randolph t-ship,
Morris co., through which flows
Dell's brook. The sides of the vale
are of gentle ascent ; part of the land
good, and well cultivated.
Pluckemin, p-t. of Bedminster
t-ship, Somerset co., 6 miles N. W.
from Somerville, at the foot of Bask-
ing Ridge, 205 miles N. E. from W.
C., and 39 from Trenton ; contains
1 tavern, 2 stores, and from 25 to 30
dwellings.
Pochvck Mountain, on the W.
side of Vernon t-ship, Sussex co.,
extends about 8 miles northwardly.
Along its eastern foot runs the Po-
chuck turnpike road, leading from
Hamburg towards the state of New
York. The mountain is composed
of primitive rock, of which horn-
blende is a principal constituent. Its
base is surrounded with primitive
limestone.
Pohatcong Creeli; Warren co.,
rises near the N. E. boundary of
Mansfield t-ship, and flows S. W.
through that and Greenwich t-ships,
by a course of three or four and
twenty miles to the Delaware river,
8 or 9 miles below Philipsburg.
This fine stream flows through and
drains a wide and fertile valley of pri-
mitive limestone, which is very well
cultivated, and produces large quanti-
ties of wheat. There is a fine view
of the valley from the south-eastern
acclivity of Scott's Mountain, on the
road to Oxford furnace; the creek
runs somewhat parallel with the Mus-
conetcong, both following the range
of the mountains, and at their mouths
are scarce two miles asunder.
Point Comfoi't, west cape of Sandy
Hook bay, Aliddlcton t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., projecting into the Raritan
bay, 8 miles S. E. of Perth Amboy,
and about an equal distance from
Sandy Flook light-liousc.
Pole Tavern, a noted tavern and
cluster of houses in Pitsgrove t-ship,
POM
219
PON
about 4 miles N. W. of Pittstown,
and 14 E. of Salem.
Pompeston Creek, mill stream of
Chester t-ship, Burlington co., flow-
ing by a N. W. course of about 5
miles, and emptying into the Dela-
ware river, nearly opposite to the
mouth of the Pennepack creek.
Pompton t-ship, Bergen co., bound-
ed N. by Orange co., New York ; E.
by Franklin t-ship; S. by Pequan-
nock and Jeflerson t-ships, Morris
CO. ; and W. by Hardiston and Ver-
non t-ships, Sussex co. Centrally
distant N. W. from Hackensack, 23
miles ; greatest length E. and W.
14 miles; breadth N. and S. 12
miles; area, about 70,000 acres, of
which about 55,000 are unim-
proved, and much of it covered with
forest; surface, very hilly; the Ra-
mapo mountain, extending over the
eastern boundary, and Bear Foot
mountain along the western ; the in-
tervening space is broken into knolls
of various sizes and shapes. The
soil is generally clay and loam, but
some primitive limestone appears near
Mackepin lake. In these hills is
found an extensive deposit of iron, in
the same vein which runs through
Schooley's mountain. Ringwood ri-
ver bathes the western base of the
Ramapo mountain; Long Pond or
Greenwood lake, which crosses the
northern boundary from New York,
sends a tributary to it called Long
Pond river. Dunker, Buck, Cedar,
Hanks, and Mackepin ponds, in the
south-west part of the t-ship, give
their surplus waters to the Pequan-
nock, which, under the name of
Pompton river, flows along the south-
ern boundary ; Long House creek
flows northerly through the north-
west angle. Population in 1830,
3085. In 1832, the t-ship contained
750 taxables, 229 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30; 79 sin-
gle men, 6 stores, 15 grist mills 14
saw mills, 16 forge fires, 2 fulling
mills, 20 tan vats, 2 distilleries, 519
horses and mules, and 1816 neat cat-
tle over 3 years of age; and paid
state tax, $340 13; county, $649 17.
The Morris canal crosses the Pomp-
ton river about 2 miles above its
mouth in this t-ship, by a wooden
aqueduct 236 feet long, supported by
9 stone piers.
Pompton Plain, lies between the
Pompton mountain and the Preakness
hills, and is nearly 20 miles in cir-
cumference, with a variable breadth
seldom exceeding four miles. It is a
fresh water alluvion, and strata of
gravel, sand, and clay, without rocks
in place, are uniformly found here
wherever wells have been dug. It
was, probably, at some remote period,
the bed of a lake. The Pequannock,
Ringwood, and Ramapo rivers, unit-
ing at the head of the Plain, form
the Pompton river, which flows along
its eastern side to the Passaic, about
8 miles. The southern, and much
of the western part of the plain is
marshy, and embraces about 1500
acres of peat ground, the fuel from
which, so far as can be determined
by a ditch running four miles through
it, appears to be good. In the south-
ern part of the plain, good granular
argillaceous oxide of iron, or pea ore
is raised from a space of about 200
acres. There is a straggling village
upon the plain, comprising a Dutch
Reformed church, a tavern, 3 stores,
an academy, and about 30 dwellings :
and at the head of the plain is
Pompton, p-t., 18 miles N. E. of
Morristown, 236 from W. C, and 70
from Trenton ; containing a tavern,
store, grist mill, and 12 or 15 dwell-
ings, and a Dutch Reformed church.
(See Ri/ersons.)
Pompton Mount ain, an angular
hill, of Pequannock t-ship, Morris co.,
bounding the Pompton plains, W.
and N. W. The sides of the angle
are respectively about 4 miles long.
Pond Creek, Downe t-ship, Cum-
berland CO., a short inlet to the
marsh on the W. side of Maurice
river cove.
Pond Creek, a small stream flow-
ing from Lower t-ship, Cape May co.,
into the Delaware bay, near 2 miles
N. of the Light-house.
Pond Run, small tributary of the
POT
220
PR!
Assunpink creek, Nottingham t-ship,
Burlington co., unites with its reci-
pient, after a N. W. course of about
5 miles.
Ponds; name given to a neighbour-
hood of the S. W. part of Franklin
t-ship, Bergen co. ; so called, possi-
bly, from a small lake. There is a
German Reformed church here, also
called Ponds.
Port Elizabeth, p-t. of Maurice
river t-ship, Cumberland co., upon
the Manamuskin creek, near its con-
fluence with the Maurice river, about
14 miles from the Delaware bay, 16
S. E. from Bridgeton, 85 from Tren-
ton, and 182 from W. C; contains
from 80 to 100 dwellings, 1 tavern,
4 stores, a Baptist church, an acade-
my— a commodious building; some
large glass works, managed by a
company of Germans, under the firm
of Getz, Zinger, and Co., at which
large quantities of window glass and
hollow ware are made. The hands
of this establishment speak the Ger-
man language altogether, and are re-
markable for their cultivation of music.
A considerable lumber trade is carried
on from the town, and some ship build-
ing is done there. The town is 16
miles from the Delaware bay, by the
sinuosities of Maurice river, and 8 by
land. The river is navigable for ves-
sels of 120 tons. There are 4 grist,
and 3 saw mills within 3 miles of the
town. Much business is done here
in wood, liuTiber, and rails. The
town is built on good land, and is
surrounded by very valuable mea-
dows, worth $100 the acre.
Port Norris, landing and store-
house, with a tavern, store, and 6 or
8 dwellings, on the west side of Mau-
rice river, about 10 miles from the
mouth, 5 miles from Dividing Creek
village, and 22 from Bridgeton.
Potter sville,p.t. of Hunterdon co.,
on the line separating Readington
from Tewkesbury t-ship, and on the
turnpike road leading from Somer-
villc to Philipsburg, 10 miles N. E.
from Flemington, 43 miles from
Trenton, and 211 from W. C. ; con-
tains a tavern, store, and a few dwell-
ings.
Potter^s Falls, on the Lamington
river, at the angle of junction of Hun-
terdon, Morris, and Somerset cos.
Poverty Beach, on the Atlantic
ocean, immediately north of Cape
May Island, Lower t-ship, Cape May
CO., extends about three miles in
length by half a mile in breadth.
Povershon, small village of Bloom-
field t-ship, Essex co., 5 miles north
of Newark ; contains a school house
and several dv\ellings. The poor-
house of the t-ship is in the valley
near it.
Powermlle, p-t. of Pequannock
t-ship, Morris co., in the valley of the
Rockaway river, 10 miles N. E. from
Morristown, 234 from W. C, and 68
from Trenton ; contains a tavern, 2
stores, a forge, a grist and saw mill,
and from 10 to 15 dwellings. Coun-
try around rough and sterile.
Prallsville, p-t. of Amwell t-ship,
Hunterdon co., on the river Dela-
ware, 10 miles S. W. from Fleming-
ton, 20 N. from Trenton, and 174
from W. C. ; contains 1 store, 1 ta-
vern, some 6 or 8 dwellings, and a
grist mill, at the mouth of the Wick-
hechecoke creek. There is a fine
bridge here over the Delaware, erect-
ed on stone piers, by an incorporated
company. The surrounding country
is hilly.
Preakness Mountain, a distin-
guished hill of Saddle River t-ship,
Bergen co., comincncing about three
miles N. W. from Patorson, and run-
ning in a semicircular direction se-
veral miles. It is formed by sand-
stone surmounted by trap rock, and
embosoms an extensive valley.
Preakness Brook, Saddle River
t-ship, Bergen co., which, after a
south course of about 6 miles, flows
into the Passaic river, about 2 miles
above the Little Falls. Preakness
Dutch Reformed church, is in the
valley of this stream, near its source.
Primrose Creek, tributary of the
Passaic river, Morris t-ship, Morris
CO., has a course of about six miles
from its source to its recipient.
PRI
221
RAH
Prospect Plains, level tract of
country extending between Cranber-
ry Brook and Manalapan Brook, with
a light sandy soil, in South Amboy
t-ship, Middlesex co.
Princeton, p-t. and borough, partly
in Montgomery t-ship, Somerset co.,
and partly in Windsor t-ship, Middle-
sex CO., on the main road between
New York and Philadelphia, 50 miles
from the one, and 40 from the other,
11 from Trenton, 25 from New
Brunswick, and 177 from W. C. ;
situated in a very pleasant country of
red shale and alluvion, and remark-
able for the salubrity of its climate,
the beauty of its villas, and the neat-
ness, generally, of its buildings. It
was incorporated as a borough in
1813, and contains about 185 dwell-
ing houses, and at least 1100 inhabi-
tants, exclusive of the youth connect-
ed with the public institutions, of
whom there are, at present, (1833)
about 350.
The Delaware and Raritan canal
runs within a half mile of the bo-
rough, and has already contributed,
in no small degree, to its prosperity.
The office of the company is esta-
blished here.
Besides the buildings belonging to
the literary institutions, (for these see
pages 84, 85,) there are in Prince-
ton, a Presbyterian church, an Epis-
copal church, and two other houses
for public worship, belonging to the
Presbyterian society ; one of which
is for the use of the coloured popu-
lation. The literary institutions of
Princeton are a college, a theological
seminary, three classical schools, two
schools for the instruction of young
ladies, and three or four common
schools; all independent of each
other.
The name of Princeton is associ-
ated, not only with the literary repu-
tation of our country, but also with
her struggle for independence ; since,
in the immediate vicinity of this place,
was fought the memorable battle of
January 3d, 1777, in which the Bri-
tish army was routed by the Ameri-
cans, under the command of General
Washington, and in which the la-
mented Mercer was mortally wound-
ed. A large painting commemorative
of these events, is suspended in the
chapel of the college.
Quarterns Inlet, from the Atlantic
ocean to Reed's bay, between Brigan-
tine beach on the east, and Peter's
beach on the west, Galloway t-ship,
Gloucester co.
Quaker Bridge, over Batsto river,
Washington t-ship, Burlington co.,
6 miles S. E. of Shamong village,
and 4 from Atsion Furnace. There
is a tavern here.
Qiiakertown. (See Fairview.)
Quinton's Bridge, small village
and p-t. on AUoways creek, in Upper
AUoways t-ship, Salem co., 5 miles
S. E. of Salem, 174 N. E. from W.
C, and 68 S. from Trenton ; contains
some 12 or 15 dwellings, 1 tavern,
and 2 stores. It is a landing at
which much wood is delivered for
the Philadelphia market. The bridge
is noted in the county for a massa-
cre of some militia, by a party of
British troops, while on a foraging
party, during the occupancy of Phi-
ladelphia by Sir William Howe, in
the revolutionary war.
Raccoon Creek, rises in Franklin
t-ship, Gloucester co., and flows
thence N. W. through Woolwich
t-ship, by a course of 17 miles to the
River Delaware, opposite to Shiver's
island. It is navigable for sloops 7
or 8 miles to Swedesborough, and for
boats to Mullica Hill, 5 miles further.
Railway River, called by the abo-
rigines Rahawack, anglicS, Man's
River, rises in the valley between the
First and Second mountains. Orange
t-ship, Essex co., and flows thence
S. W. and S. to Springfield, where it
i-eceives several considerable tributa-
ries; thence by a south course of
about 8 miles it passes by Rahway
village, where it meets the tide; and
thence by a south-east course of about
5 miles, dividing Middlesex from Es-
sex CO., it unites with Staten Island
Sound, 9 or 10 miles N. E. of Perth
Amboy. It is navigable to Rahway
village for vessels of 80 tons burden.
RAH
222
RAH
and i"eceives at the village the Mid-
dle or Robinson's branch, and the
South branch. Upon these branches
there are severable valuable mill
seats, and on the main branch be-
tween Springfield and tide-water,
there are 20 mills employed in grind-
ing grain, sawing lumber, and manu-
facturing paper, cotton, and wool.
On the river, there is some of the
best brick clay of the United States ;
and the manufacture of bricks was, at
one period, so great here, as to em-
ploy steadily about 40 sloops in their
transport to New York. Owing to
the scarcity of fuel, this manufacture
has declined.
Railway, p-t., including what was
formerly called Bridgetown, lies upon
the Rahway river, at the head of
tide, five miles from its mouth, partly
in Woodbridge t-ship, l\fiddlesex co.,
and partly in Rahway t-ship, Essex
CO.; distant N. E. 205 miles from
W. C, 39 from Trenton, 11 from
Brunswick S. W., 10 from Newark,
18 from Jersey City, and 8 from
Amboy ; consists of four detached
villages, Rahway Proper, north of
Robinson's branch, Union, Bridge-
town, and Leesville, on the south.
This diversity of names is productive
of some irregularity in the transit of
letters to the town, and has induced
a wish to change the name; and
some of the inhabitants propose to
substitute that of " Athens.''' There
are here, about 350 dwellings, con-
taining, it is said, 3000 inhabitants,
mostly of New England origin ; this
would give a greater average num-
ber of inhabitants to a house, than
in any other district of the state; an
elegant Presbyterian church erected
in 1831, a Methodist, Baptist, and an
African Episcopal church, and two
Quaker meeting houses pertaining to
the Orthodox and Hicksite parties, re-
spectively. The citizens, with enter-
prise and liberality worthy of high
commendation, have established, un-
der the general incorporation law of
the state, a library company, and a
Sunday school association, which has
erected a commodious house, sup-
posed to be the first designed ex-
pressly and exclusively for Sunday
schools in the world; and a second
Sunday school house is about to
be built by the Methodists here. A
joint stock company have reared
the "■Athenian Academy," a noble
building 68 feet long by 36 wide,
two stories high ; the upper used as
a lecture room; costing 5000 dol-
lars, and which was opened for lite-
rary exercises 12th August, 1833, by
a neat and cxcithig address from the
president of the trustees of the insti-
tution, Mr. Robert Lee. The tutors
of this seminary have fixed sala-
ries, and are thus relieved from the
anxiety and distraction of mind aris-
ing from uncertain and precarious
compensation. But we may observe
also, that the stimulus to exertion
and the attainment of excellence, has
been in a great measure thereby re-
moved. The professors in the schools
of Germany, certainly inferior to
none in the world, are supported by
their pupils, whose number depends
on the reputation of the teachers.
Perhaps the best mode of compensa-
tion, is that which, providing certain
subsistence, leaves merit to find its
own reward from popular favour.
" The Athenian Academy", had 106
pupils in the first week of its exist-
ence. Besides this institution, Rahway
has six common public schools, and
a very large and commodious literary
institution, built and directed by Mr.
Samuel Oliver. There are also in
the village a bank, called the " Farm-
ers and Mechanics," incorporated in
1828, with an authorized capital of
8200,000, of which 60,000 have
been paid in ; a fire engine, a mutual
insurance company, and a printing
oflice; from which issues a weekly
paper, called the Rahway Advocate;
25 stores, 4 taverns, (and be it re-
membered, 10 schools,) a large build-
ing called " The Taurine Factory,"
originally designed for the manufac-
ture of coarse cloth and carpets from
cow's hair, but about to be employed
in the colouring and printing of silk ;
the " Mammoth Saw Mill," said to
RAH
223
RAM
be the largest in the state ; belonging
to Mr. Joseph O. Lufberry, and for
the supply of which, there was in
the river, in September, 1833, more
than J^30,U00 worth of pine and oak
timber ; a steam-boat company, whose
operations will probably be super-
seded by the Jersey rail-road now
making; 5 lumber and coal yards, 1
soap and candle manufactory, 3
bakeries, 2 watchmakers, 4 millinery
shops, and extensive manufactories
of hats, boots, shoes, carriages, cabi-
net furniture, and clothing for export ;
clock, earthenware, coach-lace, plated
ware for carriages, &c. &c. On the
Rahway river, some distance above
the town, are extensive cotton bleach-
ing and printing woi-ks, employing
about 100 hands. The amount of
capital vested in manufactures here
and in the neighbourhood, is estimat-
ed at 356,000 dollars, and the sur-
plus product of the town and its vici-
nity, at from 1,000,000 to 1,200,000
annually. Thriving as this place
certainly is, new stimulus will be
given to its activity by the rail-road
now being made from " Jersey City"
to New Brunswick, which will pass
through the village, and thus bring
it within an hour's journey of New
York. The town has now coinmu-
nication thrice daily with New York,
by stages and steam-boats via Eliza-
bethtown Point, and also by other
conveyances.
The soil, for many miles around
the town, is well adapted to grass
and grain, consisting of a fertile
loam resting on sand, gravel and red
shale, and much hay and grain are
annually sent to market. In 1830,
the population of Woodbridge town-
ship was 3909, and of Rahway town-
ship, 1983, making in the two town-
ships in which the village lies, 5952
souls. It is said, the population of
these townships, now, 1833, amounts
to 10,000; but, though the increase
is certainly great, we fear it has been
overrated.
We insert verbafhn, the following
remark, which needs no comment,
made by a highly respectable inha-
bitant of the town. "Leesville, at
the southern part of the town, takes
its name from a family named Lee,
who have long resided there, and
furnished our most enterprising and
public spirited citizens; and as mer-
chants and manufacturers, were the
first to lead the way to our extensive
trade with the southern states, and
who have, by their industry and per-
severance, liberality and enlightened
views in other respects, greatly added
to the prosperity of the town."
Rahway t-ship, Essex co., bound-
ed N. W. by Union, and N. E. by
Elizabeth t-ship ; E. by Staten Island
Sound ; S. by Woodbridge t-ship,
Middlesex co.; and W. by West-
field t-ship. Centrally distant, S.
W. from Newark, 9 miles. Greatest
length, E. and W., 8 ; breadth, N.
and S., 4^ miles ; area, 10,000 acres;
surface, level ; soil, red shale and
well cultivated. Drained by the Rah-
way river, which runs S. centrally
through the township, and bounds it
on the S. E. ; by Robinson's brook,
a tributary of that stream; and by
Moss's creek, which, after a crooked
course of about 7 miles, empties into
the Sound, on the N. E. boundary.
Rahway post-town, is the only vil-
lage of the township, and one-half of
that is in the adjoining county. Po-
pulation in 1830, 1983. In 1832,
there were in the township, 375 tax-
ables, 177 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30; 117 single
men, 5 merchants, 6 grist mills, 4
saw mills, 1 paper mill, 1 printing
and bleaching establishment, 254
horses and mules, and 711 neat cat-
tle, over 3 years of age; and it paid
state tax, $212 98; county, $557 25;
poor, $600; road, $400.
Ratnapo River, rises in the re-
cesses of Sterling mountain. Orange
CO., New York; and flows thence by
a S. course, dividing the Ramapo
mountain, to the boundary between
that state and New Jersey, 14 miles;
thence, deflecting S. W. it follows
the base of the mountain, 13 miles
to Pompton river, about 2 miles be-
low Ryerson's, forming in part, the
RAN
224
RAR
boundary between Franklin and
Pompton townships. It is a fine mill
stream, receiving several small tri-
butaries from the east, v/hich also
move mills.
Ramapo Mountain, Bergen co., is
a high hill of angular form, with its
base upon Ramapo river, in the state
of New York, and enclosed by that
river on the east, and Ringwood river
on the west; partly in Pompton and
partly in Franklin townships. Its
breadth, at the base, is about 5 miles,
and its length about 10. Its heioht
under 1000 feet, composed of primi-
tive rock, and covered with wood.
Ramsaysburg, p-t. of Knowlton
t-ship, Warren co., on the bank of
the Delaware, 215 miles N. E.
from W. C, and 59 from Trenton,
and 5 miles N. from Belvidere. Con-
tains a tavern, store, an Episcopal
church, and some half dozen dwell-
ings.
Rancocus Creek, rises by two
branches ; the north, on the western
border of Monmouth county, flowing
a little north of west, about 28 miles,
passing by the town of Mount Holly,
to which place it is navigable; the
south branch, composed of sevei'al
streams, which have their source in
Burlington county, and flow north-
westward, uniting at Eayrstown, and
thence running by Lumbcrton, to the
junction with the north branch, four
miles below that town. This branch
is navigable to Eayrstown. The uni-
ted streams continue a N. W. course
for about 7 miles, to the Delaware.
The wood, timber, and produce of a
large extent of country find their way
to market by this stream.
Randolph t-ship, Morris co., bound-
ed N. by Rockaway river, which se-
parates it from Pequannock t-ship;
E. by Hanover and Morris t-ships ;
S. by Mendham ; S. E. by Chester,
and W. by Roxbury t-ships. Cen-
trally distant, N. W., from Morris-
town, 7 miles; greatest length, 7;
breadth, 5 miles ; area, 18,000 acres;
surface, mountainous — Schooley's
mountain, filling the northern part,
and Trowbridge mountain crossing
the southern. In the valley, between
them, rises and flows Den branch of
Rockaway river. Black river has
one of its sources in the northern
mountain, near the seat of the ho-
nourable Mahlon Dickerson, Esq.,
near which also rises Dell's brook, a
tributary of the Rockaway, flowing
eastward through Pleasant valley.
The great bed of magnetic iron ore
which may be traced in the direction
of the stratification from the White
Hills, in New Hampshire, terminates
in this township near the Black river,
upon its western boundary. On this
bed the mine of Mr. Dickerson is
remarkable for the abundance and
excellent quality of its product, and
the skill with which it is wrought ; and
the ore is transported in wagons and
by the Morris canal, to the furnaces
and forges, not only of this county,
but of the neighbouring counties and
states. This mine has been wrought
many years. Shafts have been sunk
to the depth of 70 feet, and drifts dri-
ven more than 120 feet. Thei'e is
carbonate of lime mingled with the
iron, which renders any other flux
unnecessary in smelting. In 1830,
the population of the township was
1443 souls; and in 1832, the town-
ship contained 324 taxables, 78
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30; 40 single men, 5 stores,
6 saw and 4 grist mills, 1 furnace, 1
forge, 1 oil mill, 1 fulling mill, 1
carding machine, 35 tan vats, 250
horses, and 770 neat cattle over three
years of age, 4 distilleries; and it
paid state tax, $156 70; county tax,
$350 82 ; poor tax, $800 ; road tax,
$800.
Raritan River, is formed by three
great branches, the North, the South,
and the Millstone river. (For a de-
scription of the last, sec article 3Iill-
stone River.) The North Branch
rises in the valley N. of Trowbridge
mountain, in Randolph t-ship, Morris
CO., and flows S. through that and
Somerset co., to the main branch in
Bridgewator t-ship, of iho latter, about
4 miles W. of Somerville, receiving
in its course. Black or Lamington
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225
REA
river, a stream longer and larger
than itself, and several smaller tribu-
taries. Passinif through a mountain-
ous country, it is a rapid stream, with
a pretty direct course, and gives mo-
tion to several mills. The South
Branch has its source in Budd's pond
or lake, on the summit of Schooley's
mountam, and within three miles, be-
comes an efficient mill stream, turn-
ing several water works. It flows
by a S. W. course, through the chain
of hills of the South mountain to
Clinton; thence deflects easterly
through the same chain, passing
within a mile and a half of Fleming-
ton, to the western boundary of So-
merset CO. ; thence turned to the N.
W. by the Nashanic mountain, it
receives the North Branch, and by
an easterly course, traverses that
county to the eastern boundary:
flowing within two miles of Somer-
ville, and receiving the Millstone
river from the south, about three
miles from that town. From Bound
Brook it reassumes a S. E. course,
and forms the boundary between So-
merset and Middlesex counties, to
New Brunswick ; thence through the
latter county by a winding course in
the salt marsh, it meets the ocean at
Perth Amboy. From this point the
Raritan bay extends to the light-
house on Sandy Hook, 14 miles.
The length of the river is from Am-
boy to New Brunswick, by the wind-
ings 15 miles; from New Brunswick
to the mouth of the Millstone 10;
from the mouth of the Millstone to
the mouth of the North Branch 7 ;
and from thence to its source, 42
miles; in all 74 miles. It may be
navigated by small boats beyond
Bound Brook ; but we believe this is
never attempted above New Bruns-
wick. To that town, sloops, schoon-
ers, and steam-boats of considerable
burden ascend. The Delaware and
Raritan canal enters the valley of the
river at the mouth of the Millstone,
and terminates at New Brunswick.
Immediately above Brunswick the
river may be forded at low water,
when below the town a 20 gun ship
2r
may securely ride. In high tide,
however, sloops may pass a mile
above the ford. The bridge opposite
the city, near 1000 feet in length,
wide enough for two carriages to pass
abreast, with a foot way, built of
wood, on 11 stone piers beside the
abutments, was first completed in
1796; and rebuilt by a joint stock
company, in 1811.
Raritan Bay, extends from the
mouth of Raritan river, at Perth Am-
boy eastward, 14 miles to the ocean,
at Sandy Hook, and is about 2 miles
Avide at Amboy Point, but increases
in width between Sandy Hook and
the Narrows at Fort Richmond on
Staten Island. There are tw^o chan-
nels through the bay. The northern
carries from 24 to 28 feet water to
Amboy; the southern about 12 feet.
The bay abounds with oysters, and
the lands beneath the water, claimed
by the state, are in part divided into
small lots, and granted on rent (bad-
ly paid) to the fishermen. More than
250- acres have been thus leased, on
which oysters are planted from time
to time, whose increase mves large
annual profits to those concerned in
the fishery. (See Perth Amhoy.)
Raritan Landing, on the left bank
of the Raritan river, at the head of
tide w'ater, and two miles above New
Brunswick, in Piscataway township,
Middlesex co. This is a place of
considerable business ; contains some
20 dwellings, 2 stores and a tavern,
chiefly on the primitive bank of the
river, which is here high, and having
bet\\'een it and the ■\\'atcr, a broad bot-
tom of rich alluvial land. There is a
wooden bridge here across the river.
Rattle Snake Run, branch of Mill
creek, Fairfield t-ship, Cumberland
CO., uniting with its recipient at the
village of Fairton.
Readington t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. by Tewkesbury t-ship;
E. by Bridgewater t-ship, Somerset
CO.; S. and S. W. by Amwell t-ship;
W. by Kingwood, and N. W. by
Bethlehem t-ship. Centrally distant
N. E. from Flemington 8 miles;
length N. and S. 12 miles; breadth
RED
226
RIN
E. and W. 7^ miles; surface, hilly,
except on the S. E. where it is level ;
soil, red shale, clay, and loam. The
South Branch of the Raritan river,
flows on the S. W., S., and S. E. of
the t-ship, and receives from it Camp-
bell's and Holland's Brooks. The
northern part is drained by Rocka-
way creek and its branches. Popu-
lation in 1830, 2102. In 1832 there
were in the t-ship 7 merchants, 5
saw mills, 7 grist mills, 6 distilleries,
2 carding machines, and 2 fulling
mills, 705 horses and mules, 1200
neat cattle over 3 years of age. The
t-ship paid state and county taxes,
$1323 75. White House and Pot-
terstown are post-towns of the t-ship.
Recklesstown, p-t. of Chesterfield
t-ship, Burlington co., 12 miles N.
E. of Mount Holly, 5 S. E. from Bor-
dentown, 11 from Trenton, and 177
from W. C. ; contains a tavern, store,
and 10 or 12 dwellings, in a very
fertile country of sandy loam.
Red BanJc, p-t. of Shrewsbury
t-ship, Monmouth co., on the south
shore of the Nevisink river, 46 miles
E. from Trenton, 13 miles N. E. from
Freehold, 3 N. from Shrewsbury;
contains within a circle of a mile in
diameter about 100 dwellings, 3 ta-
verns and 4 stores. The surrounding
country is fertile and pleasant; a
steam-boat runs between it and New
York, and many persons from that
city spend the hot weather of summu'
here; finding very agreeable enter-
tainment in the families of respectable
farmers, in visits to the sea shore,
in fishing, and other rural sports.
A bridge near 300 feet in length,
resting on wooden piers, has been
thrown across the river here, at the
expense of the county.
Red Bank, on the Delaware river,
between Big Timber and Woodbury
creeks, named from the colour of the
earth of which it is composed; re-
markable for a fort called ]\Iercer,
erected here during the revolutionary
war, and its brave and successful de-
fence by Col. Creen, against a de-
tachment from the British army, com-
manded by Count Donop, on the 22d
Oct. 1777; in which the Count and
many officers were made prisoners,
and a lieutenant colonel, 3 captains,
4 lieutenants, and 70 privates were
killed. In commemoration of this
event, a monument of handsome grey
marble has been reared, bearing the
following inscription.
THIS MONUMENT
was erected on the 22d October, 1829,
To transmit to posterity, a grateful re-
membrance of" the
Patriotism and Gallantry of
Lieut. Col. Christopher Green, who with
400 men, conquered the Hessian army
of 2UUU troops, then in the British
service, at the Red Bank, on
the 22d October, 1777.
Among the wounded was found their
commander,
COUNT DONOP,
who died of his wounds, and whose body
is interred near the spot where he fell.
A number of the
New Jersey and Pennsylvania
volunteers.
Being desirous to perpetuate the memory
of the distinguished officers and sol-
diers, who fought and bled in
the glorious struggle for
American Independence,
HAVE
Erected this Monument, on the 22d day
of October, Anno Domini, ltf2'J.
Red Lion, hamlet of Northamp-
ton t-ship, Burlington co., 9 miles S.
W. from Mount Holly.
Reed''s Bay, a salt marsh lake of
Galloway t-ship, Gloucester co., about
2 miles in length, and I in breadth,
communicating with Absecum bay,
and with the ocean, by a channel
flowing through Absecum inlet.
Repui/po Creek, Gloucester co.,
rises on the line separating Green-
wich from Woolwich t-shi[), and flows
N. W. 7 or 8 miles, to the Delaware
river, o|)posite to Chester Island.
Rice^s Pond, Knowlton t-ship,
Warren co., source of Beaver Brook,
which flows thence to Pequest creek,
by a S. W. course of 10 miles, turn-
ing several iViills in its course.
Ringwood River, rises in Sterling
pond. Sterling mountain, state of New
York, and runs by a southerly course
of 16 miles, through Pomplon t-ship,
Bergen co., to the Pequaimock cre(jk,
forming with it Pompton river. It is
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227
ROC
a rapid mill stream, and receives seve-
ral tributaries, which also turn mills.
Ringioood, village, on the above
stream, and within a mile and a half
of the state line; contains a blast fur-
nace, a forge, a store, and three dwell-
ings beside those for the workmen at
the iron works. Surrounding coun-
try, mountainous and barren; distant
24 miles from Hackensack.
Ringoestotim, p-t. of Amwell t-ship,
Hunterdon co., 6 miles S. of Fle-
mington, 17 N. of Trenton, and 176
N. E. from W. C. ; contains 1 ta-
vern, 3 stores, 1 Presbyterian church,
an academy, and 26 dwellings, sad-
dlery, and smith shop, cotton and
woollen factory, and grist mill. This
is a delightful village, lying in the
valley immediately at the foot of
the Rock mountain, and upon a soil
of loam, composed of red shale and
clay, very deep, and highly cultivated
in grain and grass. Lands imme-
diately round the village, readily
bring $100 the acre, and those more
distant in the valley, $50 the acre.
Roadstown, p-t. of Cumberland
CO., on the line dividing Stow Creek
and Hopewell t-ships, 5 miles W. of
Bridgeton, 179 N. E. of W. C, and
73 by post-route from Trenton ; con-
tains 20 dwellings, 1 tavern, 2 stores,
and a large Baptist church of brick.
The town is peopled principally by
the cultivators of the soil ; the soil is
good loam, and improving by the use
of marl.
Robinhood, branch of Maurice
river, a small tributary, flowing from
the east into the river, about 2 miles
below Maul's bridge.
Robin^s, branch of Batsto river,
rises in Northampton t-ship, Burling-
ton CO., and flows S. W. about 10
miles, to its recipient in Washington
t-ship. It is a mill stream.
Robinson's Broolc, tributary of
Rahway river, rises on the S. W.
border of Rahway t-ship, and flows
E. by a course of about 6 miles, to
its recipient at Bridgetown or Rah-
way.
Rockmray river, Morris cc, rises
by two ]iriucipal branches in the
mountains of Pequannock and Jcfter-
son t-sliips; the one flowing through
Longwood valley, and the other
through Green Pond valley, and
commingling about a mile S. E. of
Mount Pleasant. The united streams,
thence, flow through a deep and rapid
channel, by a very serpentine course
of about 20 miles, to the Passaic river.
The volume and fall of this stream
adapt it admirably to hydraulic pur-
poses, and there are many mills upon
it, principally for working of iron, as
at Dover, Rockaway village, Boon-
ton, &c.
Rockaway Valley, of Hanover and
Pequannock t-ships, Morris co., north
of Trowbridge mountain ; a narrow
vale crossed by the Rockaway river.
Rockaway, p-t. of Morris co., on
both banks of the Rockaway river,
8 miles N. of Morristown, 229 N. E.
from W. C, and 63 from Trenton ;
contains 1 rolling mill, 2 forges, 1
grist and saw mill, 4 stores, 1 tavern,
a Presbyterian or Dutch Reformed
church, and from 20 to 25 dwellings.
The Morris canal passes through the
village.
Rocky Hill, one of the chain of
trap rock hills, which extend from
the Delaware, below Lambertsville,
N. E. across the state, in Amwell
t-ship, Hunterdon co., and in Mont-
gomery t-ship, Somerset co., about 2
miles N. of Princeton. The sur-
face of this hill is rugged; soil, deep
clay, covered with heavy timber. It
extends E. and W. about 6 miles, to
the JVfillstone river, which seems to
have forced a passage through it.
Rocky Hill, p-t., Montgomery
t-ship, Somerset co., at the N. E.
base of Rocky hill, on the Millstone
river, and turnpike road from New
Brunswick to Lambertsville, 12 miles
S. W. of Somerville, 185 N. E. from
W. C, and 14 from Trenton; con-
tains a gi'ist and saw mill, a woollen
manufactory, 2 stores, 2 taverns, and
12 or 15 dwellings.
Rockaxvay Creek, Hunterdon co.,
rises by two branches ; one from the
northern part of Tewkesbury t-ship,
1 and the otlier from the western border
ROU
S28
RYE
of Readington t-ship, uniting in the
latter t-ship, and thence flowing into
Lamington river, or the north branch
of the Raritan. By its longest arm
the stream has a course oi" 12 miles.
It is a fine, rapid mill stream.
Rock Brook, tributary of Beden's
Brook, rises in the Nashanic moun-
tain, Amwell t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
and by a S. E. course of about 6
miles, unites with its recipient near
the centre of Montgomery t-ship, So-
mei'set co.
Rock Mowitain, fills the S. E.
angle of Amwell t-ship, and the N.
E. angle of Hopewell t-ship, Hunter-
don CO., and extends N. E. into So-
merset CO., having a length of about
10 miles, with a very irregular
breadth. On the north it sends forth
tributaries to the south branch of the
Raritan river, and on the south to
the Millstone river. The hill is of
trap rock, imposed on old, red sand-
stone.
Rockshury, village of Oxford t-sp,
Warren co., 5 miles S. of Bclvidere,
upon the road leading to Philipsburg ;
contains a tavern, store, 2 grist and 1
oil mill, an air furnace for small cast-
ings, and from 15 to 20 dwellings.
Rocktoion, small hamlet, of Am-
well t-ship, Hunterdon co., 7 miles
S. of Flemington ; contains 1 tavern,
1 store, and some 2 or 3 dwellings.
It lies in the pass through the Rock
mountain, and is named from the
abundance of large rocks around it.
Rocky Brook, a tributary of Mill-
stone river, rises in Upper Freehold
t-ship, Monmouth co., above Imlay's
mill, and flows by a N. W. course
through East Windsor t-ship, Middle-
sex CO., about 9 miles to its recipient,
on the boundary of South Biunswick
t-ship, passing through Ilightstown,
and turning several mills.
Rotten Pond, covering about ir)0
acres, on the boundary between Frank-
lin and Poinplon t-sliips, Bergen co.,
and on the Ramapo mountain.
Rovnd Valley, in the S. E. angle
of Lebanon t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
nearly surrounded by mountains;
drained by Piscot Brook, a tributary
of the south branch of the Raritan
river.
Roicandtown, small village of
Newton t-ship, Gloucester co., on the
road from Camden to Haddonfield,
about 4 miles from the former, and 2
from the latter ; contains some 6 or 8
dwellings, and several mechanics; sur-
rounded by a country of sandy loam.
Roxhiiry t-ship, ]\Iorris co., bound-
ed N. and W. by the Hopatcong
lake and Musconetcong river, which
separates it from Warren and Sussex
counties; N. E. by Jefferson t-ship;
E. by Randolph ; S. E. by Chester ;
and S. W. by Washington t-ships.
Centrally distant from Morristown N.
W. 14 miles; greatest length N. and
S. 12, breadth E. and W. 10 miles;
area, 35,840 acres ; surface, gene-
rally mountainous;- but the Sucka-
sunny Plains extend some miles in
length, by two or three in breadth.
Schooley's mountain fills the greater
portion of its area. On its summit
lies Budd's Pond, two miles in length
by one in breadth, whence flows a
tributary of the south branch of the
Raritan river; the main stream of
which has its source in a small pond,
two miles north of Drakcsville, in
this t-ship. Black river forms, in part,
its eastern boundary. On the moun-
tain the soil is clay and loam, but
limestone is even there mixed with
the granitic rock, and is found in the
valley on the S. W. Flanders, Sucka-
sunny, Drakestown, and Drakesville,
are villages of the t-ship; at the two
iirst of which arc post-offices. Popu-
lation in 1830, 2202. In 1832 the
t-ship contained 410 taxables, 92
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 in value; 44 single men,
4 stores, 9 saw, 10 grist, and 2 full-
ing mills, 16 tan vats, 8 distilleries,
15 chairs and sulkies; and it paid
state tax, S261 07 ; county tax,
$584 51 ; poor tax, $300 ; and road
tax, $800.
Roxhvry. (See Rockshury.)
Ryersons, a village at and near
the junction of Ringwood and Pe-
quannock rivers, in the S. E. angle
of Pompton t-ship. There are here
SAD
229
SAL
1 tavern, 3 grist mills, a carding ma-
chine, a furnace, and store, a Di.itch
Reformed church, an academy, and
from 15 to 20 dweinngs; surrounded
by a rich and productive country. The
post-office is at Pompton, on the right
side of the river, in Morris co.
Roy^s Brook, a tributary of the
Millstone river, rising at the S. E.
foot of Nashanic mountain, and flow-
ing by a devious, but generally, N.
E. course of about 7 or 8 miles, to
its recipient, below Rogers' mill.
Saddle River, rises in the state of
New York, 3 or 4 miles beyond the
northern boundary of this state, and
flows thence, southwardly, about 18
miles, through Bergen co., forming
the boundary between Franklin and
Harrington t-ships, Saddle River, and
New Barbadoes, and Lodi t-ships, to
its recipient, the Passaic river, about
a mile above Acquackanonck. It has
a rapid course, and considerable vo-
lume, and mills are strung thickly
along its banks. The valley through
which it flows is broad, and shows
evidence in the gravel, and boulders,
and water-worn hills, that at some
day, a much larger volume of water
ran through it.
Saddle River t-ship. The t-ship
and river both have their name from
the shape of the former, which re-
ceives from the Passaic river the
shape of a saddle. It is bounded N.
by Frankhn t-ship; E. by Saddle
river, separating it from Harrington,
New Barbadoes, and Lodi t-ships ;
S. by the Passaic river; and W. by
Pompton river, which divides it from
Morris co., and by Pompton t-ship.
Centrally distant N. W. from Hack-
ensacktown 8 miles: greatest length
E. and W. 10 miles; breadth N. and
S. 8 miles; area, 41,000 acres, of
which, about 17,000 are improved:
the surface is generally hilly, the
First and Second mountains of Essex
CO., crossing the Passaic and continu-
ing through it. On 'the east, how-
ever, between the Passaic and Saddle
rivers, thei-e fs a neck of low and
level land ; soil, red shale and loam ;
the valleys fertile and well cultivated.
and the hills well wooded. Through
the valleys flow several small brooks,
such as Singack, Preakness, Kro-
kaevall, Goflle, and Ackerman's
Brooks. Goffle, and New Manches-
ter, a part of Paterson City, are the
chief villages of the t-ship. Popula-
tion in 1830, 3397. In 1832 there
were 741 taxables, 496 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30 in
value; 80 single men, 7 stores, 8
grist mills, 1 cotton manufactory, 1
furnace, 10 saw mills, 13 tan vats, 2
distilleries, 1 wool factory, 506 horses
and mules, and 1 324 neat cattle over
3 years of age ; and it paid state tax,
$364 10; and county tax, $690 26.
Salem County has its name from
its chief town and seat of justice, Sa-
lem, founded by John Fenwicke, in
the year 1675. By the act for ascer-
taining the bounds of all the counties
in the province, passed 21st January,
1710, the following were the bounda-
ries given to it : " Beginning at the
mouth of a creek on the west side of
Stipson's island, called Jecak's creek,
now West creek ; thence by said
creek as high as the tide floweth;
thence hj a direct line to the mouth
of a small creek at Tuckahoe, where
it comes into the southernmost main
branch of the fork of the Great Egg
Harbour river; thence up the said
branch to the head thereof; thence
along the bounds of Gloucester coun-
ty to the river Delaware, and thence
by the river and bay to the place of
beginning ; and thus it included the
whole of Cumberland county. The
latter county was taken from it by
the act of 19th Jan. 1748; and the
boundaries then established, confirm-
ed by the act of 7th Dec. 1763, by
which the southern boundary of Sa-
lem county was then fixed as follows :
Commencing at the middle of the
mouth of Stow creek ; thence by the
same, opposite to the mills formerly
of John Brick ; thence up the middle
of Stow creek branch opposite the
house of Hugh Dunn ; thence by a
direct line to said house, leaving it in
Cumberland county ; and thence by a
straight line N. 51° 15' E. 94 chains,
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230
SAL
to the house of Aziel Picrson, leav-
ing that also in Cumberland county ;
thence N. E. by a line intersecting
the line of Pilesgrove t-ship, 305
chains ; thence by Pilesgrove line S.
47° E. to the middle of Maurice river,
below the mouth of Muddy run ; thence
up the middle of said river to the foot
of Scotland !>ranch ; thence up the
middle of said branch to Gloucester
line." The county is, therefore, now
bounded by the Delaware bay and
river on the S. VV., W., and N. W. ;
by Gloucester co. on the N. E ; and
Cumberland co, on the S. E. Great-
est length N. and S. about 30 miles ;
breadth E. and W. 26 miles ; area,
320 square miles, or 204,936 acres ;
central lat. 39° 33'; lonn-. from W.
C. 1° 50' E.
The surface of the county is gene-
rally flat. Its soil, in the norUiern
and western parts, clay and loam,
mixed more or less with sand, and
generally productive, in wheat, grass,
oats, &c. In the south-eastern parts,
the soil is sandy and gravelly, and
less fertile, but yielding much tim-
ber and cord wood of oak and pine,
which succeed alternately when a
clearing is made. This is particu-
larly the case with a strip of about
20 miles long, extending across Lower
and Upper Alloways Creek and Pitts-
grove t-ships, denominated the Bar-
rens. The county is well watered,
having Oldman's creek on its north-
ern boundary, Salem and Alloways
creeks running through it centrally,
and Stow creek on the soulhern li-
mits.
The county consists of alluvial and
diluvial formation, the washings of
the ocean and the primitive strata,
being very irregularly mingled, and
beds of stiff clay, loam, and gravel,
are interspersed with white sea sand.
From two to twenty feet below the
surface, in several places, there is
found a species of greenish blue marl,
as at Pedricktown and Woodstown,
which is used as manure. Tn it there
are shells, as the ammonite, bclcm-
nite, ovulite, ostrca, terobratula, &c.
similar to those Hunid in I he limestone
and grauwacke of the transition ; and
in the horizontal limestone and sand-
stone. We have not heard of any
bog iron ore in the county, though it
probably exists; but sandstone and
puddingstone, cemented with iron ore,
are not uncommon.
Salem, Woodstown, Sharptown,
ScuUtown, Pedricktown, Daretown,
Pittstown, Allowaystown, Fricsburg,
Canton, Hancock's Bridge, and Quin-
ton's Bridge, are villages of the co.
The county was originally settled
by Dutch and Swedes; and subse-
quently by the English, companions
of John Fenwicke, who landed here
in 1675; and it derived its principal
inhabitants from the same source.
Some Dutch fixed themselves at,
and gave name to, Fricsburg, in Up-
per Alloways Creek t-ship. The
population by the census of 1830,
amounted to 14,155, of whom, 6443
were white males; 6300 white fe-
males ; 1 slave ; 673 free coloured
males, and 638 free coloured females.
There were also in the county, 6
whites, deaf and dumb; 7 blind, and
27 aliens; and in 1832, taxables,
3092; 1103 householders, whose ra-
tables did not exceed $30 ; 47 store-
keepers, 6 fisheries, 13 grist mills, 19
saw mills, 2 carding machines with
spinning machines for wool, 6 fulling
mills, 7 tanneries, 15 distilleries, 19
stud horses, 3103 horses and mules,
7300 neat cattle, over 3 years of age;
and the county paid for t-ship pur-
poses, $5076; for county purposes,
$7000; and state tax, $2156 60.
There were in the county 7 Friends'
meeting houses, 6 Methodist, 5 Bap-
tist, 1 Seven-day Baptist, 2 Episco-
palian, 2 Presbyterian, and 2 Afri-
can Methodist churches ; 1 academy
at Salcmtown, and sufTicient other
schools there, and in every t-ship, to
teach the rudiments of an English
education.
The other public buildings of the
county consist of a large court-house,
with fire proof offices detached, of
brick; a stone jn'ison, a large poor-
house, with a farm annexed, and two
buildings erected ft^r masonic halls.
SAL
231
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The trade of the county consists
of wheat, rye, Indian corn, oats, and
garden vegetables for market, lumber,
and cord wood. Considerable quan-
tities of gi-ain are annually exported
from Salem to the Eastern states.
The courts of common pleas and
general quarter sessions of the peace,
for the county, are annually holden
at Salem, on the first Tuesdays of
March and December, the second
Tuesday of June, and the third Tues-
day of September; and the circuit
court, on the second Tuesday of June
and the first Tuesday of September.
The county, by virtue of the constitu-
tion, elects one member of council,
and three members of the Assembly.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF SALEM COUNTY.
^
^
Population.
Townships.
Area.
Surface.
h4
ra
1810.
1820.
1830.
Upper Alloways Creek,
10^
9
34,000
p't level, rolling.
1921
2194
2136
Lower Alloways Creek,
12
9
30,000
level.
1182
1217
1222
Elsinborough,
6
4
8000
do.
517
505
503
Mannington,
9
8
20,000
do.
1664
1732
1726
Upper Penn's Neck,
9
7i
21,053
do.
1638
1861
1638
Lower Penn's Neck,
9
6
12,645
do.
1163
1158
994
Pilesgrove,
9
6'.
24,000
do.
1756
2012
2150
Pittsgrove,
15
7
44,000
p't level, p't roll.
1991
2040
2216
Salem, •
2
2
1238
level.
929
1303
1570
204,936
12,761
14,022
14,155
Salem t-ship and post-town, and
seat of justice of Salem county, situ-
ate 171 miles N. E. of W. C, 65 S.
of Trenton, and 34 S. E. from Plii-
ladelphia; lat. 39° 32',- long, from
W. C. 1° 35'. The t-ship is of cir-
cular form, and is nearly surrounded
by water, having on the N. W. the
Salem creek, on the N. E. and E.
Fenwicke's creek, a tributary of that
stream, and on the W. another small
tributary of the same stream. The
town is distant from the Delaware,
by the creek, 3g miles. The t-ship
is about 2 miles in diameter, and con-
tains 1238 acres of well improved
land, of a rich sandy loam, divided
into'' town lots and 12 farms. The
town contains about 250 dwellings ;
a fine court-house, about 60 by 40
feet, of brick, with brick fire proof
offices adjacent; 1 Episcopalian, 1
Methodist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist,
1 African JMethodist, and 2 Quaker
(one being orthodox and the other
Hicksite) churches; 1 building of
brick, of gothic architeclure, designed
for a masonic hall, but which is now
appropriated to other purposes, the
lodge being extinct ; a bank with ca-
pita] paid in of $75,000 ; a stone jail
with yard, surrounded by a high
stone wall, both of small dimensions ;
1 market house, 2 fire engines, 2
public libraries, 1 academy, and 5
daily schools for teaching the rudi-
ments of an English education ; 5
Sunday schools, 2 printing offices, at
each of which is printed a weekly
newspaper, called, respectively, "T/te
Salem Messenger,^'' and "y/ie Ame-
rican Statesman;" 21 stores, 2 ho-
tels, 7 physicians, 5 lawyers, 3 lum-
ber yards, 1 steam mill which grinds
much grain, 1 horse mill, 5 apotheca-
ries' stores, 1 livery stable. A steam-
boat leaves the town daily, for Dela-
Avare City and Newcastle, to meet
the morning steam-boat from Phila-
dcljihia; 1 four horse stage runs daily
to Philadelphia, another to Penns-
grove, on the Delaware, to meet the
Wilmington steam-boat for Philadel-
phia; a two horse daily line to Bridge-
to\vn, and a two hor.sc line to Center-
ville, once a week. The creek at the
SAL
232
SAN
town, is 152 yards wide, over which
is a wooden bridge, resting on wooden
piers, with a draw for the passage of
vessels. Over Fenwicke creek, a
short distance above its junction with
Salem creek, is another wooden
bridge, a neat structure, roofed. Ves-
sels of 50 tons may approach the
town safely, but the bar at the mouth
of the creek prevents the entry of
vessels drawing more than cia-ht feet
water. Large quantities of wheat,
rye, oats, and corn, are exported from
this place to the eastern states. The
streets of the town are wide — foot-
ways paved, and bordered with trees ;
the houses of frame and brick, the
former painted white, are surrounded
with gardens and grass lots, and
adorned with flowers, giving to the
place, a cheerful and healthy appear-
ance, surpassed by few villages in the
United States. The t-ship contained
in 1830, 1570 inhabitants: in 1832,
267 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30 in value; and 397
taxables, 2 tan yards, 1 distillery;
and it paid taxes for t-ship purposes,
$426 ; county use, $738 25 ; and state
use, $233 35.
The site of the town of Salem was
the first spot visited, and we believe,
the first settled, by the English emi-
grants to West Jersey. Soon after
the sale by Lord Berkeley of one
moiety of the provmce, to Edward
Byllingc, John Fenwicke, the agent
of the latter set sail, (in 1675) to
visit the new purchase in a ship from
London, called the Griffith. After a
short passage, he landed at this plea-
sant spot, which, from its aspect of
peace, he called Salem. He brought
with him two daughters, and several
servants, two of which, Samuel Hedge
and John Adams, afterwards married
his daughters. Other passengers
were, Edward Champncss, Edward
and Samuel Wade, John Sinith, Sa-
muel Nichols, Richard Guy, Rich-
ard Noble, Richard Hancock, John
Pledger, Hypolite Lefever, and John
Matlock, and others, who were mas-
ters of families.
Salem Creek, Salem co., rises in
Pittsgrove t-ship, and flows N; W.
through that and Pilesgrove t-ship,
by Woodstown and Sharptown, about
17 miles to the S. W. angle of Upper
Penn's Neck t-ship; thence turning
S. and S. W., it divides Mannington
and Lower Penn's Neck t-ships, and
passing by Salem, empties into the
Delaware river, 3^ miles below that
town. There is a bar at the mouth,
on which at high tide there are eight
feet water. Vessels of 50 tons ap-
proach the town safely; but within
the bar, there is water, it is said, for
vessels of 300 tons burden. The
whole length of the creek may be
about 30 miles, and it is navigable
for shallops nearly half that distance.
A short canal of 3 or 4 miles, through
Upper and Lower Penn's Neck
t-ships, unites the creek with the De-
laware, saving a distance to the craft;
which navigate the creek, of about
20 iniles.
Sampfoicn, Piscataway t-ship, Mid-
dlesex CO., about 8 miles N. from
New Brunswick, on the left bank of
Cedar creek; contains a Baptist
church, 10 or 12 houses, tavern and
store, in a tolerably fertile country of
red shale.
Sand Hills, small hamlet of Not-
tingham t-ship, Burlington co. There
is a tavern, and 12 or 15 dwellings
here; the turnpike road, and the
Camden and Amboy rail-road, run
near it. The carriages from and for
Trenton meet the rail-road cars here.
Distance from Trenton, about 5, and
from Bordontown, 3 miles.
Sand Hills, noted hills in the N.
W. part of South Brunswick t-ship,
Middlesex co., covering an area of
about 4 miles by 2; about 7 miles
VV. from lirunswick.
Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook bay:
the first is a sandy beacli, extejiding
northward, from ()ld Shrewsbury in-
let, and the S. point of the highlands
of Nevishik, 6 miles, of an irregular
width, varying from half a mile tp
a mile, forming the eastern boundary
of the bay. The bay sets in from
the Raritan bay, southwards, and is
about 7 miles wide, between Point
SAN
233
SCH
Comfort, the western cape, and the
point of the Hook. Its depth to the
S. point of the Nevisink hills, which
form the coast for about 6 miles, is
about 6 miles. The western shore
encroaches, eastwardly, upon the
water until it is narrowed to three-
quai'ters of a mile.
Sand Pond, a small sheet of water,
in Wallkill mountains, Vernon t-ship,
Sussex CO., which sends forth a small
tributary to the Wallkill river.
Sand Pond, the source of Stout's
brook, on the N. line of Hardwick
t-ship.
Sandtoion, or Berkely, village of
Greenwich t-ship, Gloucester co., on
Mantua creek, 4 miles S. W. from
Woodbury ; contains a store, tavern,
12 or 15 dwellings, and an Episcopal
church.
Sandtoion, Nottingham t-ship,
Burlington co., on the road from
Trenton to Cranberry, about 5 miles
E. of the former, on a sandy plain;
contains a tavern, smithery, and some
half-dozen dwellings.
Sandistone t-ship, Sussex co.,
bounded on the N. E. by Montague
t-ship; S. E. by the Blue mountain,
which divides it from Newton, Frank-
ford, and Wantage t-ships; S. W. by
Walpack t-ship ; and W. by the De-
laware river ; centrally distant, N.
W. from Newton, 12 miles; greatest
length, 8^, breadth, 7 miles; area,
19,320 acres; surface on the E.
mountainous, and on the W. river
alluvion. Population in 1830, 1097.
There were in the t-ship in 1832,
65 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30 ; taxable inhabitants,
240 ; 4 merchants or traders, 5 pair
of stones for grinding grain, 1 card-
ing machine, 4 saw mills, 204 horses
and mules, and 841 neat cattle over
3 years; 13 tan vats, 1 distillery.
The t-ship paid state and county tax,
$426 77; poor tax, $100; road tax,
$500. It is watered by the Big and
Little Flat Kill creeks, and their tri-
butaries, and by the river Delaware.
The Morristown and Milford turn-
pike road crosses it north-westward-
jy, on which lies the post-office, dia-
2 G
tant 241 miles from W. C, 83 from
Trenton, and 13 Irom Newton. Be-
tween the Blue mountain and the
Delaware, there is a rich flat, increas-
ing from two to six miles in width,
through which runs a bed of transi-
tion limestone, girded by an alluvial
belt. This flat produces excellent
crops of wheat. The t-ship was
originally settled by Dutch, whilst
that people held possession of New
York.
Sandy New, small hamlet of Mid-
dletown t-ship, Monmouth co., 9 miles
N. E. of Freehold ; contains a tavern,
and some 3 or 4 dwellings, in a fine
fertile country.
Sargeantsville, p-t. of Amwell
t-ship, Hunterdon co., 6 miles S. W.
from Flemington, 23 N. from Tren-
ton, and 177 N. E. from W. C. ; con-
tains a tavern, store, and some 6 or 8
dwellings. Surrounding country hilly
and poor; lands rated at $20 per
acre. Near this village, on a farm
of 150 acres, Mr. R. Rittenhouse has
established the Mantua Manual La-
bour Institute, with accommodations
for about 30 students, and the pur-
pose to increase them as they may
be required. At this institute are
taught the Greek and Latin lan-
guages, and all other branches of
learning, taught at similar institu-
tions. About three hours every day,
Saturday and Sunday excepted, are
employed in manual labour, by the
students, for which they receive rea-
sonable compensation. The charge
for tuition, board, washing, lodging,
candles, and fuel, is $25 per quarter.
Saw Mill Creek, a marsh stream
about 2 miles in length, in Lodi t-sp,
Bei-gen co.
Saxtonville, small hamlet of Am-
well t-ship, Hunterdon co., on the
river Delaware, 12 miles S. W. from
Flemington; contams some 3 or 4
dwellings; named from the proprie-
tor.
Schooley^s Mountain, SchugVs
Hills, form part of the central gra-
nitic chain, which extends in a N. E.
and S. W. direction, across the state
of New Jersey, from the Delaware to
SCH
234
SCH
the Hudson river. The name, Schoo-
ley's Mountain, derived from a family
formerly owning a considerable por-
tion of its soil, is applied chiefly, to
that portion of the chain which crosses
the N. W. part of Morris county.
The height of the mountain above its
base, has been determined by geo-
metrical measurement, to be more
than 600 feet; and a calculation,
made by approximation, on the falls
of water, on the dilfcrent mill dams
along the i-apid channel of the Mus-
conetcong river, to its junction with
the Delaware, and on the descent,
thence to Trenton, gives to that base
an elevation of 500 feet above tide ;
making the height of the mountain,
above the level of the ocean, some-
what more than 1100 feet.
From the top of the mountain a
turnpike road runs northward to
Sussex, another westward to Easton,
a third eastward to New York, and
a fourth southward towards Tren-
ton. The mineral spring near the
top has given much celebrity to
this region. It is said to have been
known to the aborigines, and to have
been employed by them as a re-
medy, which, with characteristic sel-
fishness, they would have concealed
from the whites. The latter, however,
have resorted to it, since the settlement
of the country. Remarkable cures
have been ascribed to it, and some per-
sons have habitually frequented it, sea-
son after season, on account of the be-
nefit they have derived from the use of
its waters. It is situated in Washington
t-ship, Morris co., 19 miles N. W. of
Morristovvn, 50 from New York, 70
N. E. from Philadelphia, 56 from
Trenton, and 213 from W. C.
The spring is, in strictness, a rill
which issues from a perpendicular
rock, having an eastern exposure,
between 40 and 50 feet above the
level of a brook, which gurgles over
the stones, and loams down the rocks
in the channels beneath. A small
wooden trough is adapted to tlie fis-
sure, so as to convey the water to a
platform where the visiters assemble,
and to the structure containing the
baths. The temperature of the water
is 56° F. being 6° warmer than the
spring water nearer the summit. The
fountain emits about 30 gallons per
hour; which quantity does not vary
with any change of season or wea-
ther. The water, like other chaly-
beates, leaves a deposit of oxidized
iron, as it flows, which discolours the
troughs, baths, and even the drinking
vessels. The bare taste and appear-
ance shows that it is a chalybeate ;
and it is strongly characterized by the
peculiar astringency and savour of
ferruginous impregnations. Though
remarkably clear when first taken,
the water becomes turbid upon stand-
ing for some time in the open air, and
after a long interval, an irridescent
pellicle forms on its surface. Ochre
and other indications of iron are dis-
persed extensively through the sur-
rounding rocks and soil. Iron ore is
so plentifiil in the vicinity that fur-
naces are worked, both in the eastern
and western district of the chain, and
much of the ore is magnetic. Grey
limestone is found at the base of the
hills and along the valleys. The ana-
lysis of the water, by Dr. M'Nevin
of New York, has given the follow-
ing result :
Vegetable extract 92, muriate of
soda 43, muriate of lime 2.40, muri-
ate of magnesia 50, carbonate of lime
7.99, suli)hate of lime 65, carbonate
of magnesia 40, silex 80, carbonated
oxide of iron 2, loss 41 — total 16.50.
The iron from the mineral water
is very easily separated. Exposure
to the atmosphere induces metallic
precipitation ; and transportation to a
distance, even in corked bottles, pro-
duces a like effect; and when thus
freed from its iron, the water may be
used in making tea. The heat of ebul-
lition, also, seems to separate the fer-
ruginous ingredient, and to prevent
any dusky or black tint; for if an in-
fusion of green tea be mixed with wa-
ter fresh from the spring, a dark and
disagreeables hue is instantly produced.
The carbonic acid which this water
contains, is altogether in a state of
combination, and hence it never oc-
SCH
235
SCO
casions flatulence or spasm in the
weakest stomach, whilst it gradually
strengthens tiie digestive powers. —
This chalybeate is considered by -me-
dical men, as one of the purest ofthis,
or any other country, and as beneii-
cial, in most cases of chronic disease,
and general debility, and especially
in cases of calculus in the bladder or
kidneys.
To those in pursuit of health or
pleasure, this region presents equal
attraction. A short journey brings
the patient from the level of tide
water to a very desirable elevation,
which tempers the summer's heat, and
braces the relaxed frame. The plain
on the top of tiie mountain, alfords
very pleasant rides amid ever chang-
ing and delightful scenery, in which
cheering views of improved and pro-
fitable agriculture are blended with
the velvet plain, the craggy hill, and
shadowy vale. Thus the invalid has
every incentive to exercise, by the
highest gratification from his exer-
tions. To him who seeks relaxation
from the cares of business, or to
change sedentary occupation and
feebleness for activity and vigour,
the excellent society which assembles
here during the summer months, the
abundant sport in fowling and fish-
ing, and the delightful scenery, hold
forth strong inducements; to which,
we would be unjust not to add the
excellent fare, cheerful attention, and
comfortable accommodation given to
visiters at the three hotels, and seve-
ral farm houses in the vicinity of the
spring. Belmont Hall, kept by Mr.
G. Bowne, situate on the highest
part of the mountain, shadowed and
embowered by various fruit, forest,
and ornamental trees, is a fine build-
ing, 50 feet square and three stories
high, with very extensive wings ; and
the Heath House of Mr. E. Marsh,
less showy, but not less commodious
or pleasant, afford the visiter all the
means of enjoyment usual at water-
ing places; whilst their distance from
the fountain, (about | of a mile) by
adding the benefits of exercise, does
not diminish the salubrious effects of
tlie water. There is, however, a third
house, immediately at the spring,
wliere such visiters as desire to be
near it, can be accommodated. The
season commences here on the 1st of
June, and continues during the hot
weather.
For the man of science, the mine-
ral region, and geological formation
of the country, possesses much inte-
rest. It abounds with iron and other
minerals. The first, in a mine open-
ed within gun-shot of the Heath
House, is highly magnetic ; so much
so, indeed, as to render the use of
iron tools about it very inconvenient.
The following extraordinaiy circum-
stances we give on the authority of
Mr. Marsh. The tools, by continued
use, become so strongly magnetized,
that in boring the rock, the workman
is unable, at'ter striking the auger
with his hammer, to separate them
in the usual mode of wielding the
hammer, and is compelled to resort
to a lateral or rotatory motion for this
purpose; and the crowbar has been
known to sustain, in suspension, all
the other tools of the mine, in weight M^
equal to a hundred pounds. These
facts are supported by the assurance
of General Dickenson, that the mag-
netic attraction of the tools, used in
his mine, adds much to the fatigue
of the workmen; and that it is of or-
dinary occurrence for the hammer
to lift the auger from the hole during
the process of boring.
Besides the houses for public enter-
tainment, at and near the springs,
there are several others, which, with
a church and school house built by Mr.
Marsh, with the aid of the visiters,
and a post-office, give the neighbour-
hood a village-like appearance. And,
among the attractions of the moun-
tain, we must not forbear to mention
the fishing and boating on Budd's
Pond, a lieautiful sheet of water, two
miles in length by one in breadth, at
seven miles distance from the spring.
This little mountain lake of great
depth and clear as crystal, abounds
with perch, sun, pike, and other fish.
Scotch Plains, p-t. of Westfleld
SEC
236
SHI
t-ship, Essex county, 14 miles from
Newark, Somerville, New Bruns-
wick, Morristown, Elizabethtown
Point, and Amboy; 214 miles N. E.
from W. C, and 48 from Trenton,
on the road from Springfield to So-
merville ; contains, within the diame-
ter of a mile, 1 Baptist church, an
academy, 1 tavern, 2 stores, 3 grist
mills, 2 saw mills, 1 oil mill, 1 straw
paper mill, and about 70 dwellings.
The surface of the adjacent country
is level, except on the W. and N. W.
which is mountainous; soil, clay loam,
well cultivated, and productive, and
valued, in farms, at $40 the acre.
Within 2 miles of the village, a bed
of carbonate of Kme has been lately
discovered, in which are metallic ap-
peai'ances supposed to be gold and
silver, but which are, probably, only
deceptive pyrites.
Scoffs Moviiiain, lying in Green-
wich, Oxford, and Mansfield t-ships,
Warren co., forms part of the chain
of the South mountain, of which this
portion covers much of th(? area of
the three t-ships above named. The
height of the mountain here may be
from 700 to 800 feet above tide, and
it is composed of granitic rock, based
on, or breaking through limestone.
It abounds with iron of several varie-
ties, which, for near a century, has
been extensively worked, near Oxford
furnace; where Messrs. Henry and
Jordan are, now, extensively engaged
in the iron manufacture. The moun-
tain is generally well wooded, and
the valleys fruitful.
Scrahbletoum, hamlet of Hanover
t-ship, Burlington co., 10 miles E.
from Mount Holly, and 12 S. 10. from
Bordentown ; contains a tavern, and
6 or 8 cottages, in a poor, sandy, pine
country.
Sculltomn, a village of Upper
Penn's Neck t-ship, Salem co., on
Oldman's Creek, at the head of navi-
gation; containing from 20 to 30
dwellings, a tavern, and 2 or 3 stores.
It is about 12 miles N. K. of Salem.
Secavcas, isl.-ind in the Cedar
swamp, of the Hnckensnck river, in
Bergen t-ship, Bergen co. ft is nenr
4 miles long by half a mile wide;
terminating in a very distinguished
elevation, called Snake-hitl. The
island is crossed by the turnpike and
rail-road from Hoboken to Paterson.
Serepta, a post-office, Warren co.
Seven Causeways, noted union of
7 roads, near the junction of 4 mile
branch, with Inskeep's branch of the
Great Egg Harbour river, 25 miles
S. E. from Camden, on the line of
Deptford. and Gloucester t-sps, Glou-
cester CO.
Shahaciing Island, formed by the
Delaware river, and part of the t-ship
of Montague, Sussex co., near the
remote N. end of the state.
Shark River, mill stream, rises in
Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.,
and flows along the boimdary, be-
tween that and Howell t-ship, about
6 miles, into a broad estuary, and
thence about 3 miles through Shark
inlet, into the Atlantic ocean.
Sharptown, p-t. and village of
Pilesgrove t-ship, Salem co., on Sa-
lem creek, between 3 and 4 miles
below Woodstown, and 8 or 9 miles
N. E. from Salem, 162 from W. C,
and .56 S. from Trenton; contains
between 40 and 50 dwellings, 1 ta-
vern, 2 stores, 1 grist mill, and one
school house, used occasionally as a
church. The surrounding country is
level and fertile.
Shawpocussing CreeJc, small tri-
butary of the Delaware river, which
rises in Knowlton t-ship, AVarren co.,
at the foot of the Blue mountain, and
flows S. W. to its recipient, having a
course of five miles.
Shell town, on the line between
Hanover t-ship, Burlington co., and
Upper Freehold t-ship, Monmouth
CO., on a small branch of the Cross-
wicks creek ; contains some half-
dozen dwellings. There is a Friends'
meeting house near it, in Monmouth
county.
Shiloh, p-t. in the S. W. angle of
Hardwick t-slii|), Warren co., 12
miles N. E. ofBolvidere, and 60 miles
from Trenton.
Shiloh, hnmlet of Cumberland co.,
on thp linp dividing Hopewell from
SHR
237
SIX
Stow Creek t-ship, about 5 miles N.
W. of Bridgeton; contains 8 or 10
dwellings, and a Seventh-day Baptist
church. The country around it is of
light loam, but in an improving con-
dition.
Shipetaukin, small branch of the
Assunpink creek, rising in Lawrence
t-ship, Hunterdon co., and flowing S.
by a course of 5 or 6 miles to its re-
cipient, through an extensive body of
meadow land.
Shoal Harbour Creek, small
stream at the N. W. foot of the Ne-
visink hills; runs about a mile and
a half N. E. into Sandy Hook bay.
Shretvsbvry Inlet, Old, was open-
ed in 1778, from the ocean into the
estuary formed by the Nevisink and
Shrewsbury rivers, Monmouth co.;
was closed by the moving of the
sands in 1810, but was reopened in
18.30. Vessels now pass through it.
Shrewsbury River, so called, is a
continuation of Sandy Hook bay,
Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.,
which receives from the t-ship,
Shrewsbury river proper, a small
stream of 6 or 7 miles long, Long
Branch, and several other tributaries.
This arm of the bay, from the mouth
of the Nevisink river, is about 5 miles
long, with an average breadth of a
mile and a half, and has a considera-
ble quantity of salt marsh on its bor-
ders. It is separated from the Nevi-
sink by a high neck of land, 2 miles
wide.
Shrewsbury, p-t. of Shrewsbury
t-sp., Monmouth co., between Shrews-
bury and Nevisink rivers, 12 miles
E. from Freehold, 50 S. E. from
Trenton, and 215 N. E. from W. C;
contains 12 or 15 dwellings, an Epis-
copalian and Presbyterian church, 1
tavern, and 2 stores. Soil, sandy
and light.
Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.,
bounded N. by Middletown t-ship;
E. by the Atlantic ocean; S. by
Howell t-ship, and W. by Freehold.
Centrally distant 7 miles E. from
Freehold; length N. and S. 13,
breadth E. and W. 13 miles; area,
64,000 acres ; drained on the N. E.
by the Nevisink and Shrewsbury
rivers, and their tributaries; E. by
White Pond, and Deal creeks, and
S. E. by Shark river; surface level;
soil, clay and sandy loam, on marl,
of good quality on Swimming river,
and its tributaries ; on the S. of these,
sandy, poor, and covered with pine.
On the E., along the shore near and
below the Long Branch boarding-
houses, is a very fertile black sand.
The sea shore in this t-ship, is gene-
rally high and bold, and without
marsh. The celebrated Long Branch
boarding houses, so named from their
vicinity to a long branch of Shrews-
bury river, are in this township.
Population in 1830, 4700. In 1832
the t-ship contained about 900 taxa-
bles; 265 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30; and 150
single men; 21 stores, 5 sawmills,
12 run of stones, for grinding grain,
1 carding machine, 60 tan vats, 730
horses and mules, 1650 neat cattle,
3 years old and upwards ; and paid
state and county tax, $2144 69.
Shrewsbury, Eatontown, Colts Neck,
Long Branch, and Tinton's Falls,
are villages and post-towns of the
t-ship.
Several thousand acres in this
t-ship were settled in 1682, and the
inhabitants were then computed at
400. Lewis Morris of Barbadoes,
the brother of Richard Morris, the
first settler at Morrisania, New York,
and uncle of Lewis Morris, subse-
quently governor of New Jersey, had
iron works and other considerable
impi-ovements here.
Singack, small tributary of Preak-
ness brook. Saddle River t-ship, Ber-
gen CO.
Six Mile Run, village and stream.
The first, a post-town on the Prince-
ton and Brunswick turnpike, (and on
the line between New Brunswick
t-ship, Middlesex co., and Franklin
t-ship, Somerset co.,) 12 miles from
the one, and 4 from the other, 189
from W. C, and 23 from Trenton;
contains a Dutch Reformed church,
2 taverns, 1 store, and from 10 to 12
dwellings. Soil, red shale, level, and
SNU
238
SOM
ivell cultivated. — The stream flows
from North Brunswick, through
Franklin t-ship, by a W. course of
about 6 miles, to the Raritan river.
Slabtown, hamlet of Springfield
t-ship, Burlington co., on the road
from Mount Holly to Bordentown, 4
miles N. of the former ; contains a
Friends' meeting house, and 10 or 12
dwellings, 1 store, and 2 taverns.
Slab Cabin Branch, of the Ran-
cocus creek, rises in Monmouth co.,
and flows a S. W. course of 10 miles,
to its recipient, the North Branch of
that creek, on the south boundary of
Hanover t-ship, Burlington co. Ha-
nover furnace lies upon it, and it turns
several mills.
Slab Cabin Brook, Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co., a small stream about
3 miles in length, which flows into
the south side of Toms' Bay.
Sleepy Creek, a tributary of Atsion
river, rises in Hereford t-ship, and
flows by a S. E. course of about 6
miles, to its recipient, in Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester co.
Smithes Creek, a small mill stream,
which rises near Herbertstown, in
Hopewell t-ship, Hunterdon co., and
flows S. W. by a course of 6 miles,
to the river Delaware, at the foot of
Belle Mount.
SmithiriUe, village of Galloway
t-ship, Gloucester co., 42 miles S. E.
of Woodbury, and 2 miles E. from
Leed's Point ; contains a tavern, store,
Methodist meeting house, and 10 or
12 dwellings; surrounded by pines,
and near the salt marsh.
Snake Hill, a noted eminence of
Secaucas Island, in the marsh on
Hackensack river, and a very pro-
minent ol)ject from the road, between
Jersey City and Newark. Its for-
mation is of trap rock, on sandstone
base.
Snover\s Brook, rises in Sucker
Pond, Stillwater t-ship, Sussex co.,
and flows by a S. W. course of about
8 or 9 miles through the north part
of Hardwicke t-ship, into Paulinskill,
on the northern part of Hamilton t-sp,
Warren co.
SnuJUetown, a small village of San-
disfone t-ship, Sussex co., at the cost
foot of the Wallkill mountain, and in
the valley of the Pacake creek, on
the Paterson and Hamburg turnpike
road, about 15 miles N. E. of New-
ton; contains a Methodist meeting
house, a store, tavern, and tannery,
and 6 or 8 dwellings.
Sodom, p-t. of Knowlton t-ship,
Warren co., on Paulinskill, 12 miles
N. of Belvidere, 4 E. from Columbia;
contains a grist and saw mill, tavern,
store, and some half-dozen dwellings.
Some smelting works have lately
been erected here, said to be for pre-
cious metals, discovered in the Jenny
Jump mountain.
Sodom, Lebanon t-ship, Hunter-
don CO. (See ClarkesviUe.)
Somerset County, was taken from
Middlesex, by an act of the proprie-
taries in 1688. Its bounds were sub-
sequently modified by the legislative
acts of 1709, 1713, and 174i. It is
now bounded on the N. and N. E.
by Morris co. ; on the E. by Essex
and Middlesex; on the S. E. by Mid-
dlesex ; and on the S. W. and N. W.
by Hunterdon co. : greatest length
N. and S. 28 miles ; breadth E. and
W. 20 miles; area, 189,800 acres, or
about 297 square miles : central lat.
40° 34'; long. 2° 15' from W. C.
The whole county lies within the
transition formation, if the old red
sandstone be included within it. Hills
of trap rock, upon the sandstone base,
are scattered over it, as at Rock Hill,
near the southern boundary. Rocky,
or Nashanic mountain on the S. W.,
and Stony Hill N. of Somerville.
The ridges N. of the last, contain
grauwacke, and the valkns transi-
tion limestone, g(>nerally of a grey
colour. The surfiice of the county
is various: the N. W. section being
mountainous; the S. and S. W. hilly,
whilst the centre and S. E., the val-
ley of the Raritan, is cither level, or
gently undulating. The soil varies
with the surface : that of the hills is
generally of clay and stifTloam, whilst
that of the plains is a sandy loam,
formed of the red shale; and the
mountain vales, as we have already
SOM
239
SOM
observed, are of limestone. All are,
however, fertile under proper culture,
and the county may vie with her
neighbours of Hunterdon, Essex, and
Middlesex, in the variety and quanti-
ty of agricultural products.
The county is well watered. It is
cut into two, almost equal parts, by
the main stem and south branch of
the Raritan river, which receives the
north branch, flowing southward and
centrally through the northern sec-
tion, and the Millstone river, flowing
northward and centrally through the
southern section; and it is thus by
these three streams, divided into four
parts, intersected by smaller brooks
and creeks, in almost every direction.
The Delaware and Raritan canal
enters the county at Kingston, with
the Millstone river, and follows that
stream to its junction with the Rari-
tan, 3 miles S. E. of Somerville,
whence it pursues the valley of the
last stream to Brunswick.
Copper ore has been discovered in
considerable veins in the first range
of hills, N. E. from Somerville ; and
mines have been opened in at least
two places; the first within 2, and
the second within 6 miles of the town.
Attempts have been made to work
both, but every effort has hitherto
been unsuccessful: and yet the ore
is said to contain not only a very va-
luable proportion of copper, but to be
worth working on account of the gold
which it yields. Public opinion at-
tributes these failures more to the
want of adequate capital to sustain
the expense of the first steps in min-
ing, than to the want of skill, or po-
verty of ore. It is said, also, that
particles of gold and silver have been
discovered in a gangue of carbonate
of lime, on Green Brook, N. of the
Scotch Plains.
A turnpike road from Brunswick,
enters the county by a bridge over
Bound Brook, and passes through
Somerville, to North Branch, and
thence to Philipsburg, opposite to
Easton. From North Branch a turn-
pike road runs northward over Schoo-
ley's mountain to Hacketstown, in
Warren co. ; and a rail-i-oad is in
contemplation, through Somerville to
Belvidere.
The post-towns of the county are
Baskingridge, Bound Brook, Flagg-
town, Harlingen, Kline's Mills, Les-
ser Cross-Roads, Liberty Corner,
Martinsville, Millington, Millstone,
North Branch, Peapack, Pluckemin,
Princeton, Rocky Plill, Somerville,
the county town, and Warren.
The county was early settled by
the Dutch, whose industrious habits
soon rendered it remarkable for its
fruitfulness, and it became soon one
of the most thickly settled of the pro-
vince. By the census of 1830, the
population amounted to 17,689 souls,
of whom 7665 were white males,
7717 white females; 945 free colour-
ed males, 914 free coloured females;
214 male slaves, 234 female slaves.
Among these there were 118 aliens ;
deaf and dumb, 14 whites — blind,
whites, 17, coloured, 3.
In 1832, there were in the co.,
3500 taxables; 668 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30;
391 single men, 68 merchants; 44
saw mills, 64 grist mills, or run of
stones for grinding grain, 8 fulling
mills, 211 tan vats, 28 distilleries, 11
carding machines, 4621 horses and
mules, and 8634 neat cattle, above
the age of 3 years; and it paid in
state tax, i$2642 86, and in county
tax, $6000.
The courts for the county are
holden at Somerviille; the common
pleas, orphan's court, and general
quarter sessions, on the following
Tuesdays: viz. last in January, 3d
in April, 3d in June, and 1st in Oc-
tober; and the circuit courts on the
3d Tuesday in April, and the 1st in
October.
SOM
240
SOU
STATISTICAL TABLE OF SOMERSET COUNTY.
^
Population.
(^ Townships.
Area.
Surface.
J
m
1810
1820
1830
Bedminster,
8
4^
19,300
hilly.
1312
1393
1453
Bernard,
9
7
25,000
mountainous,
1879
2063
2062
Bridgewater,
13
11
35,000
level.
2906
3147
3549
Franklin,
13
8
30,000
do. [level.
2539
3071
3352
Hillsborough,
10
7
36,000
part hilly, part
2456
2885
2878
Montgomery,
8
8
26,500
hilly,
2282
2495
2834
Warren,
8
4
18,000
189,800
mountainous,
1354
1452
1561
14,728
16,506
17,689
Somers' Point, p-t. and port of
entry for Great Egg Harbour dis-
trict, upon the Great Egg Harbour
bay, about 43 miles S. E. from Wood-
bury, 88 from Trenton, and by post-
route 196 from W. C. There is a
tavern and boarding house here, and
several farm houses. It is much re-
sorted to for sea bathing in summer,
and gunning in the fall season.
Somerville, p-t. and seat of justice,
of Somerset co., situate about a mile
N. of the Raritan river, on the turn-
pike road from New Brunswick to
Philipsburg, 11 miles N. W. from
the former, 33 S. E. from the latter,
or from Easton, 28 N. E. from Tren-
ton, and 199 from W. C. It lies upon
a high well cultivated plain of red
shale, about 2 miles south of a ridge
of the South mountains ; in which are
some noted copper mines. It contains
a Dutch Reformed church, a Methodist
meeting, an academy where the clas-
sics and mathematics are taught, a
boarding school for young ladies, 3
taverns well kept^pcd 7 stores, 1 large
grist mill, 5 practising attorneys, 4
physicians, and 1 resident clergy-
man, 600 inhabitants, and about 100
dwellings. Tiic court-hou.se and other
public buildings, are large and com-
modious, and many of the private
dwellings are very neat; and the
town is a healthy, pleasant, and de-
sirable place of residence. The pro-
posed rail road from Elizal)cthtown
to the Delaware, at Bclvidere, is de-
.signed to pass througli it.
South Amboy, p-t. of South Amboy
t-ship, Middlesex go., at the head of
the Raritan bay and mouth of the
Raritan river, 15 miles below New
Brunswick, and 35 N. E. from Tren-
ton; contains a hotel and some 15 or
20 dwellings, and an extensive ma-
nufactory of stone ware, made from
clay obtained in the vicinity. This
clay is of excellent quality, and much
of it is exported to various parts of
the country. It is used in the manu-
facture of delf ware at Jersey City,
and in the fabrication of china at Phi-
ladelphia. The beds extend in the
hifls for several miles around the
point. The turnpike road from Bor-
dentown, and the Camden and Am-
boy rail road terminate here. There
is a safe harbour here for vessels,
and deep water at the landing.
South Amboy t-ship, Middlesex
CO., bounded N. by the Raritan river;
N. E. by the Raritan bay ; S. E. by
Middletown and Upper Freehold
t-ships, of Monmouth co.; S. VV. by
Millstone river; and N. W. by North
Brunswick and South Brunswick
t-ships. Centrally distant S. E. from
New Brunswick 9 miles : greatest
length N. E. and S. W. 18, and
breadth 6 miles; area, 64,000 acres;
surface, flat; soil, sandy; drained
on the S. W. by the Millstone, and
on the N. E. by South river and its
tributaries, Tenant's run, Deep run,
Matchaponix brook, and Manala-
pan creek. The turnpike and rail
road from Bordcntownto Ambov run
SPR
241
SPR
through the t-ship. Upon the former
lie the post-towns of Cranberry and
Spotswood, and South Amboy. Po-
pulation in 1830, 3782.
South River. (See Manalapan
Brook.)
South Brunsicick. (See Bruns-
wick, South.)
Sparta, p-t. of Hardistone t-ship,
Sussex CO., at the west foot of the
Wallkill mountain, 236 miles N. E.
of W. C, 78 from Trenton, and 8
from Newton, on the Union turn-
pike road, in the valley, and near
the source of the Wallkill river.
This is a pleasant village, having
some very good houses, a neat Pres-
byterian church with cupola, a school
house, 2 grist mills, 2 saw mills, 4
forges for making iron, in which
there are, together, 6 fires ; 1 tavern,
3 stores, and from 35 to 40 dwell-
ings. Iron and zinc ores are abun-
dant in the neighbourhood ; but only
a small portion of the first is used in
making iron here ; the chief part being
carted from the mines in Morris co.,
at the cost of $2 50 the ton. The
zinc ore is not worked. The soil in
the valley is limestone, and tolera-
bly well cultivated.
SpeertoiDn, agricultural village of
Bloomfield t-ship, Sussex co., 7 miles
N. of Newark, near the foot of the
First mountain ; contains from 20 to
30 dwellings, 1 tavern, 1 store, a
Dutch Reformed church, and school ;
surrounded by a country of red shale,
carefully cultivated.
Spottsu'ood, thriving p-t. of South
Amboy t-ship, Middlesex co., on the
turnpike road and rail road from Bor-
dentown to South Amboy, about 25
miles from the former, 202 from W.
C, and 26 from Trenton, and on the
South river ; contains a large grist-
mill, a fine Presbvterian chmxdi of
wood, a Dutch Reformed church, 1
tavern, 2 stoi-es, 2 tobacco manufac-
tories, and about 30 dwellings.
Spruce Run, Lebanon t-ship, Hun-
terdon CO., flows S. W. through the
north part of the t-ship, and along
the west boundary, and is a branch
of the Rarilan river.
2 H
Springfield t-ship, Essex county,
bounded N. by Livingston t-ship;
E. by Orange and Union t-ships ; S.
by Westfield and New Providence
t-ships ; and W. by the Passaic river,
which divides it from Chatham t-ship,
Morris co. Centrally distant W. from
Newark 8 miles : greatest length N.
and S. 6, breadth E. and W. 5 miles ;
area, 13,500 acres; surface, gene-
rally hilly ; soil, clay loam and red
shale. It is washed on the eastern
boundary by the Rahway river,
which receives several tributaries
from the t-ship. Springfield the post-
town ; Vauxhall and part of Chat-
ham are villages of the t-ship. The
pretensions of Springfield, as qn agri-
cultural t-ship, are not high, but it
claims consideration for its paper ma-
nufactories. Population in 1830,
1653. In 1832 there were 365 tax-
ables, 97 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; 93 single
men, 7 merchants, 1 grist mill, 3
carding machines, 12 paper mills, 6
tan vats, 1 woollen manufactory, 1
distillery, 220 horses and mules, and
818 neat cattle, above the age of 3
years. It paid state tax, 198 96;
county, i520 56 ; poor, $500 ; road,
$8.
Springfield p-t. of the preceding
t-ship, on the turnpike road from Eli-
zabethtown to Morristown, 7 miles
W. from the one, and 10 E. from the
other, 216 N. E. from W. C, and
50 from Trenton, and upon the Rah-
way river, at the foot of the First
mountain; contains about 200 dwell-
ings, some of which are neat struc-
tures; 1 Presbyterian church, with
cupola and bell ; 1 Methodist church,
3 taverns, 5 stores, 2 grist mills, 1
saw mill, and 10 paper mills. The
surface of the country around it, is
rugged, and the soil, a stiff cold clay,
unproductive ; and farms are not
averaged at more than 20 dollars the
acre.
Springfield, t-shi\), Burlington co.,
bounded N. by Chesterfield, and
Mansfield t-ships ; S. E. by Hanover
t-ship ; S. W. by Northampton t-ship,
and W. and N. W. by Burlington
SQU
242
STA
t-ship; centrally distant N. E. from
Mount Holly, 5 miles ; greatest length,
E. and W. 10 miles; breadth, N. and
S. 6 miles; area, 18,000 acres; sur-
face level; soil, sand and sandy
loam, well cultivated, and productive;
drained, N. by the Assiscunk creek,
which forms the northern boundary,
and its branches, and S. by the tribu-
taries of the north branch of the Ran-
cocus creek. Slabtown, Jobstown,
and Juliustown, are villages of the
t-ship, at the two last of which, are
post-offices. The population, a great
portion of which are Friends, was,
in 1830, 1531. In 1832, the t-ship
contained, 3 Friends' meeting houses,
147 hquseholdcrs, whose ratables did
not exceed $30, in value; 61 single
men, 330 taxables; 3 stores, 14 tan
vats, 1 distillery for cider, 31 dear-
borns, 100 covered wagons, 17 chairs,
11 gigs and curricles, 1975 neat cat-
tle, and 507 horses and mules, over
3 years of age; and paid state tax,
$388 85; county tax, $1 358 29; and
township tax, $500.
Spring Garden, or North Belle-
ville, Bloomtield t-ship, Essex co.,
upon the Third river, and about a
mile W. of the Passaic river ; con-
tains from 50 to 70 dwellings, a cot-
ton manufactory, a school, and a Me-
thodist church. (See Belleville.)
Spring Mills, village of Alexan-
dria t-ship, Hunterdon co., 13 miles
N. W. from Flemington, on a small
stream, which empties into the Dela-
ware; contains a grist mill, and seve-
ral dwellings.
Springtown, small villngeorSchoo-
ley's mountain, on the 8omerville
and Jviston turnpike road, 18 miles
W. of Morristown, and 3 miles E. of
the mineral spring; contains some 6
or 8 dwellings.
Spring Valleij, hamlet of Morris
t-ship, Morris co., 4 miles S. E. of
Morristown; contains a tavern, and
some half-dozen dwellinas.
Sqiian Bench, extends Crnin Old
^'rnnberry inlet, N. 10 mik-s to Ma-
nasquan inlet, dividing for part of that
distance, Barnegat bay, from the At-
lantic ocean. It no where exceeds
half a mile in width.
Sqvan, a vicinage in the S. E. part
of Howell t-ship, Monmouth co., be-
tween Manasquan and Metetecunk
rivers. It is much frequented for
sea-bathing; and comfortable accom-
modations are found at the farm-
houses, of which there are several
where boarders are received.
Sqvankum, p-t. of Howell t-ship,
Monmouth co., 10 miles S. E. from
Freehold, 44 from Trenton, and 209
N. E. from W. C. ; contains a
Friends' meeting house, a grist mill,
and fulling mill, 2 taverns, 1 store,
and 12 or 15 dwellings, surrounded
by pine forest, and sandy soil.
Squankum, tavern, and creek; the
creek is a tributary of Inskeep's
branch of the Great Egg Harbour
river, Deptford t-ship, Gloucester
county.
Staford t-ship, Monmouth co.,
bounded on the N. by Dover t-ship ;
E. and S. E. by the Atlantic ocean;
S. W. by Little Egg Harbour t-ship;
and W. by Northampton t-ship, Bur-
lington CO. Centrally distant S. from
Freehold, 38 miles ; greatest length,
N. and S. 18 miles, breadth 12 miles;
area, 87,000 acres; surface level;
soil, sand, gravel, and marsh. On
the E. front of the t-ship. Long
Beach extends upon the ocean, about
11 miles, with an average breadth of
about 1 mile, separating Little Egg
Harbour bay from the sea. The bay
varies from 2 to 3 miles in width,
and between it and the fast land, there
is a bodv of salt marsh of lik(^ width,
throu<;h which flow several creeks;
the principal are Manahocking, Gun-
ning, Cedar, and Westccunk. Bar-
negat, Manahocking, Cedar Bridge,
and Westecunk, are villages; the
two first post-towns of the t-ship.
Population in 1830, 2059. In 1832
the county contained about 400 tax-
ables; 64 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30; 30 single
men ; 4 stores, 2 saw mills, 1 grist
mill, 1 furnace, 210 horses and mules,
and 8()2 neat cattle, above 3 years
of age.
STE
243
STI
Stanhope, forge, and post-town, on
the Musconetcong river, and on the
Morris canal, on the S. boundary of
Byram t-ship, Sussex co., by the post
route, 222 miles from W. C, 59 from
Trenton, 11 S. of Newton, and 16
N. W. of Morristown ; contains a
grist mill, 3 forges, 2 taverns, 2 stores,
and from 20 to 30 dwellings, and one
large school house. The creek has
here been led from its bed, by which
means a fine waterfall of 30 feet, avail-
able for mill purjioscs, has been ob-
tained ; an inclined plane of the canal
at this place, surmounts an elevation
of 76 feet. This thriving little town
was founded by Mr. Silas Dickenson;
and is surrounded by an excellent soil
of limestone.
Staten Island Sound, or Arthur-
Kill, the strait which divides Sta-
ten Island from New Jersey. It has
a devious, but general N. E. course,
from the head of Raritan bay, and
including the Kill-van-Kuhl, extends
to New York bay, a distance of about
18 miles, having a breadth, common-
ly much under, and no where ex-
ceeding half a mile. It is the or-
dinary passage of the steamboats
which i)ly between Brunswick, Am-
boy, and New York. As the tide
flows from, and into both bays, from
and into this strait, the navigator
never has a current with him through
its whole length. The channel is
skirted on both sides by an agreeable
country. That of New Jersey is the
more level, and that of Staten Island
the more variegated and picturesque.
For several miles from New York
bay, the shore of the island is so
closely covered with houses, as to
have the appearance of a continued
street.
Steddam's Neck, a strip of land
lying in the N. W. angle of Green-
wich t-ship, formed by the junction
of Newport and Stow creeks.
Steelman's Creek, small tributary,
flowing eastwardly into the Great
Egg Harbour river, Weymouth t-ship,
Gloucester co.
Stephen's Creek, Weymouth t-ship,
Gloucester co., tributary of Great
Egg Harbour river, having an eas-
terly course of 8 or 9 miles. Two
miles from its mouth, is a village and
post-town which bears its name; 39
miles S. E. from Woodbury, 78 from
Trenton, and 106 N. E. from W. C.
It contains a grist and saw mill, ta-
vern, store, and 6 or 8 dwellings.
Stewartsville, p-t. of Greenwich
t-ship, Warren co., centrally situate
in the t-ship, on Mcrritt's branch of
Pohatcong creek, 10 miles S. E. of
Belvidere; contains a tavern, a store,
and 10 or 12 dwellings; surrounded
by a fertile limestone country, and
lying about a mile south of the Mor-
ris canal, and about .5 miles east from
Easton, Pennsylvania.
Still Valley, of Greenwich t-ship,
Warren co., lying between Lopat-
cong and Pohatcong creeks, and ex-
tending N. E. from the river Dela-
ware. This is a rich valley of lime-
stone land, thickly settled, and highly
productive in wheat. There is a
post-office here named after the val-
ley, on the turnpike road, between 4
and 5 miles from Easton, Pennsyl-
vania.
Stillwater t-ship, Sussex co.,
bounded N. E. by Newton t-ship ;
S. E. by Greene t-ship ; S. AV. by
Hardwick t-ship, Warren co.; and
N. W. by Walpack t-ship. Cen-
trally distant from Newton, E. 7
miles; greatest length N. and S. 10
miles ; breadth E. and W. 7 miles ;
area, 28,160 acres ; surface hilly, on
the N. W. mountainous. It is drain-
ed by Paulinskill, which crosses it
centrally, and receives a tributary
from Swartwout's pond in the t-ship.
Population in 1830, 1381. Taxables
in 1832, 230. Stillwater and Cour-
senville are post-oflices of the t-ship,
which contained, in 1832, 40 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed $30, 4 run of stones for grind-
ing grain, 4 stores, 6 saw mills, 277
horses and mules, and 692 neat cat-
tle above three years of age, 1 distil-
lery, 64 tan vats. It paid state and
county tax, $378 85; poor tax,
$200; road tax, $600. S. E. of the
Paulinskill, the soil is slate; N. W.
STO
244
STR
of the creek, lime, slate, and grey
rock, and is generally fertile.
Stillwater^ p-t. of the above t-ship,
by the post-route, 236 miles from W.
C, 78 from Trenton, and 7 S. W.
from Newton ; contains a tavern,
store, a grist and oil mill, a Presby-
terian church, formerly Dutch Re-
formed, and 8 or 10 dwellings. The
soil around it is limestone, well culti-
vated.
Stipsoii's Island, a neck of fast
land, near tlie west boundary of Den-
nis t-ship. Cape May co., projecting
into the marshes, having a length of
about 3 miles.
Stockholm, post-office and forge of
Jefferson t-ship, Morris co., upon the
Pequannock creek, at the N. E. end
of the Grcenpond mountain, 18 miles
N. W. of Morristown, 249 N. E.
from W. C, and 83 from Trenton.
Stockingtown, a small hamlet of
6 or 8 dwellings, of Upper Alloways
Creek t-ship, Salem co., about 9 miles
E. of Salem t-ship, and 3 from Allo-
waystown.
Stone House Brooh, branch of the
Pompton river, rising in Pequannock
t-ship, and flowing by a course of 6
miles N. W. to its recipient, giving
motion to some forges.
Stony Brook, Pequannock t-ship,
Morris co., small tributary of the
Rockaway river, which flows by se-
veral branches, in length from 4 to 5
miles, through Rockaway valley.
Stony Hill, extends from the north
branch of the river Raritan, in Ber-
nard and Bridgewater t-ships, through
Warren t-ship, in Somerset co., into
Essex CO., in the form of a crescent;
formed of trap rock, on old red sand-
stone base. Under this name the
mountain, following its curve, is
about 12 miles long.
Stop-the-Jade Creek, ti'ibutary of
the S. branch of the Rancocus creek,
Northampton t-ship, Burlington co. ;
unites with the latter at Vincenttown,
after a westerly course of 9 miles. —
A mill stream.
Stoufs Brunch, of Paulin's creek,
rises in Sand Pond, TTavdwick t-ship,
Warren co., at the foot of the Blue
mountain, and flows by a southerly
course of 7 or 8 miles, to its reci-
pient.
Stoutsmlle, on the line dividing
Montgomery t-ship, Somerset co.,
from Hopewell t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
and on the turnpike road from Bruns-
wick to Lambertsville, 13 miles S.
W. from Somerville; contains a ta-
vern, and 6 or 8 dwellings, in a fertile,
pleasant valley.
Slow Creek t-ship, Cumberland
CO., bounded N. and W. by Stow
creek, which divides it from Salem
CO. ; E. by Hopewell t-ship, and S.
by Greenwich t-ship. Centrally dis-
tant, N. W. from Bridgeton, 7 miles ;
greatest length, E. and W. 7; breadth,
N. and S. 6 miles; area, 10,240
acres; surface, partly level, partly
rolling; soil, clay, loam, sand, and
gravel. Population in 1830, 791. In
1832, the t-ship contained 170 taxa-
bles, 21 householders, whose ratables
did not exceed $30 ; 4 grist mills, 1
saw mill, 198 horses and 557 cattle,
above the age of 3 years, 1 store;
and paid road tax, $200 ; state and
county, $437 81. NeAV]iort creek
forms the boundary between this and
Greenwich t-ship.
Stow Creek, rises on the confines
of Salem and Cumberland cos., and
Hopewell and Upper Alloways Creek
t-ships, and by a S. W. and S. course,
forms the line between these coun-
ties, by the meanders of the creek;
25 miles to the Delaware bay. It is
navigable for sloops, about 18 miles,
and has some good banked meadow
on its borders, for the distance of 9
miles, commencing 9 miles from its
mouth.
Straw, hamlet of Greenwich t-ship,
Warren co., about 5 miles S. E. of
Philipsburg, and 12 miles S. of Bel-
viderc; contains 3 or 4 dwellings only.
Stralenherg, hamlet, Hackensack
t-ship, Bergen co., about 5 miles N.
E. of Ilackensacktown ; contains 1
Dutch Reformed, and 1 Seccder's
church, some 8 or 10 dwellings, a
store and tavern; surrounded by a
pleasant, level country, of fertile
loam, well cultivated.
sus
246
SUS
Stretch''s Point, on Stow creek,
Lower Alloways Creek t-ship, Salem
CO., about 7 miles from the mouth of
the creek.
Suckasunny, the name of a village
and plain; the latter extending in
width from 2^ to 3 miles, and in
length about 6 miles ; is sandy and
not very fertile, and is drained by
Black, or Lamington river. On the
N. E. of this plain, terminates the
great vein of iron which has conti-
nued a S. W. course from the White
Hills in New Hampshire.
The village and post-town is situ-
ate on the Morristown and Easton
turnpike road, 11 miles N. W. from
the former, 63 N. E. from Trenton,
and 226 from W. C. ; contains a
Presbyterian church, a store and ta-
vern, and some 12 or 15 dwell-
ings.
Sucker Pond, a small basin of wa-
ter, at the east foot of the Blue moun-
tain, in Stillwater t-ship, Sussex co.
Sussex County, was taken from
Morris, by act of Assembly, 8th June,
1753, with bounds which included
the present county of Warren. War-
ren was erected by act of 20th Nov.
1824; and Sussex is now bounded
S. by the Musconetcong river and
Hopatcong pond; thence by a line
running N. E. dividing it from Mor-
ris and Bergen counties, to the line
of the state of New York ; thence
along that line N. W., to the Dela-
ware river, at the mouth of the Nevi-
sink, or Macacomac river ; thence by
the river, to the mouth of the Flat-
kill; and thence by a line S. E., se-
parating it from Warren co., to the
Musconetcong river, somewhat more
than a mile below Andovcr furnace.
Its form approaches an oblong, with
a mean length of 26, and breadth of
22 miles; area, about 572 square
miles, or 366,000 acres : central lat.
41° 8' N.; long. 2° 15' from W. C.
The county is divided geologically
by the primitive and transition forma-
tions. The former passing N. E. by
Sparta, and including within its li-
mits, the Hamburg or Wallkill, and
the Wawayanda mountains. These
mountains abound with a variety of
minerals, of which iron and zinc are
the most considerable. The country
between these hills and the Blue moun-
tain is rolling; nay, hilly; in which,
ridges of slate, alternate with valleys
of limestone; and is highly fertile,
and every where well cultivated.
The Blue, or Kittatinny mountain, is
skirted on the east by grey rock,
which bears great resemblance to
the primitive, and certainly contains
little evidence of recombination. The
mountain itself appears to be com-
posed partly of similar rock, of a
bluish green and red sandstone, the
colours of which are singularly and
intimately blended. Upon the N. W.
the mountain is bounded by a broad
strip of grey limestone.
A dividing ridge running from Blue
mountain, in Frankford t-ship, north
of Culver's Pond, through the S. E.
angle of that t-ship, on towards Spar-
ta, gives a determination to the wa-
ters of the county, sending part N.
E. towards the Hudson, and part to-
wards the Delaware river. Thus all
the waters of the eastern portion pour
from the hills north and south, into
the valley of the Wallkill, where the
flatness of the surface causes them to
spread over a considerable space,
and occasions an extensive marsh
along the borders of that stream,
greatly enlarged within the bounds
of the state of New York. The west-
ern portion of the county is drained
chiefly by the Paulinskill, flowing by
a deep and rapid course, through this
and Warren county, to its recipient
near Columbia.
The face of the country is dotted
with large ponds, or small lakes, some
of which are on the highest hills.
Swartwout's and Culver's ponds are
the largest — the first being 3 miles
in length, by 1 in breadth, and the
other 2 miles in length, by the same
breadth. But the most remarkable
are the White Ponds, which have
been so called, from the appearance
of their shores and bottoms, covered
with shells of the snail, in very ex-
tensive masses. Two of these lie on
sus
246
SUS
the line between Newton and Ilarclis-
ton townships.
The agriciihure of the county is in
a state of progressive improvement,
and is now very productive. The
Hmestone lands yield large crops of
wheat, and the slate, where the rock
does not come too near to the surface,
is scarce less fertile. Lime is not
yet much employed as manure, but
its use is growing, and will doubtlessly
be extensive, when its benefits shall
be generally known. Wheat, rye,
oats, corn, and iron, are staple pro-
ducts.
The principal towns and post of-
fices, are Newton, the county town,
Deckertown, Hamburg, Ogdensburg,
Sparta, Andover, Greenville, Still-
water, Branchville, Augusta, and La-
fayette. Bcnville, Coursenville, Flat-
brookville, Fredon, Gratitude, Har-
mony, Hamburg, Lafayette, Liberty-
ville, Lockwood, Monroe, Montague,
Sandystone, Stanhope, Vernon, Wal-
pack, and Wantage.
By returns of the assessors, for
the year 1832, there were 1075
householders, 58 merchants, shop-
keepers, and traders, 87 run of stones
for grinding grain, 18 carding ma-
chines, 3 iron furnaces, 55 saw mills,
28 forge fires, 7 fulling mills, 3875
horses and mules, 13,070 neat cattle
3 years old and upwards, 6 ferries
and toll bridges, 227 tan vats, 36
distilleries, and 101,887 acres of im-
proved land. The amount of state
and county tax, was $7500 95; poor
tax, ,"$3300 ; road tax, $8600.
By the census of 1830, the popu-
lation of the county amounted to
20,346 souls, of whom 10,240 were
white males ; 9654 white females ;
206 free coloured males; 195 free
coloured females ; 21 male, and 30
female slaves. Of these inhabitants,
89 were aliens; 6 deaf and dumb;
14 blind.
The provision for moral improve-
ment in the county, consist of 2 clas-
sical seminaries at Newton, 6 com-
mon schools in that town, and others
in sufficient numbers for the wants of
the people throughout the county ; a
Lyceum for the cultivation of lettefs
and science, and a public library at
Newton; a county Bible society, a
county Sunday school union, and
district Sunday schools and tempe-
rance societies.
The county elects 1 member to the
legislative council, and 2 to the As-
sembly. The courts of common
pleas, orphans', and quarter sessions,
arc holden at Newton, on the last
Tuesday of January, the 4th Tuesday
of May, the 3d of August, and the
4th of November; and the circuit
courts, and sessions of oyer and ter-
miner and general jail delivery, are
holden on the 4th Tuesdays of May,
and November.
STATISTICAL TABLE OF SUSSEX COUNTY.
Townships.
"G)
-u
Area.
Surface.
Population.
c
qj
1-1
1810.
1820.
1830.
By ram,
10
8
21,760
mountainous.
591
672
958
Frankfort,
11
H
28,800
valley.
1637
200S
1996
Green,
9
4
14,080
p't hilly, p't level.
801
Hardiston,
13
9
41,960
mountainous.
1702
2160
2588
Montague,
H
7i
21,620
moun. & riv. flat.
661
964
990
Newton,
12
10
65,920
hilly, p't level.
2 OS 2
2743
3464
Sandistone,
H
7
19,320
moun. «&riv. flat.
703
1945
1097
Stillwater,
10
7
28,160
moun. level.
1381
Walpack,
10
4
15,360
moun. &riv. flat.
591
822
660
Wantage,
11
8^
42,880
do. do.
2969
3307
4084
Vernon,
11
10
52,480
352,300
mountainous.
1708
2096
2377
12,644
16,617
20,346
sus
247
Sirs
We have already, in our introduc- 1
tory chapter, noted generally the
geological and mineralogical charac- \
ter of this county. But the reader
will be gratified with the following
special notice from Dr. Samuel Fow-
ler, whose intimate knowledge of the
subject, renders the account highly
valuable.
Perhaps in no quarter of the globe is
there so much found to interest the mine-
ralogist, as in the white crystalline cal-
careous valley, commencing at Mounts
Adam and Eve, in the county of Orange,
and state of New York, about tliree miles
from the line of the state of New Jersey,
and continuing thence, through Vernon,
Hamburg, Franklin, Sterling, Sparta and
Byram, a distance of about twenty-five
miles, in the county of Sussex, and state
of New Jersey. This limestone is highly
crystalline, containing no organic re-
mains, and is the great imbedding matrix
of all the curious and interesting minerals
found in this valley. When burned, it
produces lime of a superior quality. A
considerable quantity of this stone is
burned into lime near Hamburg, and when
carted to the towns below, as Patterson,
Newark, &c. is sold for one dollar per
bushel. It is principally used in masonry,
for whitewashing, cornice work, and M'all
of a fine hard finish, and is considered su-
perior to the best Rhode Island lime.
Some varieties, particularly the granular,
furnish a beautiful marble ; it is often
white, with a slight tinge of yellow, re-
sembling the Parian marble from the
island of Pares; at other times clouded,
black, sometimes veined, black, and at
other times arborescent.
Franklinite ; a new metalliferous combi-
nation, containing, according to Berthier,
of oxide of zinc 17, of iron ()(>, and man-
ganese 1(), is very abundant; indeed it
appears inexhaustible. It commences
about half a mile north-east of Franklin
furnace, and extends two miles south-
west of Sparta, a distance of nine miles.
It is accompanied in this whole distance
by the red oxide of zinc, mutually enve-
loping each other. The greatest quantity
appears to be at Franklin furnace. The
bed here, is about 100 feet high above the
adjoining land, on the west side of it, and
from ten to forty feet wide. Various at-
tempts have been made to work this ore in
a blast furnace, but without success. It
frequently congeals in the hearth, before
time is allowed to get it out in a liquid
state, in consequence of a combination of
the iron with manganese. All tiiis dif-
ficulty I apprehend misrht be overcome,
if a method could be discovered of smelt-
ing iron ore in a blast furnace with an-
thracite coal ; as the Franklinite requires
a greater degree of heat to cause it to re-
tain its liquid state, than can be obtained
by the use of charcoal. It occurs in grains
imbedded in the white carbonate of lime,
and detached in concretions of various
sizes, from that of a pin's head to a hickory
nut; also, in regular octaliedral crystals,
emarginated on the angles, small at Frank-
lin, but very perfect, with brilliant faces.
At Sterling, the crystals are large and
perfect. I have one from that place that
measures sixteen inches around the com-
mon base.
Red Oxide of Zinc. — At Sterling, three
miles from Franklin, a mountain mass of
this formation presents itself about 200
feet high. Here, as Mr. Nuttall truly ob-
serves, the red oxide of zinc forms as it
were a paste, in which the crystals of
Franklinite are thickly imbedded ; in fact
a metalliferous porphyry. This appears to
be the best adapted for manufacturing
purposes. The Franklinite imbedded in
tJie zinc ore here, is liighly magnetic, and
may be all separated by magnetic cylin-
ders, recently brought into use to separate
the eartliy portion of magnetic iron ore.
It was long since observed, that this ore
is well adapted for the manufacture of the
best brass, aud may be employed without
any previous preparation. It is reduced
without any difficulty to a metallic state,
and may be made to furnish the sulphate
of zinc (white vitriol).
It is remarked by Professor Bull, " that
this ore, from its abundance, and the many
uses to which it may be applied, promises
to be a valuable acquisition to the manu-
facturing interest of the United States."
Berthier found it to contain oxide of zinc
88, red oxide of manganese 12.
Magnetic Iron Ore. On the west side
of the Franklinite, and often within a few
feet of it, appears an abundance of mag-
netic iron ore, UBually accompanied by
hornblende rock. In some places it soon
runs into the Franklinite, which destroys
its usefulness ; and the largest beds are
combined with plumbago, which renders
it unprofitable to work in a blooming
forge, but valuable in a blast furnace.
On the Franklin or Warwick mountain,
about four miles east of the furnace, are
numerous beds of iron ore, from which
many thousand tons have been taken;
and which still contain a large quantity
of the best quality of ore, either for a
blooming forge or blast furnace. Iron
pyrites occur here, both in the valley and
on the mountain, of a proper quality to
manufacture sulphate of iron — (copperas.)
It also occurs crystallized, in cubes, in
octahedrons, and dodecahedrons, fre-
quently perfect, and highly splendid.
The other minerals found in this dis-
sus
248
SUS
trict are numerous, rare, interesting, and
several of them new, and not found in
any other place, but better calculated to
instruct the naturalist and adorn his cabi-
net, than for any particular uses to which
they have as yet been applied. A catalogue
of which I have subjoined, designating
the minerals as they occur in each town-
ship.
^n Byram t-sliip, considered the south
western extremity of the white carbonate
of lime.
1. Spinelle, colour reddish brown,
green, and black, in octahedral crystals,
associated with orange coloured brucite.
2. Brucite of various shades, from that
of a straw colour, to a dark orange, and
nearly black.
3. Grey hornblende in six-sided prisms,
with diedral summits.
In the Township of Hardiston.
At Sparta:
1. Brucite of a beautiful honey colour —
the finest we have is found here.
2. Augite in six-sided prisms, colour
brownish green.
At Sterling :
1. Spinelle, black, green, and grey, in
octahedral crystals.
2. Brucite of various shades.
3. Brutile, colour steel grey ; lustre
metallic, in acicular prisms, with longitu-
dinal striad.
4. Blende, black and white ; the white
sometimes in octahedral crystals, the lus-
tre brilliant.
5. Dysluite, in octahcdralcrystals, colour
brown externally, internally yellowish
brown ; lustre metallic — (a new mineral.)
G. Ferruginous silicate of manganese,
in six-sided prisms, colour pale yellow,
associated with Franklinite.
7. Tourmaline, imbedded in white feld-
spar, in six-sided prisms, longitudinally
striated ; colour reddish brown.
8. Green and blue carbonate of cop-
per. A number of large excavations were
made at the Sterling nunc for copper,
during the revolutionary war, under an
erroneous impression, that the red oxide
of zinc, was the red copper ore. It was
the property of Lord Sterling ; hence the
name of the Sterling mine. Of copper,
we only find there a trace of the green
and bhic carbonate.
At Franklin :
1. Spinelle, black and red crystallized.
2. Ceylonite, green and bluish green,
in perfect octahedrons truncated on tiie
angles; lustre of the brilliance of polish-
ed steel.
5. Garnets, black, brown, yellow, red,
and green — crystallized in dodecahe-
drons.
G. Silicate of Manganese, light brown-
ish red.
7. Fcrro Silicate of Manganese, of Pro-
fessor Thomson, and the Fowlerite, of
Nuttall, light red or pink, foliated and
splendent, has much the appearance of
Feldspar, is also in rectancvular prisms.
8. Lesqui-Silicate of Manganese, la-
mellar in scales or small plates ; colour,
brownish black.
9. Hornblende, crystallized.
10. Actynolite, do.
11. Tremolite, do.
12. Augite, common variety, do.
13. Jeff'crsonite, do. do.
14. Plumbago, foliated and crystallized
in six-sided balls.
. 1"). Brucite of various shades.
IG. Scapolite, white, crystallized.
17. Wernerite, yellow, do.
18. Tourmaline, black, do.
19. Fluate of Lime, earthy and do.
20. Galena.
21. Oolite, in small grains about the
size of a mustard seed, disseminated in
blue secondary carbonate of lime.
22. Asbestos, connected with Horn-
blende rock.
23. Green Beryl.
24. Feldspar, green and white, crystal-
lized.
25. Epidote and Pink Carbonate of
Lime.
2G. Arsenical Pyrites.
27. Serpeirtine.
28. Sahlite.
29. Cocolite, green and black.
30. Sphene, honey colour, crystallized.
31. Quartz.
32. Jasper.
33. Chalcedony.
34. Amethyst, crystallized.
3.5. Agate.
3G. Mica, black and orange coloured,
crystallized.
37. Zircon, crystallized.
38. Sulphate of Molybdena.
39. Phosphate of Iron.
40. Carbonate of Iron.
41. Steatite, foliated with yellow Gar-
net.
42. Phosphate of Lime, crystallized.
43. Pale Yellow-blende, of a foliated
structure — lustre, vitreous.
JVcar llavihunrh.
1 . An ore of Manganese, and iron of a
light reddish brown, very compact and
heavy.
2. Augite and Brucite.
In the Toivuship of Vernon.
1. Green Spinelle and Brucite, in octa-
hedral crystals.
In JVewton Tovmship.
1. Sulphate of Barytes in lamellar
masses, and Inbular crystals, in a vein
traversing socondar}^ limestone.
2. Sapphire, blue and white, in rhombs
and si.v-sidcd prisms.
3. Red Oxide of Titanium
l^AN
249
TIM
4. Grey Spinelle in large octahedral
crystals.
5. Mica, copper coloured, in hexahe-
drp-l crj'stals.
6. Idocrase, crystallized, yellowish
brown.
7. Steatite, presenting the pseudomor-
phous form of quartz, scapolite, and spi-
nelle.
8. Scapolite, in four-sided prisms. For
a more particular account of the Newton
minerals, see Silliman's Journal, vol. XXI.
page 319.
In Frankford Toicnship.
Serpentine, of a light yellowish green,
bears a fine polish, has a glistening lustre,
and is quite abundant.
Swartioouf s Pond, a large sheet
of water, of Stillwater t-ship, Sussex
CO., which sends forth a tributary to
Paulinskill.
Swedesboro\ p-t. of Woolwich
t-ship, Gloucester co., 13 miles S. W.
from Woodbury, 49 miles from Tren-
ton, and 155 from W. C, at the head
of sloop navigation, on Raccoon creek,
about 5 miles from its mouth ; con-
tains about 100 dwellings, an Epis-
copal and a Methodist church, an
aeademy, 2 taverns, 4 stores, a mer-
chant grist mill, and an extensive
woollen factory, belonging to C. C.
Stratton, Esq. The country around
it is level; soil, sandy loam, fertile,
and well cultivated. Battentown, a
mile distant from it, contains 1 tavern,
and a few dwellings.
SiL'€c]e\s Branch, mill stream of
Chester t-ship, Burlington co., flows
by a N. W. course of more than 3
miles, to the Delaware river.
Sicimming River. (See Shrews-
bury river.)
Tabernacle, village of Northamp-
ton t-ship, Burlington co., 12 miles
S. W. of Mount Holly; contains a
Methodist church, a tavern, and 10
or 12 houses.
Talman^s Creek, small ti'ibutary
of the Rancocus creek, rising in
Evesham t-ship, Burlington co., near
Evesham village, and flows six miles
to its recipient.
Tansboro\ village of Gloucester
t-ship, of Gloucester co., on the road
from Long-a-coming, to Great Egg
Harbour river, 15 miles S. E. from
2 I
Woodbury, 18 from Camden; con-
tains a tavern, and some half dozen
dwellings. Surrounded by a sandy
soil, and pine forest.
Tarklln Creek, mill stream of
IMaurice River t-ship, Cumberland
CO., rismg in the t-ship, and flowing
by a southerly course, of 10 miles
into the Delaware bay.
Taunton Furnace, on Haines'
creek, Evesham t-ship, Burlington
CO., 11 miles S. W. from Mount Hol-
ly, and 14 S. E. from Camden.
Tenants'' Run, a tributary of South
river, South Amboy t-ship, Middlesex
CO., flowing N. W., between 3 and 4
miles to its recipient.
Tewkesbury, t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. hj W\ashington t-ship,
Morris co. ; E. by Bedminster t-ship,
Somerset co. ; S. by Readington
t-ship, and W. and S. W. by Leba-
non t-ship; centrally distant N. E.
from Flemington, 14 miles; great-
est length, N. and S., 8; breadth, E.
and W. 6| miles; area, 23,000 acres;
surface hilly ; soil, on the mountain,
clay and loam, and in the valley, at
its foot, grey limestone, rich and well
cultivated ; drained by Rockaway
creek, and its tributaries, flowing S.
E. through the township, and by
Lamington river, which runs on the
eastern boundary. New German-
town, and Pottersville, are post-towns
of the t-ship. Population in 1830,
1659. In 1832 the t-ship contained
8 stores, 6 saw mills, 3 grist mills,
28 tanner's vats, 2 carding machines,
2 fulling mills, 9 distilleries, 417
horses and mules, 696 neat cattle,
above 3 j^ears of age; and paid poor
tax, 8350; road tax, $600 ; state and
county tax, $706 68.
Tice's Pond, at the foot of the
Ramapo mountain, Pompton t-ship,
Bergen co. ; covers about 200 acres
of ground, and is the source of a tri-
butary of Ringwood river.
Timber Creek, Big, Gloucester
CO., ri.ses by two branches, the lesser
in Gloucester, and the greater in
Deptford t-ship, uniting about 6 miles
above the mouth. The north branch
is navigable for sloops from the Do-
TOM
250
TRE
laware to Chew's landing, a distance
of 8 or 9 miles, and the south, nearly
to Blackwoodtovvn, a distance of about
10 miles. The whole length of the
stream, by its meanders, may be 13
or 14 miles. It receives several
small tributaries in its course, and
drives some valuable mills.
Timber Creelc, Little, of Wool-
wich t-ship, Gloucester co., rises in
the t-ship, and flows N. W. 7 or 8
miles, to the Delaware river, below
Chester Island. There is a mill upon
it, near its head.
Tinton Falls, village, and mill site
of Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth co.,
upon a branch of the Nevisink river,
9 miles E. from Freehold ; contains
from 15 to 20 dwellings, a grist and
saw mill, 1 tavern, and 2 stores. The
water of the S. E. branch of Swim-
ming river, falls over a sand rock,
filled with animal remains, and form-
ing a cascade of about 30 feet high.
From this rock flows a copious cha-
lybeate spring, which is frequently
visited by those who seek health or
amusement at the boarding houses
near the coast.
Titusmlle, post-office, Hunterdon
county.
Toms' River, p-t., of Dover t-ship,
Monmouth co., upon the head of
Toms' River bay, and tide water,
25 miles S. E. from Freehold, 221
from W. City, and 09 from Tren-
ton, and 6 from the confluence of the
river with Barnegat bay ; a flourish-
ing village, lying on both sides of the
creek, united by a wooden bridge, of
near 200 feet in length ; cont;uns
from 50 to 60 frame dwellings, some
of which are very neat and commo-
dious ; 2 taverns, 5 or 6 stores, and
a Methodist meeting. Many sloops
and schooners are built here, and
more than $200,000 worth of timber
and cord-wood, aimually exported.
Toms' Hirer, mill strc^am of Mon-
mouth CO. ; its main branch rises on
the line dividing Freehold and Ujiper
Freehold t-ships, and near Paint
Island spring ; and flows thence by
a S. E. and E. course of 30 miles,
into Barnegat bay. Above the village
of Toms' river, about 4 miles, it re-
ceives the south branch, which is
formed by many streams from Dover
and Ujipcr Freehold t-ships ; and about
a mile above the village. Wrangle
Brook also unites with it. It drains
a wide expanse of forest land, and by
the main stream and branches turns
many mills and iron works.
Toxnishiiry, post-office, Warren
county.
Tranqidlity, small tributary of the
west branch of Wading river, rises
and flows about 4 miles in the neck
of land, between the east and west
branches of the river.
Trap, hamlet of Shrewsbury t-ship,
Monmouth co., near Shark river, 11
miles S. E. from Freehold ; contain-
ing G or 8 dwellings, surrounded by
a sandy soil and pine forest.
Trenton t-ship, Hunterdon co.,
bounded N. by Hopewell, E. by
Lawrence t-ships; S. E. by' Not-
tingham t-ship, of Burlington co. ;
and S. W. and W. by the river De-
laware. Greatest length N. W. and
S. E. 8 miles ; breadth E. and W .
Smiles; area, 10,609 acres; surface,
level ; soil, clay and red shale, gene-
rally well cultivated, and productive.
It is drained by Jacob's creek on the
north, and by the Assunpink and its
tributaries, on the south. The town
of Birmingham, and the city of Tren-
ton, are within its boundary. Popu-
lation in 1830, 3925. In 1832,
there were in the t-ship 11 merchants,
3 fisheries, 2 saw mills, 3 grist mills,
2 ferries and bridges, 220 tan vats,
2 grain distilleries, 469 horses and
mules, and 590 neat cattle, above 3
years old ; and it paid poor tax,
^900; road tax, $400; and county
tax, $1264 98. (See Trenton City.)
Trenton, city, and scat of govcrn-
inont of the state, on the left bank of
the Delaware river, three-lburths of
a mile above the tide, opposite the
lower falls of the river, and on the
north side of the Assunpink creek,
Trenton t-ship, Hunterdon co., 30
miles from Philadeljjhia, 58 from
New York; lat. 40° 13' 41" N.;
long. 0°. 21' 15 " E. of Philadelphia,
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251
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and 2° 8' 15" of Washington City.
Incorporated by the act of 13th No-
vember, 1792, which estabUshed its
government under a mayor, recorder,
3 aldermen, and 13 assistants, with
the usual city privileges, and power
to hcense taverns within the city ;
and by the act of 3d January, 1817,
the mayor, recorder, and aldermen,
or any three of them, of whom the
mayor and recofder must be one, are
empowered to hold a court of general
quarter sessions. There are here, a
state house, 100 by 60 feet, with
bow at either end, cupola, and bell ;
the building is of stone, stuccoed
in imitation of dark granite, and
beautifully situated on the bank of
the river, commanding a fine view of
the stream, the airy bridge which
has been thrown over it, and of the
undulating shore of Pennsylvania : a
house for the residence of the gover-
nor of the state; 3 fire-proof offices,
a bank incorporated in 1804, with
an authorized capital of $600,000,
of which $214,740 only have been
paid in; an academy in which the
languages are taught, 3 boarding and
day schools for females, and several
common schools. These are, how-
ever, in the city proper ; but Trenton,
as known in common parlance, in-
cluding the villages of Mill Hill,
Bloomsbury, and Lamberton, extend-
ing If miles down the river bank, lias
an Episcopal, Presbyterian, Friends',
Baptist, Reformed Baptist, Roman
Catholic, Methodist, and African Me-
thodist churches. Trenton proper
contains 425 dwellings, 13 taverns,
about 30 stores, among which are 3
bookstores, and 3 silversmith shops ;
3 printing offices, each of which is-
sues a weekly paper, viz. the Union,
the True American, and the New-
Jersey Gazetteer; a public library, es-
tablished about the year 1750, and a
lyceum or literary association. Mill
Hill has 78 dwellings, 4 stores, and
4 taverns. Bloomsbury, 145 dwell-
ings, 2 stores, and 5 taverns ; and
Lamberton, 64 dwellings, 2 stores,
and 2 taverns. The Philadelphia
steam-boats ply daily, and sometimes
several times a day, one from Lam-
berton, and others from Bloomsbury ;
and stages run 3 times a day by the
rail-road to New York and Philadel-
phia. Stages also run hence by
Princeton to Brunswick, and to va-
rious other parts of the country
The Delaware and Raritan canal re
ceives its feeder here, on which is an
extensive basin for vessels and boats,
and the main' canal crosses the As-
sunpink east of the town, over a no-
ble stone aqueduct. The state prison
is at Lamberton, where a new prison
is also being erected, adapted to the
confinement of 150 convicts. The
famed bridge over the Delaware, is
thi'own from Bloomsbury to Morris-
ville, a span of 1100 feet, having a
double carriage-way and foot-paths
resting on the chords of, and suspend-
ed from, a series of five arches, sup-
ported on stone piers. This struc-
ture has been much admired for its
lightness, grace, and strength. There
are on the Assunpink, within the
town, two cotton mills, having 5400
spindles, and one mill for power
looms, and on the Delaware, two
mills for looms; the whole number
of looms exceed 200.
For some years past Trenton has
not been in a very thriving state, but
the late improvements have given
new life to business and enterprise,
and much prosperity is anticipated
from the completion of the canal, and
particularly from the construction of
the mill race, now being made by the
Trenton Falls Company.
This company was incorporated by
an act of the legislature, 16th Feb.
1831, with power to purchase, lease,
or sell lands, mills, and water privi-
leges useful in the creation of water
power; to cut a wing dam in the De-
laware river, between the mouth of
the Assunpink and the head of Wells'
Falls, and a race-way along the bank,
not extending more than one and a
half miles below the Trenton Falls ;
to make lateral race-ways and other
works; to sell lots, sites, and privi-
leges under the charter; and with a
general power of taking lands neces-
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252
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sary for their purposes, at the ap-
praisement of the commissioners ; and
with the customary powers granted
to other corporations. Their cliarter
is perpetual, protecting tlie company
from any tax exceeding tlie half of
one per cent, on the actual amount of
capital expended in the construction
of the work, with the privilege of ex-
tending its capital to $200,000. Each
share, in the election of managers, is
entitled to one vote.
The capital subscribed is $90,000 ;
the cost of constructing the work is
estimated at $140,000 exclusive of
the lands purchased by the company
for mill sites and building lots. The
canal and race-way commences at
the head of Scudder's Falls, directly
opposite the upper end of Slack's
Island, and continues down the mar-
gin of the river, to a point opposite
the centre of White's Island, where,
leaving tlie bank, it enters upon the
meadows bordering the river, through
which it passes to the Assunpink, in
Trenton; thence, it is designed to
cross this creek by an aqueduct, and
to pass through Bloomsbury, to the
precincts of Lamberton, where it de-
bouches into the river.
The fall in the river Delaware, be-
tween the head and foot of the race-
way is 20 feet, of which, one foot and
a half descent is given to the race-
way, leaving a head and fall at the
Assunpink of 14 feet, and below the
foot of the Trenton Falls 18^ feet.
The entire column of the water de-
scending the race-way is estimated at
23,868 cubic feet per minute, at the
lowest known state of the wafer. —
This at the Assunpink, will afford a
power equal to 335 horses; or if all be
expended below the Assunpink, equal
to 575 liorses: or should one-third of
the water be used above, and two-
thirds below the creek, the power
above will be equal to 145 horses,
and that below, to 384 horses. This
calculation is based on a depth of six
feet water only, in the race-way ; the
minimum supply, after all deductions
for leakage and evaporation at the
lowest water.
This, however, is the view of the
power, in what is deemed its first
stage. The work commences at the
upper end of Slack's Island, which is
ol" considerable extent, situate near
the middle of the river. The main
channel of the stream was formerly
on the right, or Pennsylvania side of
the island, but a loose stone wall hav-
ing, some years since, been thrown
across this channel to improve the
navigation of the river, the larger
portion of the water was thrown into
the Jersey channel. This wall re-
mains, but it is overflowed at the
lowest water. By raising this dam
and throwing the whole current of
the river into this channel, or by en-
tirely removing it, and erecting a dam
from the head of the company's works
to Slack's Island, and reopening the
channel on the other side, the water
in the raceway would be raised two
feet beyond its present elevation ; and
in constructing their work, the com-
pany have adapted it to the reception
of that body of water. A column of
eight feet instead of six, would thus
be gained in the race ; the velocity
of its current increased to 122 feet
per minute, and the quantity of water
to 52,704 cubic feet in the same time.
The power of the water would then
be ecjual to 960 horses at the Assun-
pink, or 1260 below it : or should
one-third of the power be employed
above, and two-thirds below the creek,
it would afford the company a power
above, equal to 330 horses, below,
840, in the whole 1170.
The company propose to let their
lands for the erection of mills, above
th(> Assunpink, at 30 cents, and be-
low the creek, at from 40 to 50 cents
the foot, perpetual rent, according to
situation ; with the right of the free
use of the company's wharf, rail-road,
&c. : and their lands for dwellings,
in lots 20 by 75 feet, at $6 per an-
num. The buildings, in all cases, to
be fire proof. And they propose to
let the water froiTi the main race-way
for mill power, at a perpetual rent
of three dollars above, and four dol-
lars below the Assunpink creek, for
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253
TRE
every square inch area of the aper-
ture, through wliich it shall be drawn
off by a flume, tlie plan of which is in
the office of the company. The aper-
ture to be measured and made accord-
ing to the standard measure, also
kept by the company, and similar to
that in the office of the Secretary of
State, at Washington, and according
to other regulations published by the
company.
The advantages of this site for
manufacturing purposes are perhaps
unsurpassed by any in the. country.
Intermediately situated between the
great markets of Philadelphia and
New York, 30 miles from the former,
and 60 from the latter— surrounded by
a rich agricultural country, producing
a large surplus quantity of grain of
every description, and capable of quad-
rupling its productions — upon a river,
navigable to the ocean, and for near 250
miles above the falls, flowing through
a wide and fertile country, whose pro-
ducts may find a ready market here ;
having also the feeder of the Dela-
ware and Raritan canal, connecting
with the main canal in the heart of
the city plot, whilst the canal itself
unites with the Delaware, below the
bar at Bordentown, and passing
through Trenton, along the Millstone
and Raritan rivers, to New Bruns-
wick, aflbrds a fine sloop navigation,
and all the advantages of cheap and
rapid water transportation from and
to Philadelphia and New York : — the
facility of obtaining an abundant and
cheap supply of anthracite coal by
the river and the Pennsylvania canal,
on the opposite bank : — the rail-roads
made, and in progress towards New
York and Philadelphia, of which,
there are two leading to the latter,
one on each side of the river ; that on
the west running directly from the
city, and that on the east from Bor-
dentown, combine all that the ma-
nufacturer can require: — a healthy
country, abundant and cheap provi-
sions, an adequate supply of labour-
ers, convenience in obtaining raw
materials, unfailing power for its ma-
nipulation, and a chance of, and rea-
dy access to, the best markets of the
country.
The following is a description of
Trenton, in 1748, as given by the
Swedish traveller Kalm — which the
citizen will delight to compare with
its present condition :
" Trenton is a long, narrow town,
situate at some distance from the
river Delaware, on a sandy plain.
It is reckoned 30 miles from Phila-
delphia. It has two small churches,
one for the people belonging to the
Church of England, the other for the
Presbyterians. The houses are part-
ly built of stone, though most of them
are made of wood or planks, com-
monly two stories high, together with
a cellar below the building, and a
kitchen under ground, close to the
cellar. The houses stand at a mode-
rate distance from one another. They
are commonly built so that the street
passes along one side of the houses,
while gardens of different dimensions
bound the other side ; in each garden
is a draw-well ; the place is reckoned
very healthy. Our landlord told us
that 22 years ago, when he first set-
tled here, (1726) there was hardly
more than one house : but from that
time, Trenton has increased so much,
that there are at present near an hun-
dred houses. The houses were with-
in, divided into several rooms by their
partitions of boards. The inhabitants
of the place carried on a small trade
with the goods which they got from
Philadelphia; but their chief gain
consisted in the arrival of the nume-
rous travellers between that city and
New York; for they are commonly
brought by the Trenton yachts from
Philadelphia to Trenton, or from
thence to Philadelphia. But from
Trenton, further to New Brunswick,
the travellers go in wagons, which
set out every day for that place. Se-
veral of the inhabitants also subsist
on the carriage of all sorts of goods,
which are sent in great quantities,
either from Philadelphia to New York,
or from thence to the former place —
for between Philadelphia and Tren-
ton, all goods go by water; but be-
TUC
254
TUR
tween Trenton and New Brunswick,
they are all carried by land, and both
these conveniences belong to people
of this town. For the yachts wliich
go between this place and the capital
of Pennsylvania, they usually pay a
shilling and sixpence, Pennsylvania
currency, per person, and every one
pays beside for his baggage. Every
passenger must provide meat and
drink for himself, and pay some set-
tled fare. Between Trenton and New
Brunswick, a person pays 2s, 6d., and
the baggage is likewise paid for sepa-
rately."
The town was founded a {cw years
prior to 1720, by William Trent, an
enterprising trader, who was distin-
guished for public spirit, and private
character, \n the provinces of Penn-
sylvania and New Jersey. He was
at one time. Speaker of the Assembly
of the former, and at another. Speak-
er of the Assembly of the latter, pro-
vince. The site of Trenton, before
it bore his name, was significantly
called Littleworth. Mr. Trent died
on the 29th December, 1724.
Trowbridge Mountain, a long and
irregularly shaped hill, of Morris co.,
extending from the N. branch of the
Raritan, through Mendham, Ran-
dolph, and Hanover t-ships, to the
Rockaway river, ranging S. W. and
N. E. It is of granitic formation;
many parts of it in cultivation, but
, generally sterile.
Troy, hamlel of Hanover t-ship,
Morris co., on the Parcipany river,
about 7 miles N. E. of Morristown ;
contains a forge, 1 grist mill, a saw
mill, and 12 or 15 dwellings. Soil,
sandy loam.
TubmilJ, branch of Wading river,
rises in the west jilains of Little Egg
Harbour t-ship, Burlington co., and
flows S. W. 7 miles to its recipient,
about a mile telow Bridgeport.
Tuclcahoe Creek, rises on the line
between Weymouth t-ship,- Glouces-
ter CO., and Maurice river t-ship,
Cumberland co., and forms, in part,
the western boundary of the former
CO., and also, its southern boundary,
separating it in the latter case, from
Cape May co. Its course, for about
11 miles, is S., thence due E. for
about 1 2 miles ; emptying into Great
Egg Harbour bay. It is a fine mill
stream, driving several mills, at Mar-
shallville, Etna, and other higher
points, and is navigable for sloops,
above the village of Tuckahoe, more
than 10 miles from the ocean.
Tuckahoe, p-t. on both sides of the
Tuckahoe river, over which there is
a bridge, 10 miles above the sea, 4.6
miles S. E. from Woodbury, and by
post-route 192 from Washington;
contains some 20 dwellings, 3 ta-
verns, several stores. It is a place
of considerable trade in wood, lum-
ber, and ship building. The land
immediately on the river is good, but
a short distance from it, is swampy
and low.
Tuckerton, p-t, and port of entry,
for Little Egg Harbour district, about
35 miles S. E. of Mount Holly, 65
from Trenton, and 189 N. E. from
W. C. ; situate on a narrow tongue
of land, projecting into the marsh on
Little Egg Harbour bay, Little Egg
Harbour t-ship, Burlington co. ; con-
tains between 30 and 40 dwellings,
4 taverns, 5 stores, 2 Methodist
churches, a Quaker meeting house.
It lies upon a navigable stream, call-
ed Sherd's Mill Branch, 6 miles from
the bay, whence wood scows and
flats ascend to the town. There is a
large business done here in timber
and cord-wood; and salt is, or was
manufactured in the vicinity. The
town is frequented during the sum-
mer season, by many persons for the
benefits of sea-bathing, &c. A stage
j)lies regularly between it and Phila-
delphia.
Tiilipchauklu Creek, tributary of
the west branch of Wading river,
rises in, and has its whole course of
about 8 miles, through Washington
t-ship, Burlington co.
Turpentine, Iiamlet of Northamp-
ton t-ship, Burlington co.,onthe road
from Mount Holly to Freehold, about
a mile east from the former; contains
a tavern, a store, and some 8 or 10
dwellings.
UPP
255
VAU
Turtle Gut Inlet, Lower t-ship,
Cape May co., between Five Mile
and Two Mile Beach.
Tuscomiisco Creek, a small tribu-
tary of the Atsion river, Evesham
t-ship, Burlington co.
Two Mile Beach, on the Atlantic
ocean, Lower t-ship, Cape May co.,
between Turtle Gut and Cold Spring
Inlet.
Union Cross Roads, hamlet of
Deptford t-ship, Gloucester co., 4
miles S. E. of Woodbury ; contains
3 or 4 dwellings.
Union t-ship, Essex co., bounded
N. by Orange and Newark t-ships ;
E. by Elizabethtown t-ship ; S. by
Rahway, and W. by Westfield and
Springfield t-ships. Centrally distant
from Newark S. W. 6 miles: great-
est length N. and S. 5^, breadth E,
and W. 5 miles ; area, 12,000 acres ;
surface, rolling; soil, red shale, well
cultivated ; watered by Elizabeth river
on the cast, and Rahway river on the
west. Population in 1830, 1405. —
In 1832 the t-ship contained 350 tax-
ables, 56 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 in value ; 40
single men, 2 stores, 7 saw mills, 1
woollen factory, 21 tan vats; and
paid state tax, $179 65; county,
470 04; poor, $300. There is a
fine body of turf here, upon the south
branch of Elizabeth river.
Union or " Connecticut Farms,^''
is the post-town of the preceding
t-ship, situated on the road from Eli-
zabethtown to Morristown, 4 miles
N. W. of the former, 5 miles S. E.
from Newark, 213 N. E. from W.
C, and 47 from Trenton ; contains
a Presbyterian church, and within a
half a mile of it, 3 taverns, a store,
and about 30 dwellings.
Up-Clearing Creek, a small tribu-
tary of Cohansey ci'eek, which flows
westerly into it, from Hopewell t-sp,
Cumberland co.
Upper t-ship. Cape May co., bound-
ed N. by Tuckahoe creek, which di-
vides it from Weymouth t-ship, Glou-
cester CO. ; E. and S. E. by the At-
lantic ocean; S. W. by Dennis t-sp;
and N. AV. by Maurice river t-ship.
Cumberland co. Centrally distant
from Cape May court-house N. E.
13 miles: greatest length N. E. and
S. W. 12 miles; breadth S. E. and
N. W. Hi miles; area, 37,000
acres ; surface, flat ; soil, sand and
clay; timber, generally oak and cedar.
Population in 1830, 1067. In 1832
there were in the t-ship about 200
taxables, 173 householders, whose
ratables did not exceed $30 ; 1 grist
mill, 6 saw mills, 6 stores, 140
horses, and 560 cattle above the age
of three years. There are 1 Baptist
and 1 Episcopalian church, here. The
t-ship paid lor t-ship expenses, $77
38; county, $466 65; state tax,
$150 73. It is drained by Tuckahoe
river and Cedar Swamp creek. The
last flows N. E. from the S. W.
boundary of the t-ship, through an
extensive cedar swamp into the river.
On the Atlantic front is Ludlam's and
Peck's Beaches, having a width of
near half a mile, between which
the tide flows into several marsh ca-
nals and small lagunes. The marsh
may have an average width of about
two miles. Tuckahoe village lies on
the Tuckahoe river, partly in this,
and partly in Gloucester co., having
a post-office in the latter. Marshall-
ville lies on the line between Cum-
berland and Cape May counties, but
in the former.
Vancamp Brook, rises from two
ponds at the west foot of the Blue
mountain, Walpack t-ship, Sussex
CO., and by a S. W. course of about
8 miles empties into the Delaware
river, in Pahaquarry t-ship.
Vansicldes, tavern, store, and {)ost-
offipe, of Bethlehem t-ship, Hunter-
don CO., on the S. E. foot of the Mus-
conetcong mountain, 10 miles N. W.
from Flemington, 36 irom Trenton,
and 195 from W. C.
Varmintou-n, hamlet of Upper
Freehold t-ship, Monmouth co., 6
miles S. E. of Allentown, and 16 S.
W. of Freehold ; contains a wheel-
wright and smith shop, and 2 or 3
cottages, in a fertile country of sandy
loam.
Vanxkall, small hamlet of Spring-
VIE
256
WAL
field t-ship, Essex co., 7 miles W.
from Newark, and 2j N. from
Springfield.
Vealtown, in a vale of Mine moun-
tain, on Mine Brook, Bernard- t-ship,
Somerset co., 11 miles N. of Somer-
ville; contains a mill and some half
dozen dwellings.
Vernoti t-ship, Sussex co., bounded
N. ■ by the state of New York ; E.
by Pompton t-sliip, Bergen co. ; S.
by Hardiston t-ship; and W. by
Wantage t-ship, from which it is se-
parated by the Wallkill river. Great-
est length 11, breadth 10 miles; area,
52,480 acres. The whole surface of
the t-ship is covered by mountains ;
the Wallkill and Wawayanda moun-
tains being on the south and east,
and the Pochuck mountain on the
west. It is drained north by War-
wick creek and its tributaries, Black
creek and Double Pond creek; south
by Pacak creek, a tributary of the
Pequannock, and by some small tri-
butaries of the Wallkill river. Popu-
lation in 1830, 2377; taxables in
1832, 382. There were in the t-ship
in 1832,158 householders, whose ra-
tables did not exceed $30 ; 2 store-
keepers, 5 pairs stones for grinding
grain, 1 carding machine, 1 furnace,
3 forges, 8 mill saws, 1 fulling mill,
311 horses and mules, and 1650 neat
cattle, 3 years old and upwards, and
6 distilleries. The t-ship paid for
school tax, $116; state and county
tax, $921 10; poor tax, $300; and
road tax, $1200. Hamburg and Ver-
non are villages and post-towns of this
t-ship. The mountains, which on the
east, rise to the height of 1000 feet,
are composed of primitive rock,, in
which hornblende is a principal con-
stituent ; the valleys are uniformly of
primitive limestone. The mountains
yield iron abundantly.
Vernon, p-t. of the above named
t-ship, lying in the valley between
the Wawayandri and Pochuck moun-
tains, 246 'miles N. K. from W. C,
88 from Trenton, and 18 from New-
ton. It contains a tavern, store, and
from 10 to 12 dwellings.
Vienna, p-t. of Independence t-ship,
Warren co., on the Pequest creek,
near the S. W. boundary of the t-sp,
by the post-road 220 miles from W.
C, 54 from Trenton, and 12 from
Belvidere, upon the vei-ge of the Great
Meadows ; contains a Presbyterian
.church, a store, tavern, and 6 or 8
dwellings.
Vincentfotcn, p-t. of Northampton
t-ship, Burlington co., at the junction
of Stop-the-Jade creek with the south
branch of the Rancocus cteek, 5 miles
S. of Mount PloUy, 12 miles S. E.
from Burlington, 32 from Trenton,
and 159 N. E. fi'om W. C. ; contains
a grist mill, saw mill, 2 taverns, 4
stores, from 30 to 40 dwellings, a
Quaker meeting house, and a house
of public worship, free to all denomi-
nations ; surrounded by a fine fertile
country.
Wading River, a considerable
arm of Little Egg Harbour river,
which rises by two branches; the
east in Dover t-ship, Monmouth co.,
and flows S. W. 15 miles, into
Washington township; the west in
Northampton t-ship, and flows S. W.
about 15 miles, to unite with the east,
near Bodine's tavern. The main
stem flows by a south course, thence
of 8 miles to the Little Egg Harbour
river, below Swan's Bay.
Waertown, hamlet of Stafford t-sp,
Monmouth co., iipon Barnegat bay,
near the mouth of Waertown creek,
a small mill stream, of about 3 miles
long, 35 miles S. E. from Freehold,
and opposite to Barnegat Inlet; con-
tains 10 or 12 dwellings, a tavern
and store ; in a sandy soil, covered
with pine forest.
WaUkill Mountains. (Sec Ham-
hvrg.)
Wallkill Hirer, rises in Byram
t-ship, Sussex co., and flows by a N.
E. course of 23 or 24 miles, through
Hardiston t-ship, dividing Wantage
from Vernon t-ship, into the state of
New York, and thence by a like
course of 35 or 40 miles, through
Orange and Ulster counties, falls into
the Hudson river, 3 miles S. E. from
the village of Esopus or Kingston.
This stream is remarkable for beins
WAN
257
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the drain of a large and valuable
tract of marsh meadow land, exceed-
ing 50,000 acres, elevated more than
325 feet above tide water. The wa-
ters which descend from the surround-
ing hills, being slowly discharged
from the river, cover these vast mea-
dows every winter, and would render
them extremely fertile, could they be
effectually drained.
Walnut Valley, post-office, War-
ren CO.
WalpacJc t-ship, of Sussex co.,
bounded N. E. by Sandistone t-ship ;
S. E. by the Blue mountain, which
separates it from Stillwater t-ship ; S.
W. by Pahaquarry t-ship; and W.
by the river Delaware. Greatest
length 10 miles ; breadth 4 miles ;
area, 15,360 acres ; surface on the
east, mountainous ; on the west, river
alluvion. Population in 1830, 660;
taxables 137. There were in the
t-ship in 1832, 24 householders whose
ratables^did not exceed $30; 1 store-
keeper, 2 saw mills, 146 horses and
mules, 3 years old and upwards;
354 neat cattle of like age; 14 tan
vats. It paid state and county tax,
$293 80 ; and road tax, $350. It is
drained by the Flatkill, which runs
centrally through the t-ship, and
empties into the Delaware at the
Walpack Bend ; and by Vancamp
Brook, which rises in Long Pond, in
the Blue mountain. There is a post-
office here, called after the t-ship, dis-
tant from Washington 240, from
Trenton 82, and from Newton 12
miles. The Blue mountain covers
nearly half the t-ship; between its
base and the river is a margin, of an
average width of two miles, of lime-
stone, bordered and partly covered
by alluvion, rich and highly produc-
tive of wheat, corn, &c. There is a
German Reformed church in the
t-ship.
Walpack Bend, a remarkable
bend of the river Delaware, at the
S. W. angle of Walpack t-ship, about
85 miles above the city of Trenton.
Wa7itage t-ship, of Sussex co.,
bounded N. by the state of New
York; E. by Vernon t-shiji; S. by
2 K
Frankford and Hardiston t-ships;
and W. by the Blue mountain, which
separates this from Sandistone and
Montague t-ships. Greatest length
11 miles; breadth 8^ miles; area,
42,880 acres ; surface on the west,
mountainous and hilly; on the east,
rolling. Population in 1830, 4034;
taxables 643. There were in the
t-ship in 1832, 208 householders, 11
storekeepers or traders, 18 pairs of
stones for grinding grain, 6 saw
mills, 1 fulling mill, 5 carding ma-
chines, 939 horses and mules, and
3481 neat cattle, over 3 years of
age; 18 tan vats, and 3 distilleries.
The t-ship paid a school tax of $500 ;
state and county tax, $1706 27;
poor tax, $300; and road tax, $1500.
It is drained by Deep Clove river
and Papakating creek, uniting south
of Deckertown, and thence flowing
into the Wallkill river, which forms
the whole eastern boundary of the
t-ship. The Paterson and Hamburg
turnpike road runs N. E., and the
Newton and Bolton N. W., through
the t-ship; and at their intersection,
is the small village of Deckertown.
There is a post-office at Deckertown,
444 miles from W. C, 86 from Tren-
ton, and 16 from Newton; and ano-
ther called Libcrtyville, 241 miles
from W. C., 83 from Trenton, and
10 from Newton. Wantage is a rich
t-ship, consisting of limestone and
slate soils ; the one on the east, and
the other on its western side, highly
cultivated. Along the Wallkill river,
there is a margin of swamp, known
as the Drowned Lands, caused by the
collection of the waters from the high
ground, in a deep and flat valley,
through which the river moves slug-
gishly. These lands are, in places,
heavily timbered.
Wardle''s Beach, on the Atlantic
ocean, Shrewsbury t-ship, Monmouth
CO., extending south from Old Shrews-
bury Inlet.
Warren Covnty, was taken from
Sussex, by Act, 20th Nov., 1824,
which directed, That all the lower
part of the latter, southwesterly of a
line, beginning on the river Dela-
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258
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ware, at the mouth of Flat Brook, in
the t-ship of Walpack, and running
thence a straight course to the N. E.
corner of Hardwicke church, and
thence in the same course to the mid-
dle of the Musconetcong creek, thence
down the middle of the said creek, to
the Delaware, should be a new coun-
ty. Warren is bounded N. E. by
Sussex CO.; S. E. by the Musco-
netcong creek, which divides it from
Morris and Hunterdon, and W. and
N. W. by the river Delaware. Its
greatest length, N. E. and S. W. is
35 miles; greatest breadth, E. and
W. 17 miles; area, about 350 square
miles ; central lat. 40° 50' N. ; long.
1° 58' E., from W. C.
The county is divided between the
primitive and transition formations.
A stri]) of the former crosses it, in
the neighbourhood of Beattystown,
towards Philipsburg, and the other
fills the portion N. of a line rurming
N. W. and S. E. by Sparta, towards
Belvidere, including the Blue moun-
tain ; leaving an intervening strip of
primitive, of a wedge-like form, hav-
ing its broader part resting on New
York. From these formations we
may expect a great variety of soils ;
and indeed all the rocks which be-
long to them, arc singularly blended.
The valley of the Musconetcong, on
the N. W. side, abounds with transi-
tion limestone, bordered by a vein
of dark slate; and all the valleys,
whether of the primitive or transition,
are fertilized by the decomposition of
the limestone rock, mingling with the
sand, loam and clay, washing from
the mountains, making a compound,
various as the rocks from which it is
derived.
The metals found within the coim-
ty, are magnetic iron, bKiwn hema-
tite, and bog ore, in several places,
but principally in Scott's mountain,
Jenny Jump, and on the Delaware!
river, near Foul Rift. A mine of
magnetic iron ore is wrought . in
Scott's mountain, Oxford t-ship,
where a fuiMiace was cstaltlishcd near-
ly a century since, and has Intcly
been repaired and put into operation.
Zinc, or lead, appears in the hills
which bound the Musconetcong val-
ley, on the N. W. ; but most proba-
bly zinc, inasmuch as these hills are
in the range of the Wallkill moun-
tain, where that metal lies in large
masses. Gold and silver are said to
have been discovered in the Jenny
Jump mountain, but which, though
possibly true, may in all likelihood,
be iron or copper pyrites, which have
so often been mistaken for the pre-
cious metals. Marble, steatite, or
soapstone, roofing slate, and manga-
nese, may also be obtained in the
county, sufficiently near to naviga-
tion, to render them valuable in com-
merce. The state quarries, near the
Blue mountain, are already exten-
sively worked.
The county is marked by several
prominent mountain ridges, which
determine its water courses, and the
surface is every where uneven. En-
tering it from the south, we cross the
natural boundary, the Musconetcong
creek, which is confined to a narrow
valley, by hills, forming a continua-
tion of the Wallkill mountain, whose
north-western base is washed by the
Pohatcong creek, for nearly the whole
breadth of the county ; and the val-
ley of that stream is divided from
that of the Bequest, by Scott's moun-
tain, which breaks into small and
diminished knolls, near the eastern
extremity of the county. North of
the main branch of the Bequest, but
embraced by it and its chief tributa-
ry, Beaver brook, lies the Jenny
Jump mountain, a narrow and iso-
lated ridge. Beaver brook drains a
valley of several miles in width, and
covered with knolls of slate, and beds
of limestone, and circumscribed north-
ward by a long, unbroken, slaty
ridge, which bounds the valley of the
Paulinskill. Between that stream,
and the Blue moimtain, the mean
distance r»iay be about five miles.
The Blue mountain covers the re-
maining portion of the county, with
the exception of a small strip of allu-
vial, which borders the Delaware
river.
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As in most parts of the primitive
and transition formations, tlic streams
are rapid and precipitous, affording
advantageous use of tlieir volumes
for hydraulic purposes, but are in no
instance navigable. The waters of
the county, without exception, seek
the Delaware ; and whilst that river
boldly cuts its way through the moun-
tains, these tributaries are compelled
to pursue the course of the ridges
whose bases they lave.
The only artificial road of the
county, is that from Morristown to
Philipsburg, opposite to Easton. A
rail-road has been authorized by the
Legislature, which is designed to unite
with a similar road, opposite to Belvi-
dere, on the Delaware, and to proceed
thence to the Susquehanna river.
The business of the county is chief-
ly agi'icultural, and its staples are
wheat, corn, rye, oats, and flax ; and
in the northern part buckwheat.
Within a few years, husbandry has
made great advances, and yet conti-
nues to improve. The use of lime
as a manure is becoming general;
and the rich valley lands yield very
large crops of wheat, which find a
ready market at Easton. Flax-seed
is also grown in great quantities ; of
which 12,000 bushels are annually
purchased in Belvidere, alone.
In 1830, the county contained,
18,627 inhabitants, of whom 9463
were white males, 8695 white fe-
males; 214 free coloured males, 208
free coloured females; 21 male, and
26 female slaves. Of this popula-
tion, 286 were aliens, 10 were deaf
and dumb, and 14 were blind. The
inhabitants are chiefly of English ex-
traction, and a considerable portion
from New England parents.
By the abstract of the assessors,
reported to the Legislature, in 1832,
there were 102,377 acres of improved
land, making nearly one-half the area
of the county; 1062 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30 ;
411 single men ; 3489 taxables ; 56
morcluuits, 45 grist mills, 41 saw
mills, 16 carding machines, 7 fur-
naces for casting iron, 2 cotton and
woollen factories, 2 fulling mills, 3
oil mills, and 1 plaster mill, 235 tan
vats, 1 glass factory, 3 distilleries of
grain, and 25 of cider; 14 carriages,
with steel springs; 177 riding chairs,
gigs and sulkies; 4324 horses, and
7772 neat cattle, over 3 years of age ;
and it paid fort-ship purposes, $5700;
and for state and county purposes,
$8999 20. The t-ship of Greenwich
alone honourably distinguished itself,
by appropriating money to school use,
and paid for this object, $500.
The religious sects of the county
are Presbyterian, Methodist, Epis-
copalian, Baptists, and Chris-ti-ans.
The last has, we believe, two church-
es, and admits women to officiate in
the ministry. These sects rank in
number in the order we have placed
them.
The towns and post-offices of the
county are, Belvidere, the seat of jus-
tice ; Finesville, Hughesville, Blooms-
bury, Asbury, Imlaydale, Pleasant
Valley, Mansfield, Anderson, Beattys-
town, Hackettstown, Alamuche, Long
Bridge, Johnsonburg, Lawrenceville ,
Marksborough, Philipsburg, Stew-
artsville, New Village, Broadway,
Concord, Rocksbury, Oxford, Hope,
Shiloh, Columbia, Knowlton Mills,
Centreville, Sodom, Gravel Hill, &c.
The courts of common pleas, or-
phan's courts, and quarter sessions,
are holden at Belvidere, on the 2d
Tuesday of February, 1st Tuesday of
June, 4th Tuesday of August, and
the 1st Tuesday after the 4t]i in No-
vember. The circuit court and ses-
sions of oyer and terminer, and ge-
neral jail delivery, are holden on the
1st Tuesday in June, and the 1st
Tuesday after the 4th in November.
The county elects one member to
the council, and two to the general
Assembly.
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260
WAS
STATISTICAL TABLE OF WARREN COUNTY.
J3
^
Population.
Townships.
Area-
Surface.
■
1830.
Greenwich,
13
11
38,000
hilly.
4486
Hard wick,
11
8
24,320
do.
1962
Independence,
9
sh
29,440
hills and vales.
2126
Knowlton,
10
10
44,800
do.
2827
Mansfield,
15
62
33,000
mountainous.
3303
Oxford,
16
5 A
42,000
do.
3665
Pahaquarry,
13
2^
12,800
do.
258
224,360
18,627
Warren t-ship, Sonier.set co.,
bounded N. by Bernard t-ship and
by Morris t-ship, Morris co., from
which it is separated by the Passaic
river; N. E. by New Providence;
S. E. by Westfield t-ship, of Essex
CO.; S. by Piscataway t-ship, Mid-
dlesex CO. ; and S. W. by Bridge-
water t-ship, Somerset co. Greatest
length N. E. and S. W. 8 miles;
breadth N. and S. 4 miles : centrally
distant N. E. from Somerville 6
miles; area, 18,000 acres; surface,
mountainous, the whole t-ship being
covered with hills ; bent into elliptic
form, with a single narrow valley
drained by Middlo Brook. These
hills arc low, well wooded, and com-
posed of trap rock, upon old red sand-
stone, whose disintegration gives a
soil of stiff clay and sandy loam.
They contain veins of copper ore, ap-
parently, very rich, and said to be
valuable not only for the copper thoy
contain, but also for their gold. Se-
veral efforts have been made to work
them, but none have been success-
fully prosecuted. Mines have been
opened within 2 miles N. E. of So-
merville, which were lately wrought
by Mr. Cammams and Dr. Strykcr,
who have suspended their operations ;
others, within a mile of the village
of Green Brook, and six of Somer-
ville, were worked some 40 years
ago. Tho southern base of these
mineral hills is washed by Green
Brook. Mount Bethel is a small
hamlet at which we believe the poat-
office of the t-ship is kept, called
" Warren.'' Population in 1830,
1501. In 1832 the t-ship contained
about 300 taxables, 56 householders,
whose ratables did not exceed $30;
42 single men, 4 stores, 8 saw mills,
4 grist [mills, 2 fulling mills, 4 tan
vats, 5 distilleries, 3 carding ma-
chines, 259 horses and mules, and
873 neat cattle, over 3 years of age.
Warwick CrceJi, rises in Orange
CO., in the state of New York, from
Wickham's Pond, and fiows thence
by the town of Warwick S. W. into
Vernon t-ship, Sussex co., and into the
valley between Wawayanda and Po-
chuck mountains; thence by a N.
W. course re-enters the state of New
York, and unites with the Wallkill
river, in the Great Marsh. This
stream gives motion to several mills.
Washington t-ship, Morris co.,
bounded N. by Roxbury t-ship; E.
by that t-ship and Chester; S. by
Tewkesbury and Lebanon t-ships,
Hunterdon co. ; and W. by Mansfield
and Independence t-ships, Warren
CO., from which it is separated by
Musconetcong creek. Centrally dis-
tant W. from MorristOAvn 18 miles:
greatest length E. and W. 8, breadth
N. and S. ^7^ miles; area, 27,500
acres; surf ice, mountainous, Schoo-
ley's mountain covering the western
portion; on the cast of which, lies
the German valley, drained by the
south branch of the Raritan river:
the intervening country ])etween that
and the Black river, near the souths
WAS
261
WAT
eastern boundary, is hilly. The soil
of the highlands is generally clay
and loam, with grey limestone in the
valleys. Much of the mountain is
cultivated, and with lime, brings
abundant crops. The German valley
is very rich, and settled by the indus-
trious descendants of Germans. The
celebrated mineral spring and houses
of public entertainment, are on the
mountain. (See Sclwoley^s Moun-
tain.) Springtown and Pleasant
Grove are villages of the t-ship. —
Population in 18.30, 2188. In 18.32
the t-ship contained 397 taxables, 124
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed 830 in value; 8 stores, 11
saw, 6 grist mills, 3 forges, 20 tan
vats, 10 distilleries, 53^ horses, and
1015 neat cattle, above 3 years of
age ; and paid the following taxes :
state, $314; county, $703 74; poor,
$300 ; road, $500.
Washington, village of North
Brunswick t-ship, Middlesex co., on
the left bank of the South river, 5'
miles S. E. from New Brunswick,
and about 3 miles from the conflu-
ence of that river with the Raritan.
There are here 2 taverns, 3 stoi-es,
and from 30 to 40 dwellings. An
unsuccessful attempt has been made
to cut a canal, a mile long, between
the South river and the Raritan, in
order to save several miles in the
navigation from the town to Perth
Amboy.
WasJdngton t-ship, Burlington co.,
bounded N. and N. E. by Northamp-
ton t-ship ; S. E. by Little Egg Har-
bour t-ship ; S. W. and W. by Gal-
loway and Waterford t-ships, Glou-
cester CO. ; and N. W. by Evesham
t-ship. Centrally distant S. from
Woodbury, 22 miles. Greatest
breadth, N. and S. 19 miles; great-
est length, E. and W. 20 miles ; area,
112,000 acres. Surface, level; soil,
generally sandy, and covered with
forest. Drained S. by the Little Egg
Harbour river, and its several branch-
es; Atsion, the main branch, being
on the W. boundary, and Wading
river running centrally through the
t-ship. Shamong, Washington, and
Greenbank, are villages of the t-ship.
Population in 1830, 1315. In 1832
the t-ship contained 141 household-
ers, whose ratables did not exceed
$30; 59 single men; 287 taxables;
6 stores, 3 fisheries, 7, saw mills, 4
grist mills, 2 furnaces, 1 forge, 6
dearborns, 19 covered wagons, 4 gigs
and sulkies, 333 neat cattle, 265
horses and mules; and paid state
tax, $117 12; county tax, $371 10;
township tax, $450.
Washington, p-t. of Washington
t-ship, Morris co., in the German
valley, Schooley's mountain, on the
turnpike road from Morristown to
Easton,and on the south branch of the
Raritan river, 18 miles W. of Morris-
town, 54 N. E. from Trenton, and
220 by post route from W. C. ; con-
tains 1 Presbyterian, and 1 Lutheran
church, a school, 1 store, 2 taverns,
and about 20 dwellings. It is sur-
rounded by a fertile, well improved,
limestone country. (See German
Valley.)
Washington, village of Mansfield
t-ship, Warren county. (See Mans-
field.)
Waterford t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded N. E. by Chester t-ship ; E.
by Evesham t-ship, Burlington co. ;
S. E. by Galloway t-ship; W. by
Gloucester and Newton t-ships ; and
N. W. by the river Delaware. Cen-
trally distant W. from Woodbury 12
miles. Greatest length, N. W. and
S. E., 25; breadth, 8 miles. Its
form is very irregular, being deeply
indented by the adjacent county of
Burlington, and being near the mid-
dle of its length, scarce more than a
mile in width. Its surface is level,
broken only by the streams which
run through it; soil, sandy, mixed in
the northern part, more or less with
loam, but generally light, producing
tolerable grass, when manured with
marl, ashes or lime, and is cultivated
in fruit and vegetables for market.
The southern part of the t-ship, has
a sandy soil, covered with a pine
forest, and is valuable chiefly on ac-
count of its timber. It is drained,
N. E. by Pensauken creek ; N. W.
WEA
262
WES
by Cooper's creek, which, respective-
ly, are boundaries ; and on the S. E.
by several branches of" tlie Atsion
river, of which Atquutqua creek runs
along the S. E. boundary. Shell
marl is found in the t-ship, in the
neighbourhoodof Long-a-coming, and
other places. Wateribrdville, and
Ellisville, are villages of the t-ship,
and Long-a-coming is on the western
t-ship line. Population in 1830, 3088.
In 1832 the t-ship contained an Epis-
copal church, 404 householders,
whose ratablcs did not exceed $30,
in value ; 7 stores, 5 fisheries, 5 grist
mills, 4 saw mills, 7 distilleries, 2
glass factories; and paid poor tax,
|660 .52; county tax, $1321 06;
township tax, $1200.
Waterfordville, village of Water-
ford t-ship, Gloucester co., on the
road from Camden to Moorestown,
about 5 miles from either ; contains
a tavern, store, and 8 or 10 dwell-
ings.
Wafer Street, village of Mendham
t-ship, Morris co., on the line between
that and Morris t-ship, and on the
head waters of Whippany river, 3
miles W. of Morristown ; contains a
grist mill, store, and half a dozen of
dwellings.
Watsoti's Creeh, Middlctown t-sp.,
Monmouth co., runs N. E. 2 miles,
into Sandy Hook bay.
Wawayanda Mountain, Vernon
t-ship, Sussex co., extends northerly,
across the eastern part of the t-ship,
about 9 miles. It interlocks on the
S. with the Wallkill mountain.
Waycake Creek, Middlctown t-sp.,
Monmouth co., flows N. about 5
miles, into the Raritan bay, W. of
Point Comfort.
Weasel; the name of a dense set-
tlement, of Acquackanonck t-ship,
Essex CO., extending for near 4 miles,
along the right bank of the Passaic,
between Acquackanonck village, and
Paterson. There may be in the set-
tlement, about 40 dwellings, many of
which are very neat. The country
is fertile, and extremely well culti-
vated;— land, in farms, valued at
$100 the acre.
West or Jecak Creek, forms the
S. E. boundary of Cumberland co.,
between that and Cape May co. It
is a mill stream between 6 and 7
miles in length, upon which are
Hughes' "-rist and saw mills.
Westjield, small village of Chester
t-ship, Burlington co., on the road
from Camden to Burlington, 7 miles
N. of the former, and 11 S. W. from
Mount Holly; contains a Friends'
meeting house, and some half dozen
farm houses, in a very fertile well
cultivated country. Soil, sandy loam.
Wesfficld t-ship, Essex co., bound-
ed N. by Springfield ; E. by Union ;
S. E. by Railway t-ships ; S. by Mid-
dlesex CO.; W. by Warren t-ship,
Somerset co., and by New Provi-
dence t-ship. Centrally distant S.
W.'"from Newark 13 miles: greatest
length 7, breadth 6 miles ; area,
18,000 acres; sui'face on the N.
W. hilly, but subsiding to a plain on
the south ; soil, clay loam northward,
and red shale southward : the latter
rich and carefully cultivated. Rah-
way river courses the eastern, and
Green Brook the western, boundary.
A more abundant and delightful
country is scarce any where to be
tbund, than that along from the foot
of the mountain, north of Scotch
Plains through the t-ship. West-
field, Plainfield, and Scotch Plains
are villages and post-towns of the
precinct. Population in 1830, 2492.
In 1832 the t-ship contained 475 tax-
ables, 124 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; 64 single
men, 5 merchants, .5 grist mills, 2
saw mills, 1 paper mill, 423 horses
and mules, and 1111 neat cattle,
above 3 years old ; and paid state
tax, $264 78; countv, $692 77;
poor, $420 ; road, $800.
Westfield, p-t. of the above t-ship,"
11 miles S. W. from Newark, 218
N. E. from W. C, 52 from Trenton,
and 32 from Scotch Plains, on the
road leading thence to Elizabethtown ;
contains a Presbyterian church, a ta-
vern, store, and smithcry, and 25
dwellings. The vicinage is level,
with a stiff clay cold soil. Lands
WEY
263
WHI
valued at an average of 25 dollars
per acre.
WestccimJc Creek, rises by several
branches in Little Egg Harbour t-sp,
Burlington co., and flows S. E. about
8 miles, through Stafford t-ship, Mon-
mouth CO., into Little Egg Harbour
bay. There was formerly a forge
upon the stream. Thei'e are now a
grist and saw mill, and in the vicini-
ty, some 15 or 20 dwellings. The
Pahna Christi, or castor bean, is ex-
tensively cultivated here.
West Milford, post-ofBce of Ber-
gen CO., 248 miles from W. C, and
82 N. E. from Trenton.
Weston, p-t., on the Millstone river,
and on the Delaware and Raritan
canal, formerly called Rogers' Mill,
about a mile and a half from its con-
fluence with the Raritan river, and 2
miles below the village of Millstone,
3 miles in a direct line S. E. of So-
merville, Somerset co., and about 30
from Trenton; contains a saw mill,
grist mill, store, and some 10 or 12
dwellings.
Weymouth, blast furnace, forge,
and village, in Hamilton t-ship, Glou-
cester CO., upon the Great Egg Har-
bour river, about 5 miles above the
head of navigation. The furnace
makes about 900 tons of castings
annually : the forge having four fires
and two hammers, makes about 200
tons bar iron, immediately from the
ore. There are also a grist and a
saw mill, and buildings for the work-
men, of whom 100 are constantly
employed about the works, and the
persons depending upon them for
subsistence, average 600 annually.
There are 85,000 acres of land per-
taining to this establishment, within
which May's Landing is included.
The works have a superabundant
supply of water, during all seasons
of the year.
Weymouth t-ship, Gloucester co.,
bounded N. by Hamilton; E. by
Great Egg Harbour river; S. and
W. by Tuckahoe river. Centrally
distant from Woodbury 41 miles :
greatest length N. and S. 12 miles;
breadth E. and W. 10 miles ; area,
50,000 acres; surface, level; soil,
sandy: eastern boundary on tlie
river, and the portion on the S. E.
lying between the two rivers is salt
marsh. Stephens' Creek and Tucka-
hoe are villages and post-towns of
the t-ship. Po]iulation in 1830, 3333.
In 1832 the t-ship contained 90 house-
holders, whose ratables did not ex-
ceed $30; 4 stores, 2 grist mills, 1
carding machine, 1 blast furnace, and
2 forges called Etna, 4 saw mills,
315 neat cattle, and 90 horses and
mules, above 3 years old; and paid
county tax, $157 69 ; poor tax, $78
82 ; and road tax, $600.
Whale Pond Creek, Shrewsbury
t-ship, Monmouth co., flows easterly
about 5 miles to the ocean, about a
mile below the Long Branch board-
ing houses. It gives motion to a
mill.
Wheat Sheaf, small village on the
line separating Rahway from Eliza-
bethtown t-ship, 8 miles S. W. from
Newark, and half-way between
Bridgetown and Elizabethtov/n, 3
miles from either ; contains a tavern,
from whose sign it has its name ; a
store, and 8 or 10 dwellings.
Whippany, manufacturing village,
of Hanover t-ship, Morris co., on the
Whippany river, 5 miles N. E. of
Morristown ; contains a Methodist
church, an academy, 3 stoi*es, 1 ta-
vern, 5 cotton manufactories, 2000
spindles, 3 paper mills, and 56 dwell-
ings. Soil, loam, valued at 25 and
30 dollars per acre.
Whippany River, Morris co., a
considerable tributary of the Rocka-
way, rises in Mcndham t-ship, at the
foot of Trowbridge mountain, and
flows by a N. E. course of 17 or 18
miles, by Morristown, to its recipient
about 2 miles above the junction of
that stream with the Passaic. This
is a fine mill stream, drives many
mills in its course, and is well em-
ployed at the village of Whippany.
White Hall, hamlet on Schooley's
mountain, Lebanon t-ship, Hunterdon
CO., 18 miles N. E. of Flemlngton ;
contains a store, tavern, smith shop,
and 4 or 6 dwellings.
WIL
264
WIN
WJute Hill, landing and small vil-
lage, on the Delaware river, Mans-
field t-ship, Burlington co. ; contains
2 taverns, 10 or 12 dwellings, and
an air furnace. There is also a ferry
here.
White House, p-t. of Readington
t-ship, Hunterdon co., 10 miles N. E.
of Flemington, 33 from Trenton, and
196 from W. C, upon Rockaway
creek ; contains a grist mill, some
12 or 15 dwellings, 3 stores, 3 ta-
verns, and a Presbyterian or Dutch
Reformed church. The surface of
the country around it is hilly ; soil,
loam, clay, and red shale.
White Marsh Run, tributary of
Maurice river, rises in Fairfield t-ship,
Cumberland co., and flows eastward-
ly to its recipient, about 6 miles.
White Ponds, two small lakes,
connected by a brook, lying at the
west foot of Pimple Hill, in Hardis-
ton t-ship, Sussex co., on the western
line of the t-ship, distant, in a direct
line N. E. from Newton, 8 miles.
Wickhechecoke Creek, rises by
two branches in the hills, on the N.
W. of Amwell t-ship, Plunterdon co.,
and flows by a southerly course of
10 miles, into the Delaware, giving
motion to several mills.
Willia7nsville, Orange t-ship, Es-
sex CO., 5 miles N. W. of Newark,
near the foot of the first mountain;
contains 8 or 10 houses.
Williamsburg, or Pernios Neck,
West Windsor t-ship, Middlesex co.,
on the straight turnpike, from Tren-
ton to New Brunswick, 10 miles from
the first, 15 from the second, 2 miles
from Princeton, and half a mile W.
from Millstone river, and Stony
brook ; contains a Baptist church, of
wood ; an Episcopalian church ; 2
taverns, 1 store, and 12 dwellings.
Soil, kind, sandy loam, extremely
well cidtivated, and productive. There
are two large quarries of freestone,
of excellent building stone upon the
river.
Williamshurg. (See Cedar Creek,)
Willinghoro'' t-ship, Burlington
CO., bounded N. E. by Burlington
t-ship; S. E. by Northampton; S.
W. by the Rancocus creek, which
separates it from Chester t-ship ; and
N. W. by the river Delaware. Cen-
trally distant N. W. Irom Mount
Holly, 7 miles. Greatest length, 6,
breadth, 4 miles; area, 7500 acres.
Surface, generally level; soil, sand
and sandy loam, well cultivated, and
productive in grass, grain, vegetables
and fruit. A small branch of the
Rancocus creek, crosses the t-ship.
Dunks' ferry, over the Delaware, is
within it, 4 miles below Burlington.
Cooperstown is the only village. Po-
pulation in 1830, 782. In 1832 the
t-ship contained 160 taxables; 50
householders, whose fatables did not
exceed $30; 28 single men ; 1 grist
mill, 2 distilleries, 2 coaches, 6 dear-
borns, 36 covered wagons, 4 chairs
and curricles, 5 gigs and sulkies, 269
neat cattle, and 176 horses and mules,
above 3 years old ; and paid state
tax, $109 38; county tax, §381 93;
township tax, $400.
Windsor, West, t-ship, Middlesex
CO., bounded N. E. by South Bruns-
wick ; S. E. by East Windsor ; S.
W. by Nottingham t-ship, of Bur-
lington CO., and by Lawrence t-ship,
Hunterdon co. ; and on the N. W.
by Montgomery t-ship, Hunterdon
CO. Centrally distant S. W. from
Brunswick, 17 miles. Greatest length,
7, breadth, 5 miles; area, 19,000
acres. Surface, level; soil, sandy
loam and clay, generally well culti-
vated, and producing, abundantly,
grain and grass. Drained on the E.
by Millstone river ; on the S. W. by
the Assunpink creek ; and on the N.
W. by Stony Brook. The road
through Princeton divides this from
Somerset co. Princeton, Williams-
burg, Clarksville, Dutch Neck, and
P^linburg, are towns of the t-ship.
Population in 1830, 2129. In 1832
the t-ship contained 448 taxables;
226 householders, whose ratables did
not exceed $30; 64 single men; 6
merchants ; 1 large grist mill, with
3 run of stones; 1 woollen factory,
3 distilleries, and 496 horses and
mules, and 848 neat cattle, over 3
years of age; and paid slate tax,
woo
265
WOO
$320 49; county, $394 04; road,
$200; poor, $450. Excellent free-
stone, tor building, is abundant in
the t-sliip.
Windsor, East, t-ship of Middle-
sex CO., bounded N. by South Bruns-
wick t-ship; N. E. by South Amboy;
S. E. by Freehold t-ship, Monmouth
CO. ; S. W. by Nottingham t-ship,
Burlington co. ; and N. W. by West
Windsor t-ship. Centrally distant S.
W. from New Brunswick, 20 miles.
Greatest length, 12 : greatest breadth,
6 miles; area, 24,000 acres. Sur-
face level; soil, sandy and gravelly
loam, light, and not generally pro-
ductive. Drained by Millstone river,
and Rocky brook, on the N. E., and
by the Assunpink and Miry run,
upon the S. W. Hightstown, Mill-
ford, Centreville, and Cattail, are vil-
lages, the first a post-town, of the
t-ship. The turnpike road from Bor-
dentown, to New Brunswick, crosses
the t-ship. Population in 1830, 1930.
In 1832 the t-ship contained 487 tax-
ables; 52 householders, whose rata-
bles did not exceed $30 ; and 41 sin-
gle men, 3 merchants, 3 saw mills,
4 grist mills, 1 woollen factory, 2
carding machines, and fulling mills,
32 tan vats, 13 distilleries for cider,
and 484 horses and mules, and 897
neat cattle, above 3 years of age ;
and paid state tax, $286 77 ; county,
$352 53; road tax, $400; poor tax,
Woodhridge t-ship, Middlesex co.,
bounded N. by Westficjd, and Rah-
way t-ships, Essex co. ; E. by Staten
Island Sound; S. E. by Perth Am-
boy t-ship ; S. by Raritan river ; and
W. by Piscataway t-ship. Centrally
distant from New Brunswick, N. E.
8 miles. Length, E. and W. 9,
breadth, N. and S. 9 miles; area,
24,000 acres. Surface, level; soil,
red shale, universally well cultivated.
Drained on the N. E. by a branch of
Rahway river, upon which are some
mills. Rahway and Woodbridge,
are post-towns, Matouchin and Bon-
hamtown, villages of the t-ship. Two
turnpike roads from New Brunswick,
run N. E. through the t-ship, which
2L
are crossed by another, from Perth
Amboy to New Durham. Popula-
tion in 1830, 3969. In 1832 the
t-ship contained 700 taxables; 180
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 in value ; 99 single men ;
13 stores, 5 saw mills, 3 grist mills,
40 tan vats, 1 distillery, 585 horses
and mules, 1555 neat cattle, 3 years
old and upwards ; and paid state tax,
$594 53; county, $731 03; road,
1800; poor, $1000. This t-ship con-
tains a portion of the thriving town
of Rahway. It was incorporated by
Governor Philip Carteret, prior to
1680, by one of the most liberal
charters which had ever been given
in America. (See Records of East
Jersey Proprietaries, at Amboy.)
In 1682, it was estimated that there
were in the t-ship, one hundred and
twenty families. They had then
erected a court-house and prison, and
had many thousand acres surveyed
for plantations. Delaplaine, the sur-
veyor-general, was one of the set-
tlers here.
Woodbury Creek, Deptford t-ship,
Gloucester co., rises by two branches;
the southern called Matthew's branch,
each about 3 miles above Woodbury,
and unite below the town. The north
branch is navigable from the town to
the river Delaware, 3 miles.
Woodbury, p-t., and seat of jus-
tice of Gloucester co., on Woodbury
creek, at the head of navigation, 8
miles S. of Camden, 39 from Tren-
ton, and 145 from W. C. ; contains
a spacious court-house of brick, and
county offices, fire proof, and of the
same material, detached, and a pri-
son, in the rear 6f the court-house,
of stone ; 1 Friends' meeting house,
large, and of brick; 1 Presbyterian
church, frame, with cupola and bell,
the upper part oi" which is used as an
academy; and 1 brick Methodist
church; 2 common schools; 2 ptib-
lic libraries, one of which was found-
ed by the ladies of the town ; 2 sun-
day schools ; a county bible society ;
and temperance society, which has
been productive of very beneficial
effects; several store-keepers refusing
woo
266
YAR
to sell spirituous liquors; 10 stores,
3 taverns, 4 lawyers, 3 physicians,
1 clergyman, 100 dwelling houses,
and 735 inhabitants. The town, for
a mile in length, and half a mile in
breadth, is incorporated, for the main-
tenance of a fire engine and fire ap-
paratus, for which eight public wells
have been sunk ; and the provisions for
defence, against this devastating ele-
ment, are very efficient. The creek
was, 70 years since, stopped out ; but
the obstruction was removed in 1830,
much to the convenience and health
of the inhabitants. Vessels now load
at the landing, in the town.
Woodrnjfs Gap, through Bear
Fort mountain, Pompton t-ship, Ber-
gen CO. The Ringwood and Long
Pond turnpike road passes through it.
Woodstown, p-t., and village, of
Pilesgrove t-ship, Salem co., upon the
Salem creek, 10 miles E. of the town
of Salem, 161 N. E. from W. C,
and 55 S. of Trenton. The town
contains about 150 dwellings, 2 ta-
verns, and 6 stores, 3 schools, 1
Friends' meeting, 1 Baptist, and 1
African Methodist church. In the
neighbourhood of the town, there are
some valuable marl beds — and the
use of marl has much improved the
agriculture of the t-ship.
Woodsville, p-t. of Hopewell t-sp.,
Hunterdon co., 10 miles S. from
Flemington, 13 N. fi-om Trenton,
179 from W. C, on the turnpike road
from N. Brunswick, to Lamberts-
ville ; contains a store, tavern, and
half a dozen dwellings, mostly new.
It lies upon the slope of a gently
rising ground, from which there is a
delightful prospect of the surround-
ing country ; the soil of which is of
red shale, and well cultivated.
Woolwich t-sKip, Gloucester co.,
bounded on the N. E. by Greenwich ;
on the S. E. by Frnnklin, t-ships;
S. W. by Pittsgrove, Pili'sgrove, and
Upper Penn's Neck, t-ships, Salem
co; and N. W. l)y ihc river Dela-
ware. Centrally distant S. W. from
Woodbury, 11 miles. Greatest length,
1 6 ; breadth, 7 miles ; area, about
40,000 acres. Surface, level; soil,
sandy, and on the S. E. covered with
pine forest. Drained, westerly, by
Repaupo, Little Timber, Raccoon,
and Oldman's, creeks — the last of
which forms the S. W. boundary.
Swedesboro' and Battentown, are
villages — the first a post-town of the
t-ship. Population in 1830, 3033.
In 1832 the t-ship contained 333
householders, whose ratables did not
exceed $30 ; 8 stores, 9 grist mills,
4 saw mills, 3 fulling mills, 1 tan-
nery, 8 distilleries, 1433 neat cattle,
and 699 horses and mules above the
age of 3 years.
Wranglehoro'' or Clar¥s Mill,
village, on Nacote creek, of Gallo-
way t-ship, Gloucester co., about 37
miles S. E. from Woodbury; con-
tains a store, one or more taverns,
and one mill, and 15 or 20 dweUings.
Wrangle, Bruvk, cuiijiderable tri-
butary of the south branch of Toms'
river, Dover t-ship, Monmouth co.,
uniting with the main branch, about
two miles above Toms' River village.
Wright sville, on the road from
Allentown to Freehold, Upper Free-
hold t-ship, Monmouth co., 5 miles
from the former, and 14 from the
latter; contains 8 or 10 dwellings
and a Quaker meeting house ; soil,
sandv. In the rear of the villaffe,
upon Cattad creek, are some bog
meadows, which, in hot weather, are
covered, in places, with an efflores-
cence of sulphate of iron (copperas).
Wrighfstown, Hanover t-ship,
Burlington co., 10 miles N. E. from
Mount'^ Holly, and 10 S. E. of Bor-
denton; contains 2 taverns, 2 stores,
a Methodist church, and some 15 or
20 dwellings ; surrounded by a very
fertile country.
Yard's Branch, of Paulinskill,
rises in the Blue mountains, in Paha-
quarry t-ship, and flows S. W. through
Knowlton t-ship to its I'ecipient, near
the village of Sodom, having a course
of about 8 miles.
7*5?
thp:
HISTORY
NEW JERSEY,
FROM ITS
DISCOVERY BY EUROPEANS,
THE ADOPTION
FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
BY
THOMAS F. GORDON.
JTrenton :
PUBLISHED BY DANIEL FENTON.
Joliii <-'. Clark, I'riiilci, Philatlelplua.
Entered by Tuomas F. Gordon, according to the Act of Congress, in the Clerk's Office of the District
Cour' for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
PREFACE.
An attempt has been made in the following pages to narrate, suc-
cinctly, but fully, the history of New Jersey, from the time of its
discovery by Europeans, to that of the adoption of the constitution
of the United States. By the latter event, the individuality of the
State, as a historical subject, is merged in the history of the nation;
and the subsequent period of unvaried political prosperity, within
her borders, presents few matters for the historian.
The story we have told, has, for the inhabitants of the State, the
interest of their peculiar and proper affairs; but, like such affairs,
may not prove attractive to strangers. Like Pennsylvania, this
State was founded by deeds of peace; and no community, in any
country, can have undergone less vicissitude. Her prudence and
justice preserved her from Indian hostility, and her distance from
the frontier protected her from the inroads of the B'rench. She has
known, therefore, no wars, save those commanded by the king, or
undertaken in defence of her own civil liberty. To pourtray the
part, which, as a colony, she took in the one, and as an independent
State, in the other, it has been necessary to treat of the general
colonial and revolutionary history; yet no further than was indis-
pensable to exhibit the action of New Jersey.
In the compilation of the work, resort has been had to all the
known histories of the Anglo-American colonies, to the best writers
on the American revolution, and to the minutes of the legislature
and the statutes, for a period of more than one hundred and twenty
years. From these sources, it is believed, that a faithful and ample
narrative has been obtained. More particulars of the horrors which
attended the revolutionary war, especially of those which were in-
flicted by furious tory partisans, might, perhaps, have been added,
if full reliance were due to the partial newspaper accounts, fre-
quently written under excitement unfavourable to truth. Yet,
enough of these scenes has been described to display the nature and
extent of the sufferings of the inhabitants; more would have served
rather to disgust, than to entertain, the reader.
IV I'KEFACE,
The authoi* submits the result of liis labours to the many sub-
sci'ibers by whom they have been encouraged, with an assurance of
liis readiness, in another edition, to supply such omissions, and to
correct such errors, as may be discovered in the present.
March, 1834.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Comprising Events from the Discovery by Europeans, to tlie Grant from
Charles I. to James Duke of York. I. Ancient and Modern Principles of
Colonization. II. Voyages of the Spaniards and Portuguese upon the East
Coast of North America. III. Voyages of the Italians, Verrazano, and the
Cabots. IV. First English Attempts at Discovery. V. Efforts of Raleigh
to establish a Colony. VI. Gosnold opens a new Road — London and Ply-
mouth Companies created. VII. Voyages and Discoveries of Hudson.
VIII. Intercourse of the Dutch East India Company with America, and
Formation of the Amsterdam Licensed Trading West India Company.
IX. Settlement of the Puritans at Plymouth. X. Formation of the Great
West India Company in Holland. XI. Voyage and Proceedings of Cor-
nelius Jacobse Mey. XII. Measures of the Company to promote Emigra
tion ; Purchases of large Tracts of Land from the Indians. XIII. Voyages
of De Vries; Colony planted — The Delaware abandoned by the Dutch.
XIV. Minisink Settlements on the Delaware. XV. Settlements of the
Swedes on the Delaware — first Project of a Colony — first Colony — increase
of Settlers. XVI. Colonial Government established — Colonel Printz first
Governor. XVII. English Settlements upon the Delaware — prostrated by
a united Force of Dutch and Swedes. XVIII. Swedish Government
under Printz and his Successors. XIX. Swedish Colony subjected by the
Dutch. XX. Dutch Colonial Government on the Delaware — Possessions
on the East of New Jersey. XXI. Account of the English Settlements
upon the Delaware previous to 1664 — under Patent from Lord Baltimore —
under Grant to Sir Edward Ploeyden — by Traders from New Haven.
XXII. Plans of New England Settlers for Conquest of the Dutch Colo-
nies. XXIII. Duke of York's Charter from the Crown and Grant to
Berkeley and Carteret. XXIV. Conquest of New Netherlands, by Co-
lonel Nicholls. XXV. English Government established on the Delaware.
XXVI. Condition of New Netherlands at the time of the Surrender page 1
CHAPTER II.
Comprising Events from the Grant to the Duke of York, to the Division of the
Colony, into East and West Jersey. I. Nature of the Estate acquired by
the Duke of York, by the Grant from Charles I. II. Motives and Nature
of the Grant from the Duke of York, to Berkeley and Carteret. III.
Bounds of the Country ceded. IV. Proceedings of the Proprietaries, to
settle their Province of New Jersey, &c. — their '• Concessions." V. Re-
marks on the Constitution. VI. Assumption of Government by Colonel
Nicholls — Indian Grants. VII. Philip Carteret appointed Governor — His
Efforts for Colonization — Advantages enjoyed by the New Colonists. VIII.
Unhappy Effects of the Demand of Proprietary Quit Rents. IX. Recap-
ture of New Netherlands by Holland — and Restoration to the English.
X. Re-grant of the Province to the Duke — Re-grant to Berkeley and Car-
teret. XI. Return of Phihp Carteret to the Government — Modification of
the Constitution. XII. Oppressive Conduct of Andross, Governor of New
York. XIII. Division of the Province into East and West Jersey . . 23
CHAPTER III.
From the Division of the Province, into East and West Jersey, to the Purchase
of East Jersey, by Quakers. I. Motives of the Quakers for Emigration.
II. Sale of Lord Berkeley, to Byllingc and Fenwicke. HI. Assignment
of West Jersey to William Penn, and others in Trust, for the Creditors of
Byllinge. IV. "Concessions, " or Constitution of West Jersey. V. Mea-
sures of the Proprietaries to promote Colonization. VI. Commissioners
a
VI CONTENTS.
appointed to Administer the Government of West Jersey — their Proceed-
ings. VII. Increase of Emigrants — Success of _their Efforts. VIII. Death
of Sir George Carteret — Successful Efforts of the Colonists, to procure
Relief from the Jurisdiction of New York. IX. Extraordinary Pretensions
of Byllinge. X. Resisted by the Proprietaries, in General Assembly —
Samuel Jennings elected Governor — Proceeds to England, as Deputy of
the Assembly — The Right of Government, purchased by Doctor Daniel
Coxe, and subsequent!}' transferred to the West Jersey Society. XII.
Meeting of the First Assembly — Proceedings. XIII. Modification of the
Law, relating to Religious Faith. XIV. Death of Carteret — his Disposi-
tion of East Jersey. XV. Troubles at the Close of the Administration of
Philip Carteret. XVI. Review of the Policy of the Proprietary Govern-
ments. XVII. Comparison between the Laws of East and West Jersey 32
CHAPTER IV.
From the Purchase of East Jersey, by the Quakers, to the Surrender of the two
Provinces to the Crown, 1682 — 1702. I. Purchase of East Jersey by Penn
and his Associates — They admit others, not Quakers, to participate in the
Purchase. II. Robert Barclay appointed Governor for Life — Scotch Emi-
grants— Deputy Governors — Foundation of Amboy — Vain Efforts at Com-
merce. III. Efforts of James II. to destroy Colonial Charter — Defeated
by the Revolution. IV. Andrew Hamilton, Deputy Governor — Death of
Robert Barclay — Interregnum — Andrew Hamilton, Governor-in-Chief —
Superseded by Jeremiah Basse — Reappointed — Discontent of the Colonists.
V. Attempt of New York to tax the Colony. VI. Proposition from the
English Ministers for the Surrender of the Proprietary Governments —
Negotiations relating thereto. VII. Final and Unconditional Surrender —
Lord Cornbury appointed Governor — Outline of the New Government.
VIII. Stationary Condition of New Jersey — Causes thereof. IX. Condi-
tion of the Aborigines — Purchases of their Lands — Traditions of their Ori-
gin— Tribes most noted in New Jersey — Treaty at Crosswicks — at Bur-
lington and Easton — Final Extinction of Indian Title to the Soil of New
Jersey. X. Review of the Title under the Proprietaries of East Jersey.
XI. Review of Title of Proprietaries of West Jersey. XII. Of the Parti-
tion Line between East and West Jersey . . . . .50
CHAPTER V.
Comprising the Administration of Lord Cornbury. I. Arrival of Lord Corn-
bury — Demands a large and permanent Salary — being refused, dissolves
the House. II. A new Assembly chosen — Part of its Members arbitrarily
excluded — Measures of the Governor. III. Third Assembly convened —
Determines to Petition the Queen, and to remonstrate with the Governor
— Public Grievances — Delivery of the Remonstrance, by Samuel Jennings.
IV. Reply of the Governor. V. Dispute on the Treasurer's Accounts.
VI. The Governor refuses the Message of the Assembly, which they enter
upon their Minutes. VII. The West Jersey Proprietors, in England, ad-
dress a Memorial to the Commissioners of Trade and Plantations, against
Cornbury — Address of the Lieutenant-Governor, and Provincial Council,
to the Queen. VIII. The Governor unable to obtain the gratification of
his wishes, by the Assembly, first prorogues, and then dissolves them.
IX. Offensive Conduct of Lord Cornbur}', in his Government of New
York — His Character. X. Is reluctantly removed by Queen Anne — Im-
prisoned by his Creditors ....... 76
CHAPTER VI.
Comprising Events from the Removal of Lord Cornbury to the Close of the
Administration of Governor Hunter, 1709 — 17U>. I. Lord Cornbury suc-
ceeded by Lord Lovelace — His Conciliatory Address to the Assembly. 11.
Ready disposition of the House to provide for the Support of Government
— Change in the Constitution of the Assembly — Assembly obtain a Copy
of the Address of the Lieutenant Governor and Council, to the Queen, in
favour of Lord Cornbury — Demand a hearing for their Defence before the
Governor. III. Death of Lord Lovelace and Accession of Lieutenant
Governor Ingoldsby. IV. Promptitude of the Province to aid in reducing
the French Possessions in North America. V. Failure of the Expedition,
CONTENTS. VU
and renewed Efforts of the Colonists to revive it — Visit of the Chiefs of
the Five Nations to England. VI. Capture of Port Royal, &c. by Colonel
Nicholson and the American Forces. VII. Governor Ingoldsby removed
— Government administered by William Pinhorne as President of Council
— succeeded by Governor Hunter. VIII. Biog-raphical Notice of Gover-
nor Hunter. IX. Meets the Assembly, which prefers Charges against
Members of Council. X. Expulsion of a Member of the House for his
Conduct in Council — Address to the Queen. XI. Bills proposed for the
Relief of the Quakers defeated by the Council. XII. New Efforts for the
Conquest of the French Provinces — Unfortunate Result. XIII. Con-
tinued Quiet of the Province. XIV. Division of the Assembly. XV.
Governor Hunter returns to Europe — Testimonials in his favour by New
Jersey and New York — E.xchanges his Commission with William Burnet 84
CHAPTER VII.
Containing Events from the arrival of Governor Burnet, to the Death of Go-
vernor Morris, 1719 — 1746. I. Governor Burnet — Notice of his Character.
II. Meets the Assembly — Proceedings. III. Paper Currency — an Account
of its Rise and Progress. IV. Bill proposed against denying the Trinity,
«&c. V. Governor Bernard removed to Massachusetts. VI. Is succeeded
by John Montgomery — His Administration. VII. Death of Colonel Mont-
gomery, and Presidency of Colonel Lewis Morris — Arrival of Governor
Cosby — Harmony of the Province during his Administration — His Death.
VIII. Presidencies of John Anderson and John Hamilton, Esquires. IX.
Lewis Morris, Governor of the Province of New Jersey, it being separated
from New York — Gratification of the Province. X. He ceases to meet the
Council in Legislation. XI. Salaries of Officers. XII. Unpopular Con-
duct of Governor Morris. XIII. War with Spain — Aid required by Great
Britain, from the Colonies — promptly afforded by New Jersey — Further
disputes between the Governor and Assembly. XIV. Disingenuous Con-
duct of the Governor, relative to the Fee Bill. XV. Opposes the Views of
the House, on the Bill relative to the Paper Currency — on that, circum-
scribing the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. XVI. Assembly refuse
to provide for the Salaries of the Public Officers. XVII. Efforts at accom-
modation— defeated by the discovery of the duplicity of the Governor —
Death of Governor Morris — John Hamilton, Esq., President. XVIII. Bio-
graphical Notice of Governor Morris. XIX. Application made by his
Widow, for arrears of Salary — refused . . . . .93
CHAPTER VIII.
Comprehending Events from the Death of Governor Morris to the Death of
Governor Belcher — from 1746 to 1757. I. War with France — Proposal of
Governor Shirley to attack the French Settlements at Cape Breton — New
Jersey votes two thousand Pounds for the Service — Favourable result of
the Expedition. II. Proposed attack on Canada — New Jersey Regiment
raised and placed under the command of Colonel Philip Schuyler — March
for Albany — Threatened Mutiny. III. Plan of the proposed Campaign.
IV. Treaty of Peace. V. Death of President Hamilton — Devolvement of
the Government on President Reading — Arrival of Governor Belcher —
His Character. VI. Vexations arising from the Elizabethtown Claims
under Indian Grants — the Assembly disposed to palliate the Conduct of
the Rioters — Representation of the Council of Proprietors — their grievous
Charge against the Members of Assembly, in a Petition to the King — the
House transmits a counter Petition — Disingenuous Conduct of the House.
VII. Disputes relative to the " Quota Bill." VIII. Hostile proceedings of
the French in America. IX. Difference between the French and English,
in their mode of cultivating Indian favour. X. Efforts of the French to
occupy the English Lands. XI. E.xpedition of George Washington to
Fort Venango. XII. Measures of the English Government to resist
French encroachments. XIII. Convention of the Colonies — Plan of Union
proposed by Dr. Franklin — Condemned by New Jersey — Military Expedi-
tion of Lieutenant Colonel Washington — is captured bj' the French under
De Villiers. XIV. Extensive Military Preparations of Great Britain.
XV. Measures of New Jersey. XVI. Arrival of Major General Braddock.
XVII. Convention of Governors to determine the Plan of the Campaign.
XVIII. Acquisitions in Nova Scotia — Cruel Treatment of the Neutrals.
Vlll CONTENTS.
XIX. New Jersey raises a Regiment for the Northern Expedition — Mr.
Philip Schuyler named Colonel. XX. March of General Braddock on the
Western Expedition — Fastidiousness and Presumption of the General — is
attacked and defeated. XXI. Universal Consternation on this Defeat —
Governor Belcher summons the Legislature — Inroads and Cruelties of the
Indians — the Inhabitants of New Jersey give aid to those of Pennsylvania.
XXII. Successof the Northern Expedition. XXIII. Provision against the
Attack of the French and Indians. XXIV. Plans proposed for the Cam-
paign of 1756 — Exertions of the Colonies. XXV. War formally declared
between Great Britain and France. XXVI. General Shirley removed
from the supreme command — General Abercrombie, and, subsequently,
Lord Loudon appointed. XXVII. Suspension of Indian Hostilities.
XXVIII. Sluggish Military Efforts of the English — Success of the French
in the North — Capture of part of the Jersey Regiment, with Colonel
Schuyler, at Oswego — Disastrous termination of the Campaign. XXIX.
Renewal of Indian Barbarities. XXX. Military Requisitions of Lord Lou-
don— New Jersey refuses to raise more than five hundred Men. XXXI.
Unsuccessful Attempt of Lord Loudon on Louisburg. XXXII. Successof
Montcalm — New Jersey prepares to raise four thousand Men — the remain-
der of the Jersey Regiment captured by the Enemy. XXXIII. Death of
Governor Belcher — Biographical Notice of. XXXIV. John Reading, Pre-
sident ......... 106
CHAPTER IX.
Containing Events from the Presidency of Mr. Reading to the Repeal of the
Stamp Act — from the year 1746 to the year 1766. I. Influence of Mr. Pitt
and his Policy upon Colonial Affairs — New hopes infused into the Colo-
nists. II. Successful Attack of the English upon the Northern Forts.
III. Capture of Fort Du Quesne by General Forbes. IV. Cheerful and
ready aid of the Colonies. V. New Jersey supplies one thousand Men,
and builds Barracks for the King's Troops. VI. President Reading super-
seded by the arrival of Governor Bernard — His Treaty with the Indians —
Succeeded by Thomas Boone — He, by Josiah Hardy — He, by William
Franklin, the last of the Royal Governors. VII. Efficient Preparations
for the Campaign of 1759. VIII. Conquest of the French Colonies in
North America. IX. Honourable share of the Provincialists in this Re-
sult. X. Treaty of Peace with France and Spain. XI. New Confederacy
and Hostilities of the Indians — Six hundred Troops raised by New Jersey.
XII. Impressions on the English Ministry, by the Wealth and Power dis-
played in America. XIII. Proposition of Mr. Grenville to tax the Colo-
nies. XIV. Consideration of the Principles relating to Colonial Taxation.
XV. Mr. Grenville communicates his purpose to the Colonial Agents in
London. XVI. Views taken by Colonies of this Proposition. XVII. Pro-
positions by several of the Colonies to raise Money, rejected by Mr. Gren-
ville. XVIII. Act of Parliament for Tax on Colonial Imports and Exports.
XIX. Effect of the Measures in America — Proceedings of Massachusetts
and Rhode Island. XX. Stamp Act passed — Its reception in the Colonies.
XXI. Temporary Suspension of Legal Proceedings and of the publication
of Newspapers. XXII. Anti-Importation Associations. XXIH. Organi-
zation of the ^^ Sons of Libert I/." XXIV. Proposition of Massachusetts for
assembling a Congress of Deputies from the Colonies — Action of New Jer-
sey on this Proposition. XXV. Proceedings of tiie Congress — Messrs.
Ruggles of Massachusetts, and Ogden of New Jersey, refuse to join in a
general Petition. XXVI. The Assembly of New Jersey approve tlie Pro-
ceedings of Congress — adopts Resolutions condemnatory of the Stamp Act.
XXVIl. Efforts in England for Repeal of the Stamp Act. XXIX. Inquiry
before the House of Connnons — Repeal of the Stamp Act . . .129
CHAPTER X.
Comprising Events from 1766 to 1769. I. Remaining Discontents in the Colo-
nies, afler the Repeal of the Stamp Act. II. Dissatisfaction in Great Bri-
tain on account of the Repeal — American Taxation again proposed in Par-
liament, by Mr. Townsend — Bill imposing Duties on (loods imported into
America, passed. IV. Circular Letter of Massachusetts to the other Colo-
nies. V. Promptitude and Unanimity of the Colonies produced by the
Farmers' Letters. VI. Resort to Non-iniportation Agreements. VII.
CONTENTS. IX
The Ministry condemn the Circular Letter. VIII, Menacing Resolutions
of Parliament against Massachusetts — The other Colonies approve her
Conduct. IX. Modified Repeal of the Imposts — Consequent Modification
of the Non-importation Agreements. X. Numerous Law Suits— The Peo-
ple complain of the Fees of the Courts. XI. Disputes between the Go-
vernor and the Assembly. XII. Robbery of the Treasury of East Jersey —
The Assembly require the removal of the Treasurer — He is protected by
the Governor. XIII. Efforts of Governor Franklin to encourage the Cul-
ture of Hemp, Flax, and Silk. XIV. New apportionment of Members in
the Province. XV. Testimonial of the Northern Indians to the Justice of
the Colony ......... 144
CHAPTER XI.
Comprising Events from the year 1773 to 1776. I. Committees of Correspon-
dence established in the several Colonies. II. The British Ministry en-
courage the shipment of Teas to America, by the East India Company.
III. Alarm of the Colonists — Consignees of the India Company compelled
to forego their appointments. IV. Measures pursued in New Jersey. V.
Reception of the Tea in America. VI. Indignation of the King and Par-
liament. VII. Violent measures adopted against Boston. VIII. Alarm-
ing Act of Parliament, relative to the Provincial Government of Canada.
IX. Proceedings of the Inhabitants of Boston — General Commiseration of
their Fate. X. New Jersey appoints Members to Congress. XI. Con-
gress assemble at Philadelphia — Their proceedings. Xil. The Assembly
of New Jersey approve the proceedings of Congress, and appoint Dele-
gates to the next Convention — Instructions. XIII. The Provincial Go-
vernors instructed to impede the Union of the Colonies — Efforts of Gover-
nor Franklin. XIV. Reply of the House. XV. Rejoinder of the Gover-
nor— Address of the Council. XVI. The Assembly petition the King.
XVII. Reception of the proceedings of Congress in London. XVIII.
Proceedings of Parliament — Conciliatory Propositions of Lord North.
XIX. Sense of New Jersey upon this Proposition. XX. State of the Dis-
pute with England. XXI. Second New Jersey Convention called — En-
courages Political Associations — Organizes the Militia, and provides Funds.
XXII. Meeting of Congress at Philadelphia — Its Measures. XXIII. Ap-
pointment of Commander-in-Chief and subordinate Generals. XXIV.
Congress again petition the King — Ungracious reception of the petition.
XXV. Address their fellow-subjects of Ireland, &c. XXVI, New Jersey
Convention re-assembles — Proceedings — Provision for the continuance of
a Provincial Congress — Committee of Safety appointed. XXVII. Meet-
ing of the Assembly — Address of Governor Franklin — He claims assurance
of protection for himself and others, the King's Ofiicers. XXVIII. Reply
of the Assembly. XXIX. Act authorizing the issue of Bills of Credit, for
£100,000, approved by the King ...... 153
CHAPTER XII.
Comprising Civil Events of the year 1776. I. State of the Public Opinion at
the commencement of the year 1776 — Gradual growth of the desire of In-
dependence. II. Resolution of Congress for the establishment of Inde-
pendent Colonial Governments. III. Provincial Congress re-assembles
— Proceeds to the Formation of a Colonial Constitution. IV. Review of
the Constitution. V. Oath of Abjuration and Allegiance established. VI.
Tories — their motives. VII. Law relative to Treason. VIII. Imprison-
ment and Relegation of Governor Franklin. IX. Measures adopted
against the Disaffected. X. Adoption of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence .......... 178
CHAPTER XIII.
T. Military Proceedings in Canada. II. Measures adopted in Great Britain.
III. Objects proposed for the Campaign of 1776. IV. Operations against
New York, and the surrounding Country. V. Proposals for accommoda-
tion, by the British Commissioners. VI. Condition of the American
Forces, at New York — Landing of Lord Howe, on Long Island. VII.
Battle of Brooklyn. VIII. Retreai of the American Army from Long
X CONTENTS.
Island. IX. Unhappy Effect of the Defeat of the American Army. X.
Lord Howe renews his Attempts for accommodation of the Quarrel — Pro-
ceedings of Congress. XI. Military Movement of the Armies, after the
Battle of Brooklyn. XII. American Army, by advice of General Lee,
quit York Island. XIII. Battle of White Plains. XIV. Capture of Fort
Washington. XV. Abandonment of Fort Lee, and retreat of the Ameri-
can Army — Its condition — Inhabitants join the British. XVI. Washing-
ton crosses the Delaware — The enemy possess themselves of the lell bank.
XVII. Capture of General Lee. XVIII. New efforts of the Com-
mander-in-Chief— The enemy retire into Winter Quarters. XIX. Battle
of Trenton. XX. The British re-open the Campaign. XXI. The Ame-
rican Army re-enters Jersey. XXII. Battle of Princeton. XXIII. The
American Army retreat to Morristown — Beneficial results of the late ac-
tions. XXIV. Firmness of Congress. XXV. Condition of New Jersey.
XXVI. The American Army inoculated for the Small Pox. XXVII.
Measures for reclaiming the disaffected of New Jersey. XXVIII. License
of American Troops — restrained ...... 203
CHAPTER XIV.
I. Organization of the New Jersey State Government. II. First Address of
the Governor — Other principal Officers. III. Condition of the State at
this period. IV. State of the Northern Department — Operations on the
Lakes. V. The British seize Rhode Island. VI. Demonstration of Ge-
neral Heath, on Long Island — Condition of the American Army, in New
Jersey — Skirmishing. VII. Early efforts of Sir William Howe, to destroy
the American Magazines — Stores burned at Peck's-kill — at Danbury.
VIII. Successful enterprise of Colonel Meigs, against Sagg Harbour.
IX. Movements of General Washington, on opening the Campaign — Re-
moval of the Army to Middlebrook — Disposition of the Troops. X. Ope-
rations of the Army under General Howe — Feint to cross the Delaware —
Retreat from New Jersey — Returns, and attacks the American Array.
XI. Perplexity of Washington, caused by the Movements of the British
Forces. XII. Capture of Major-general Prescott, by Major Barton. XIII.
General Howe embarks for the southward — Measures of Washington
thereon. XIV. Attempt of General Sullivan, with Colonel Ogden, upon
the Tories on Staten Island. XV. Arrival of the British Army at Elk
River — its Progress — Operations of the American Army — Battle of Bran-
dy wine. XVI. Subsequent movement of the Armies. XVII. Second en-
counter of the hostile Armies — they are separated by rain. XVIII. Af-
fairs of Paoli. XIX. The British enter Philadelphia. XX. Congress re-
move to Lancaster, thence to York. XXI. Attack and defence of the For-
tifications on the Delaware. XXII. Battle of Germantown. XXIII. Ope-
rations in New Jersey. XXIV. Further proceedings on the Delaware.
XXV. Repulse of Count Donop, from Fort Mercer. XXVI. General
Greene despatched to New Jersey. XXVII. Capture of Fort Mifl[lin,
and abandonment of Fort Mercer. XXVIII. Attempt of General Dicken-
son on Staten Island. XXIX. American Army reinforced. XXX. At-
tacked at White Marsh, by the British. XXXI. The American Army re-
tires into Winter Quarters. XXXII. Enghsh plans for the Northern Cam-
paign. XXXIII. Condition of the American Northern Department.
XXXIV. Burgoyne captures the Forts on the Lakes, and disperses the
American Army. XXXV. Recuperative measures of General Schuyler.
XXXVI. Repulse of St. Leger, from Fort Schuyler. XXXVII. De-
feat of Colonel Baum, at Bennington. XXXVIIl. Beneficial result of
these fortunate Events. XXXIX. Battles on the Hudson, and Capture
of Burgoyne. XL. Movements of Sir Henry Clinton, in the Highlands.
XLI. Effect of the Capture of Burgoyne— at home and abroad. XLII.
Congress refuse to execute the Articles of Capitulation — their reasons . 235
CHAPTER XV.
Campaign of 1778. I. Condition of the Army at the Valley Forge and at the
commencement of the Campaign. II. British foraging excursions in New
Jersey. III. Fortunate escape of an advance party under La Fayette.
IV. Effect of the American successes abroad— Efforts of American Agents.
V. Measures for Foreign Alliances— Duplicity of France— Treaties with
CONTENTS. XI
her. VI. War between Great Britain and France. VII. Opinions in
Great Britain — Ministerial measures. VIII. Reception of those measures
in America. IX. Arrival of a French Minister Plenipotentiary. X. The
British Army evacuates Philadelphia — March through Jersey. XI. Battle
of Monmouth — British Army regains New York. XII. Arrival of the
French Fleet — proceeds to Rhode Island. XIII. Attempt on Newport —
Appearance of the English Fleet — French and English Fleets put to Sea
dispersed by Storm. XIV. British Incursions in Connecticut. XV.
Disposition of the American Army. XVI. British Incursions into New
Jersey. XVII. Movements of the adverse Fleets — Detachment against
the Southern States. XVIII. American Army retires to winter quarters
— Its improved condition. XIX. Indian devastations — Massacre at Wyo-
ming. XX. Operations against the Indians. XXI. Discontent in the
Jersey line. XXII. March of General Sullivan to the Indian country —
Events there. XXIII. Expedition under Colonel Broadhead by the Alle-
gheny River. XXIV. Expedition against the Cherokees under General
Pickens. XXV. Unprovoked Slaughter of the Indians at Muskingum . 262
CHAPTER XVI.
Comprising a View of the War in the South. I. Inert state of the Country in
1779. II. The British Government adopts views of partial Conquest.
III. Georgia overrun — and Charleston threatened — Unsuccessful Siege of
Savannah. IV. Sir Henry Clinton subdues South Carolina. V. His
measures induce Revolt. VI. General Gates assumes command of the
Southern Army — Battle of Camden. VII. Battle of King's Mountain.
VIII. Cornwallis reinforced. IX. General Greene appointed to the
Southern Department — Battle of the Cowpens — Retreat to Virginia.
X. Cornwallis retires, is pursued — Battle of Guilford Court House. XI.
Cornwalhs marches for Petersburg — Greene for South Carolina — Expedi-
tion of Arnold against Virginia — Preparations against him — Defence of
Virginia entrusted to La Fayette — Cornwallis takes command of the Bri-
tish Forces in Virginia. XII. Progress of Greene in recovering the South-
ern States. XIII. Sufferings of the Inhabitants .... 285
CHAPTER XVII.
I. Condition of th6 Armies in the North. II. British Expedition against the
Forts on the North River. HI. Expedition under Tryon, against Connec-
ticut. IV. Capture of Stony Point, by Wayne. V. Attack of the Bri-
tish Post, on Penobscot river. — VI. Major Lee assaults Paules Hook.
VII. Effects of the System of Paper Currency. VIII. Spain declares
War against England. IX. Prospects of the Campaign of 1780. X. The
American Army retires into winter quarters. XI. Marauding Parties of
the Enemy in New Jersey. XII. The Army at Morristown supplied by
forced levies of Provisions. XIII. Washington attempts the British Post
at Staten Island XIV. Difficulties arising from the want of political
power in Congress. XV. Discontents of the Army — Mutiny of the Con-
necticut troops. XVI. Knyphausen invades New Jersey — Murder of
Mrs. Caldwell, and of her Husband. XVII. Battle of Springfield. —
XVIII. La Fayette returns to the United States. XIX. Renewed efforts
for the Defence of the Country. XX. Arrival of the French Fleet and
Army — Plans consequent thereon. XXI. Treason of Arnold. XXII.
American Army retires into winter quarters. XXIII. European combina-
tions against Great Britain. XXIV. Revolt of the Pennsylvania line — of
the Jersey line — Discontent of the Inhabitants of New Jersey. XXV.
Gloomy Prospect for the year 1781. XXVI. Combined Operations of the
French Fleet and Allied Armies, against Cornwallis — His Capture. —
XXVII. New London taken and burned by Arnold. XXVIII. Condition
of the Country for the Campaign of 178"2 — Resolutions of the British Par-
liament in favour of Peace. XXIX. Malignity of the Tories — Murder of
Captain Huddy. XXX. Cessation of Hostilities — Treaty of Peace.
XXXI. Disbanding of the Army. XXXII. Public Entry of Washington
to New York — takes leave of his Officers — Surrenders his Commission to
Congress ......... 294
Xll CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVllI.
I. Peculiar sufferings of the State of New Jersey from the War. II. Laws in
New Jersey relative to the Militia. III. Council of Safety. IV. Mili-
tary efforts of New Jersey. V. State Representatives in Congress. VI.
Establishment of the New Jersey Gazette. VII. Unhappy Condition of
the States after the return of Peace. VIII. Inefficiency of the Articles of
Confederation — Part of New Jersey in their Adoption. IX. Measures pro-
posed in Congress for maintaining Public Credit — Efforts of New Jersey
upon this subject. X. She resorts to Paper Currency and Loan Office for
Relief. XI. Difficulties with Great Britain relative to the Execution of
the Treaty. XII. Measures for regulating the Trade of the Union — Re-
sult in a Proposition for Revision of the Articles of Confederation. XIII.
Adoption of the New Constitution — Ratified by New Jersey . . 'S20
THE
HISTOMY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER I.
Comprising Events from the Discovery by Europeans, to the Grant from Charles I.
to James Duke of York. — I. Ancient and Modern Principles of Colonization. —
II. Voyages of the Spaniards and Portuguese upon the East Coast of North Ame-
rica.— III. Voyages of the Italians, Verrazano and the Cabots. — IV. First Eng-
lish Attempts at Discovery. — V. Efforts of Raleigh to establish a Colony. — VI.
Gosnold opens a new Road — London and Plymouth Companies created. — VII.
Voyages and Discoveries of Hudson. — VIII. Intercourse of the Dutch East In-
dia Company with America, and Forfnation of the Amsterdam Licensed Trading
West India Company. — IX. Settlement of the Puritans at Plymouth. — X. For-
mation of the Great West India Company in Holland. — XI. Voyage and Pro-
ceedings of Cornelius Jacobse Mey. — XII. Measures of the Company to promote
Emigration; Purchases of large Tracts of Land from the Indians. — XIII. Voy-
ages of De Vries ; Colony planted — The Delaware abandoned by the Dutch. —
XIV. Minisink Settlements on the Delaware. — XV. Settlements of the Swedes
on the Delaware — first Project of a Colony — first Colony — increase of Settlers. —
XVI. Colonial Government established — Colonel Printz first Governor. — XVII.
English Settlements upon the Delaware — prostrated by a united Force of Dutch
and Swedes. — XVIII. Swedish Government under Printz and his Successors. —
XIX. Swedish Colony subjected by the Dutch. — XX. Dutch Colonial Govern-
ment on the Delaware — Possessions on the East of New Jersey. — XXI. Account
of the English Settlements upon the Delaware previous to 1G64 — under Patent
from Lord Baltimore — under Grant to Sir Edward Ploeyden — by Traders from
New Haven. — XXII. Plans of New England Settlers for Conquest of the Dutch
Colonies. — XXIII. Duke of York's Charter from the Crown and Grant to Berkeley
and Carteret. — XXIV. Conquest of New Netherlands, by Colonel Nicholls. —
XXV. English Government established on the Delaware. — XXVI. Condition of
New Netherlandts at the time of the Surrender.
I. A distinction has frequently been taken between ancient and modern
colonization ; ascribing the former to military, and the latter to commercial
principles. But this classification does not embrace the various species of
colonics, in present or past time. A more happy division of the subject
would seem to be, into colonics founded by individuals, in their search of
liappiness ; and colonies planted by states, with a view to military or com-
mercial purposes. By the first, our race was originally spread over the face
of the globe. It has prevailed at all times, as well among the Egj^itians,
Athenians, and other ancient people, as among the moderns, who instituted
the communities of the North American confederacy. The early Greek
colonies, generally, sprung from the desire of the citizens to ameliorate their
condition; and the immediate impulse was, excess of population, the ambition
of chiefs, the love of liberty, or contagious and frequent maladies. The
bonds of filiation connected the colony with the parent state ; and the en-
dearing names of daughter, sister and mother, sanctioned and preserved the
alliances between them. But in the Grecian colonies of latter date, we trace
commercial and political views. The Carthaginians, also, seem to have
established colonies upon commercial principles ; and two treaties, recorded
A
2 fflSTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
by Polybius,* between them and the Romans, are in the true spirit of mo-
dern colonial policy. On the other hand, the Roman colonies were mihtary
establishments, designed to maintain or extend their conquests; and their
agrarian allotments, to disbanded veterans and discontented and clamorous
citizens, partook of the same character. Commercial motives seem rarely
to have blended with the policy of these haughty conquerors. Such, also,
in more recent days were the colonies of the Normans, in England, France,
and the south of Europe; of the English, in Ireland and Indostan; of the
Portuguese and Dutch in either India; and of a portion of the Spanish settle-
ments in the New World.
In general, the civil colonies of the ancients were independent of the au-
thority of the parent state; though, necessarily, influenced by the ties of cha-
rity which connected them with her. But, modern history, we believe,
furnishes no instance of a colony independent in its inception; unless the
short-lived religious communities of the Jesuits, in America, and of the Mo-
ravians in the northern parts of both continents, be so considered. The co-
lonies of the western hemisphere were, generally, commenced under the sanc-
tion of, and in dependence upon, some European state. Even the ascetic
Brownists, in their torpid settlement of New Plymouth, began their labours
under the auspices of James I. of England : and though for some years,
they were unnoticed by the crown, they claimed and enjoyed the protection
due to English subjects.
The colonization of America was prompted and directed by various pas-
sions. The Spaniards and Portuguese were inspired by visions of sudden
wealth, by the love of that fame which chivalric adventure gave, and by an
apostolic desire of spreading their religious faith among the heathen. The
founders of states in the northern continent, were actuated by more sober,
but not dissimilar views. Raleigh and his associates sought wealth and
reputation, by extending the power and fame of their inistress and their
countiy ; and the provincial proprietaries, holders of large grants from the
crown, were excited by ambition and avarice; which in Calvert and Penn,
at least, were blended with a noble philanthropy, delighting to assure reli-
gious and civil liberty to their associates and their successors. The sub-
grantees and settlers who subdued the wilderness, came with great diversity
of purpose. Many fled from religious, some, from political persecution ; but,
the larger portion was induced by that well founded hope of ameliorating the
condition of themselves and their posterity, which flowed from the unrestrict-
ed possession of a rich and virgin soil, in whose fruits they were protected,
against lawful and lawless violence. The religious instruction of the savage
is a condition of every royal grant ; and afforded to the grantor, doubtless, a
full extenuation of the injustice of invasion. The extensive grant of Charles
II. to his brother, of York, was moved by political causes, and designed,
probably, also, to reward the services of others, which he could not, in a
different manner, acknowledge. The immediate grantees of the Duke, were
wise enough to see, that their interest lay in the adoption of the most libe-
ral principles of |)olitical association, whicli cii'cumstances would permit; and
these circumstances were most favo;"ible, to civil and religious liberty.
The period in which the foundations of the Anglo-American colonies were
laid, was rife with events, which sowed the indestructible seeds, and reared
into strength the scions of human liberty. The integrity and infallibility of
clerical power, had been shaken to pieces by Luther and Calvin; and the
divinity of kings had expired with the unhappy Charles. The religious
contests, and the transition of power from one religious sect to another,
" Lib. iii. c. 22.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 3
had taught to Catholic and Protestant, the advantages, if not the necessity,
of religious toleration. Letters, the cause and power of religious freedom,
had been equally serviceable to civil liberty; and the great truth which, for
ages, had laid buried in the ruins of civilization, beneath sacerdotal palaces
and prisons, and the gothic gorgeousness of the feudal system, — the great
truth, that political power belonged to, and was made for, the people,
had been rediscovered — was proclaimed abroad, and had become generally
understood among men — among Englishmen. That truth had wrenched
the sceptre from the grasp of an obstinate and bigoted despot, and borne
him to the block — had overthrown a monarchy and created a republic ; and
because of the abuse of republican forms, had again established a throne.
Religious and political freedom were in England terms as familiar as house-
hold words, and enforced, even from the hate of her princes, the most pro-
found respect.
It was vain, therefore, to think of the formation of new political societies,
without adverting to, and securing these great essentials. Kings and pro-
prietaries, who would establish colonies, were compelled to stipulate for
religious toleration, and legislative power in the people. Hence, the first
Charles, who abominated a parliament, required the proprietary, Calvert,
to obtain all subsidies, by the assent of the people — hence, the second
Charles introduced the same principle, in the grant of Pennsj'^lvania — hence,
they, and the Carterets, and the Berkeleys, and the minor Proprietaries, were
compelled to their liberal charters. All were results of improvement in
the moral condition of our species, which individuals might promote, but
could scarce retard. We are guilty, therefore, of the worst species of idola-
try— of man-worship, when we give to individuals the praise of creating
measures, of which they could only be the servants. Our plaudits for their
concurrence in the good work, are, however, due; and should be frankly and
fully paid, as the just incentive to vii'tuous actions.
In this spirit, wc adopt the expressions of a late writer upon colonial
history : — " A North American may feel grateful exultation in avowing
himself the native of no ignoble land — but of a land which has yielded as
great an increase of glory to God, and happiness to man, as any other por-
tion of the world, since the first syllable of recorded time, has had the
honour of producing. A nobler model of human character could hardly be
proposed to the inhabitants of the North American States, than that which
their own early history supplies. It is, at once, their interest and their honour,
to preserve with sacred care, a model so richly fraught, with the instructions
of wisdom and the incitements of duty."*
No portion of the history of this great country is more filled with cause
for this " grateful exultatioix," than the State of New Jersey — none can
boast greater purity in its origin — none more wisdom, more happiness
in its growth. To develope her unpretending, but instructive story, is the
object of the following pages ; in which, however, we must, necessarily, blend
a portion of that of the adjacent states, which for half a century were identi-
fied with her.
II. Soon after the discovery of America, by Columbus, the Spaniards and
Portuguese explored the northern Atlantic coast, as high as Labrador; to
which, the latter gave its present name. As they approached by the West
Indies, they may have visited the shores of the Delaware and Hudson i-ivers;
but possessed of the fine climates, and richer countries of the south, they had
no inducement to make permanent settlements in regions less attractive.
Florida was occupied by the Spaniards, in 1512; and its boundaries, as
* Grahame's History of the American Colonies.
4 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
given by the charter of Philip II. to Menendez, extended from Newfoundland
to the 22d degree of northern latitude.
III. To the genius of the Italian navigators, the world is deeply indebted,
as well for the early exploration, as for the discovery, of America. John de
Verrazano, and the enterprising and skilful Cabots, were the worthy succes-
sors of Columbus and Amcricus Vespucius. Verrazano, whilst in the ser-
vice of Francis I. of France, visited, it is supposed, the bay of New York.*
It is certain, that, in 1523, he coasted the American continent, from the 30th
to the 50th degree of north latitude, landing and communicating with the
natives in several places; and that by virtue of discoveries made by him,
and some French navigators, Henry IV. gave to Des Monts, the lands lying
between the 40th and 46th degrees of north latitude. f The loss of Verra-
zano, with his vessel and crew, on a subsequent voyage, (1524) procrasti-
nated, for ten years, the efforts of the French to establish colonics in Ame-
rica. The voyages and discoveries of Quartier, in 1535, directed their atten-
tion, particularly, to the shores of the bay and river of St. Lawrence.
IV. Under the patronage of Henry VII. of England, Sebastian Cabot dis-
covered the islands of Newfoundland and St. Johns, and explored the coast
of the continent, from the 38th to the 67th degree of north latitude.:}: But no
fruit was, immediately, derived from his labours. During the reigns of the
voluptuary, Henry VIII., of his son, Edward VI., and daughter, the bigoted
Mary, no effort was made to prosecute these interesting discoveries. It was
reserved for the maritime enterprise of Elizabeth's reign, to give to the
English nation a fuller knowledge of the new world, and a proper sense of
the advantages which might be drawn from it. Encouraged by the Earl of
Warwick, Mai-tin Frobisher, in three successive voyages, visited the shores
of Labrador find CTrecnland.§ Sir Humphrey Gilbert, in 1580, made two
unsuccessful attempts to establish a colony in North America, in the last of
which, he perished.
V. But the fate of Gilbert did not deter his half-brother. Sir Walter
Raleigh, alike distinguished for his genius and courage, from pursuing the
same object ; which, indeed, had taken strong hold of the affections of the
principal men of the kingdom. He formed a company, under a charter,
obtained from the queen, || granting them all the lands they should discover
between the 33d and 40th degrees of north latitude. Two vessels despatch-
ed by them, under captains Armidas and Barlow,** visited Pamptico Sound,
and Roanoke Bay ; and on their return, repoi-ted so favourably of the beauty
and fertility of the country, that the company were excited to new exertions;
and Elizabeth gave, to the newly discovered region, the name of Virginia, as
a memorial that it was discovered in the i-eign of a virgin queen. But the
subsequent efTorts of this comjiany proved abortive. A colony was, indeed,
planted at Roanoke, in 1585; but, liaving been reduced to distress by the
delay of supplies, they returned to Europe, in the following year, with Sir
Francis Drake; who touched at their island on his way home, from a suc-
cessful cruise against the Spaniards. Undiscou raged by this ill success,
Raleigh despatched another colony to the same place, under the direction of
captain John White,ff which perished by famine, or the sword of the natives;
having been deprived, by the preparations of the Spaniards, for invading
England, of the succour which White had returned to seek.
* Dr. Miller's Discourse, 1 vol. — N. Y. Historical Collection.
t 2 Ilackluyt's, 1. N. Y. Historical Collection. Williamson's History of North
Carolina, vol. i. 15. Moulton's History of New York, vol. i. 134.
I I49H. A Mr. Mare is said to have followed Cabot, and to have brought to Henry
VHI, some Indians from North America.
§ In 157G, 1577, 1578. || 2Gth March, 1584. ** Sailed, 27th April, returned,
15th September, 1584. tt March, 1590.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 5
VI. Between the years 1590 and 1603, the English do not appear to have
made any voyage for the purpose of settlement. In the latter year, Bartho-
lomew Gosnold, abandoning the circuitous route hitherto pursued by all navi-
gators, discovered, by steering due west, a more direct course to the northern
continent. He visited, and gave names to Cape Cod, and the islands of
Elizabeth, and Martha's Vineyard; and taught his countrymen, that there
were many attractions, far north of the lands they had attempted to colonize.
His favourable reports, at first disbelieved, were confirmed by persons who
sailed, thither, in the service of some merchants of Bristol, the Earl of South-
ampton, and Lord Arundel, of Wardour. By the zeal of Richard Hackluyt,
prebendary of Westminster, to whom England was more indebted than to
any man of his age, for her American possessions, an association, em-
bracing men of rank and men of business, was formed, with a view to
colonization.*
To this company, James I., on the 10th of April, 1606, granted letters
patent, dividing that portion of the continent which stretches from the 34th
to the 46th degrees of north latitude, into two, nearly equal, districts. The
one, called the first, or south colony of Virginia, was allotted to Sir Thomas
Gates, Richard Hackluyt, and their associates, mostly residents of London ;
the other, to sundry knights, gentlemen and merchants, of Bristol, Plymouth,
and other parts of the west of England. Each company was empowered to
appropriate to itself, fifty miles each way, along the coast, from the point of
its settlement, and one hundred miles of interior extent. From the places at
which the colonial councils were respectively established, were derived the
titles of the London and Plymouth Colonies.f
Under this and another charter, to the Plymouth company, given in 1620,
whose provisions were not the most friendly to political freedom, nor the
best adapted to promote the objects for which they were designed, the per-
manent settlement of Virginia and New England was commenced and pro-
secuted. It forms, however, no part of our present plan, to trace the various
fortune which attended their growth, from weak and sickly plants, to deep-
rooted and umbrageous trees.
VII. The hope of discovering a north-west passage from Europe to Asia,
which no disappointment seems to have power to extinguish, was the motive
of several voyages made by Henry Hudson, a distinguished English mariner.
In his third voyage, failing to open a northern route, he explored the eastern
coast of America, with the view of determining, whether a passage, to the
Pacific Ocean, might not be found through the continent.;}: He ran down the
coast, from Newfoundland, to 35° 41', northern latitude; and returning by
the same course, entered the Delaware bay, on the 28th of August, 1609, —
but finding the water shoal, and the channel impeded by bars of sand, he
did not venture to explore it. Following the eastern shore of New Jersey,
he anchored his ship, the Half-Moon, on the 3d of September, within Sandy
Hook. He spent a week in examining the neighbouring shores, and in
communication with the natives ; during which, one of his seamen, named
John Coleman, was killed. The boat in which he and several others had
passed the Kills, between Bergen Neck and Staten Island, being attacked by
two canoes, carrying twenty-six Indians, the unfortunate sailor was shot, by
an arrow, through the throat. Thus it would seem, that in the intercourse
* 2 Purchas, 5. Belknap's American Biography. — N. A. R., (new series) vol. vi.
p. 36.
t Modern Universal History, vol. XXX. Hazard's State Papers, 1. Stith, Beverly,
Robertson.
i Voyages undertaken by the Dutch East India Company. Hudson's Journal.
Purchas, 1— N. Y. Hist. Col. 81, 162.
6 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
between the European and Indian, in this part of America, the Indian
committed the first homicide. The shores of the Delaware and Raritan
bays were, probably, the first lands of the middle States trodden by Eu-
ropean feet.
On the 12th of September, Hudson entered New York Bay, through the
Narrows. He spent the time between that day and the 19th of the same
month, in exploring the North river.* He ascended, with his ship, as high
as the spot where the city of Albany now stands; and his boat proceeded to
the sites of Watcrford and Lansingburg. The decreasing volume of the
stream, and the shoals which obstructed his fin-ther way, depriving him of
all hope of reaching the Pacific Ocean by this route, he prepared to retrace
his steps. Commencing his return on the 22d of September, he slowly de-
scended the river, and on the 4th day of October, put to sea. He reached
England on the 7th of November, 1609. His vessel, and part of the crew,
returned to Holland ; but the jealousy of the king, James the First, forbade
him, and his English sailors, to revisit that country. f
In the following year, Hudson re-entered the service of the London com-
pany, in which he had made his two first northern voyages ; designing to
seek again, a north-west passage, through Davis' Straits ; but his crew
mutinied, and abandoned him, his only son, and some half-dozen of his
men, who continued faithful, to perish amid the fields of ice, in the vicinity of
the bay which bears his name.:j:
Whilst in the North river, Hudson had much intercourse with the natives.
Near the coast, they were fierce and inimical — at a distance from the sea,
mild and hospitable. But the superior power of the Europeans was exer-
cised upon friend and foe without mercy. Of the former, one was shot to
death, for a petty theft — and of the latter, nine were more deservedly slain,
in an attack which they made upon the vessel. The first visit of the white
man, therefore, to the shores of the Hudson, was signalized by the violent
death of ten of the aboriginal inhabitants.
VIII. The Dutch East India Company, although disappointed in the
main design of Hudson's voyage, found in the fur trade he had opened, suf-
ficient inducement to cherish commercial intercourse with the Americans.
A second voyage, under their authority, in 1610, proving successful, was
repeated ; but the competition of private adventurers reducing their profits,
they endeavoured to monopolize the trade, by a decree of the States-Gene-
ral, granting to all persons who had discovered, or might discover, any bays,
rivers, harbours, or countries before unknown, the right, beside other ad-
vantages, to the exclusive trade therein, for four successive voyages. § Under
this edict the Amsterdam Licensed Trading West India Company was
formed ; proposing to maintain the acquisitions on the Hudson and to explore
the circumjacent country.
In the service of this company, Adrian Blok and Hendrick Christianse
sailed in the year 1614. Blok arrived first at Mannahattan, where, his ship
having been accidentally burned, he built a small vessel, with which he
passed into Long Island Sound. He fell in with Christianse near Cape Cod.
Together, they discovered Rhode Island and Connecticut river; and proceed-
ing to Mannahattan Bay, they erected a fort on Castle Island, and four dwell-
ings on the Greater Island. In the preceding year, a small trading house
was built upon an island below Albany; and in the following, a redoubt was
thrown up on the right bank of the river, probably, at the present Jersey City
* Hudson's Journal. See Note (A.) — Appendix.
i Lambrechsten, Moulton, Ebeling. I .Tune 21. 1(111.
§ De Laet, March 27, 1614; or as it is said 1611, 1612. Moulton, 340.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 7
Point.* The most important event of this period, however, was the alliance
by formal treaty, between the Dutch and the Five Nation confederacy of In-
dians ; at the execution of which, it is supposed, the Lenape tribes were also
present, and by the united instances of the Dutch and Iroquois, consented to
the fatal assumption of the character of the looman, in the manner we shall
narrate hereafter.f
The Hollanders, directing their efforts at colonization, to their Asiatic,
African and South American possessions, and restrained, perhaps, by the
claim of the English, to the greater part of North America, had hitherto made
little elfort to people the shores of the Hudson. It has been asserted, how-
ever, that between the years 1617 and 1620, settlements were made at Ber-
gen, in New Jersey, in the vicinage of the Esopus Indians, and at Schenec-
tady ; and it would seem, that Sir Thomas Dale and Sir Samuel Argal,
in the year 1614, returning from an expedition against the French at
Acadie, visitfed Mannahattan, and compelled the Dutch to acknowledge the
English title, and to contribute to the payment of the expenses of their
voyage. It would further seem, from the authorities cited in the margin,
but which should be received with some allowance, that in 1620, the Dutch
West Indian Company, upon application to James the First, of England,
obtained leave to build some cottages upon the Hudson river, for the con-
venience of the ships, touching there for fresh water and provisions, in
their voyage to Brazil ; under colour of which license, the company esta-
blished a colony ; and that, upon complaint to Charles I. of these proceed-
ings, he remonstrated with the States-General, who disowned the acts of the
company. ij:
IX. But, although the Dutch did not immediately, themselves, colonize the
New Netherlands, (the name given to the country from the Delaware Bay to
Cape Cod,) they were well disposed to aid others in such design ; encouraging
the Puritans, who, under the care of the Rev. John Robinson, had fled to the
low countries from England, to seek a safe and more commodious asylum in
the New World; notwithstanding these sectarians avowed an intention to
preserve their national character, and to hold the title for the lands they
should inhabit, in dependence on the English government. This germ of
the Plymouth colony, planted in 1620, was designed for the country between
New York Bay and the western line of Connecticut. But the season at
which the adventurers arrived on the coast, adverse winds and currents, with
the discovery of a portion of the country, whence the aborigines had been
lately swept, providentially, as the pilgrims supposed, by pestilence, induced
them to land at a place, they termed Plymouth.^ The allegation, therefore,
that Capt. Jones, with whom they sailed, had faithlessly, in consequence of
a bribe from the Dutch, landed them at a distance from the Hudson, is not
entitled to credence.
X. In 1621 the great West India Company was formed in Holland, and
endowed with the wealth and power of the States-General. The Licensed
Trading Company which had hitherto conducted commercial operations in
the Hudson, confining themselves to one river and a small portion of the
coast, was merged in the new company, to whom we may properly ascribe
the first efforts of the Dutch to plant colonies in North America. ||
They immediately despatched a number of settlers duly provided with the
means of subsistence, trade, and defence, under the command of Cornelius
* De Laet, Moulton. t Heckewelder.
\ Beauchamp Plantagenef s description of New Albion — Moulton — British Empire
in America — Ogilby's America — Elizabcthtown Bill in Chancery.
§ Robertson. Dudley's letter. Moulton.
jl See charter of this company in Hazard's Col.
8 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Jacobse Mey ; who, with more enterprise and industry than his predecessors,
visited the coast iVom Cape Cod to the Delaware river, where lie {)roposed to
establish his own residence. He called the bay of New York, Port May ;
that of the Delaware, New Port May ; its northern cape. Cape May ; and its
southern, Cape Cornelius. He built Fort Nassau at Techaacho, upon Sas-
sackon, now Timber Creek, which empties into the Delaware, a few miles
below the city of Camden. During the same year the forts New Amsterdam
and Orange, were also erected upon the sites, of the now great cities, of New
York and Albany.
The administration of the affairs of New Netherlands, was committed to
Peter Minuit; with whom came a colony of Walloons, who settled, 1624-5,
at the Walbocht, a bend of the Long Island shore, opposite to New Amster-
dam. In 1626, Minuit opened a friendly and commercial intercourse with
the Plymouth pilgrims ; and prosecuted the fur trade with great advantage
to the company.
XII. In 1629 the West India Company endeavoured to excite individual
enterprise, to colonize the country ; granting by charter to the patroon or
founder of a settlement, exclusive property, in large tracts of land, with ex-
tensive manorial and seignorial rights.* Thus encouraged, several of the
directors, for whose use, probably, the charter was designed, among whom
Goodyn, Bloemart, Pauuw and Van Renselaer were most distinguished,
resolved to make large territorial acquisitions ; and they sent out Wooter Van
Twiller, of Niewer Kerck, a clerk of the Amsterdam department, of the com-
pany, to assume the management of its public aflairs, and to select lands for
the individual directors.
One of the three ships which came over in 1629, visited an Indian village
on the south-west corner of Delaware Bay ; and the agents on board, pur-
chased from the three chiefs of the resident tribe, in behalf of the Hcrr
Goodyn, a tract of land, extending from Cape Henloop, in length thirty-
two, and breadth two, English miles. In the succeeding year, several other
extensive tracts were purchased ; for Goodyn and Bloemart, of nine Indian
chiefs, sixteen miles square, on the peninsula of Cape May ; for the director
Pauuw, Statcn Island, and a large plat on the western side of the Hudson,
in the neighbourhood of Hoboken; and for Van Renselaer, a considerable
territory, along the Hudson, in the vicinity of Fort Orange.")" The impolicy
of these gi-eat and exclusive appropriations was, subsequently, discovered
and condemned ; and their ratification seems to have been obtained, only, by
admitting other directors to participate in them.
XIII. In prosecution of their plans, these directors formed an association,
to which they admitted, on equal terms, David Pietcrson de Vries, an expe-
rienced and enterprising navigator. Their immediate object was to colonize
the Delaware river, to plant tobacco and grain, and to establish a whale and
seal fishery. The command of the vessel appointed to carry out the colo-
nists was given to De Vries; who left the Tcxel on the 12th Dec. 1630, and
arrived in the Delaware bay in the course of the winter. The country was
deserted by the Europeans, who had preceded him. Fort Nassau was in
possession of the Indians; Captain Mey having left it, bearing with him the
affectionate regrets of the natives, who long cherished his memory. De
Vries selected a spot for his settlement, on Lewis Creek, called by the Dutch,
on account of the prostitution of the Indian women here, Hoornekill ; where,
unimpeded by the season, which was uncommonly mild, he erected a trading
* See the charter iu Moulton's History of New York.
t See Moulton's History of New York. The territory of Goodyn was denominated
Swanwendael; that of Pauuw, Tavonia; and that of Van Renselaer, Renselaerwick
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 9
house and fort, giving it the name of Oplandt. The whole plantation, within
Goodyn's purchase, extended to the Little Tree Corner or Boonipjes' Hoek.*
Returning to Holland, he committed his infant colony to the care of one
Giles Osset; who, in evidence of the claim and possession of the Dutch, set
up the arms of the States-General, painted on tin, upon a column, in some
conspicuous station. An Indian, ignorant of the object of this exhibition,
appropriated the honoured symbol to his own use. The folly of the com-
mandant construed the trespass into a grievous national insult, and he be-
came so importunate for redress, that the harassed and perplexed tribe
brought him the head of the offender. This was a result which Osset had
neither wished nor foreseen, and he should justly have dreaded its conse-
quences. In vain he reprehended the severity of the Indians, and assured
them that had they brought the delinquent to him, he would have suffered a
reprimand only. Though the death of the culprit had been doomed and
executed by his own tribe, they beheld its cause in the exaction of the
strangers, and with the vindictiveness of their character, sought a dire retri-
bution. At a season when the greater part of the garrison was engaged in
field labour, distant from the fort, the Indians entered it, under the pretence
of trade, and murdered the unsuspicious Osset with the single sentinel who
attended him. Thence, proceeding to the fields, they massacred every other
colonist, whilst tendering to them the usual fi-iendly salutations. This con-
duct, with its extenuating circumstances, as related by the aborigines them-
selves to De Vries, is sufficiently atrocious ; but it is highly probable, that
the desire of the white man's wealth was as powerful a stimulant to violence
as the thirst for vengeance.
In December, 1632, De Vries returned from Holland, to mourn over the
unburied bodies of his friends, and the ashes of their dwelling. Attracted by
the firing of cannon, the savages approached his vessel with guilty hesitation;
but at length, summoned courage to venture on board, and to detail the cir-
cumstances we have narrated. The object which De Vries had in view, led
him to seek reconciliation ; and he was compelled to pardon, where he could
not safely punish. He formed a new treaty with the Indians ; and in order
to obtain provisions, ascended the river above Fort Nassau, where he nar-
rowly escaped from the perfidy of the natives. Pretending to comply with
his request, they directed him to enter Timmerkill or Cooper's Creek, which
furnished a convenient place for attack ; but, the interposition of an Indian
woman, so often recorded in favour of the whites, saved him from destruc-
tion. She warned him of the design of her countrymen, and that a crew of
a vessel (supposed from Virginia) had been there murdered. In the mean
time, Fort Nassau was filled with savages, and on the return of De Vries,
forty boarded his vessel, whom he compelled to retreat; declaring that the
Manitou or Great Spirit, had revealed their wickedness. But, subsequently,
with the humane and pacific policy which distinguished him, he consented to
their wishes of forming a treaty of amity ; which they confirmed with cus-
tomary presents, declining his gifts, however, saying, that they did not now
give with the view of a return. f Disappointed in obtaining provisions, De
Vries, leaving part of his crew in the bay, proceeded to Virginia ; where, as
the first visiter from New Netherlands, he was kindly received and his wants
supplied. Upon his return to the Delaware, finding the whale fishery un-
successful, he hastened his departure, and with the other colonists proceeded
to Holland, by the way of Fort Amsterdam. Thus, at the expiration of
* Corrupted into Bombay Hook. De Vries, Moulton.
t De Vries' Journal. Moulton.
10 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
twenty-five years from the discovery of the Delaware Bay, by Hudson, not
a single European remained upon its shores.
XIV. It is possible, however, that the Minisink settlements on the river,
above the Blue Mountain, were made at or near this period. They extend
forty miles on both sides of the river, and the tradition, as rendered by
Nicholas Depuis, a descendant of an original settler is; " That, in some for-
" mer age, there came a company of miners from Holland, supposed to have
" been rich and great people, from the labour they bestowed in opening two
" mines — one on the Delaware, where the mountain nearly approaches the
" lower point of Pahaquarry Flat, the other, at the north foot of some moun-
" tain, halt-way between Delaware and Esopus; and in making the mine
" road iVom Delaware to Esopus, a distance of one hundred miles : That
" large quantities of ore had been drawn upon this road, but of what metal,
" was unknown to the present inhabitants : That, subsequently, settlers
" came to the Minisinks from Holland, to seek an asylum from religious per-
" secution, being Arminians : That they followed the mine road to the large
" flats, on the Delaware, where the smooth cleared land, and abundance of
" large apple trees, suited their views, and they purchased the improvements
" of the Indians, most of whom, then, removed to the Susquehanna : And that
" the new settlers maintained peace and friendship with such as remained,
" until the year 1755."* These settlements at the Minisinks were unknown
to the government of Pennsylvania until 1729.
XV. It has been aflirmed that the Swedes established a colony on the
Delaware, in the year 1627, or 1631. This is an error, arising from the
historian having mistaken the will for the deed; inferring that a colony had
been established, immediately after the proposition for forn:ing it, had been
published in Sweden. The design had, indeed, been fondly encouraged by
Gustavus Adolphus, but was not effected during his life. This prince fell at
Lutzen, in 1632 ; and several years elapsed, before the ministers of his
daughter, Christina, gave encouragement to the enterprise. The success of
the Dutch West India Company had excited the Swedes to form a similar
association, whose operations should extend to Asia, Africa, and America ; —
and William Usselinx, or Usseling, a Hollander, who had been connected
with the Dutch company, obtained the consent of Gustavus, to this measure.f
Designing to plant a colony on the Delaware, he prepared and published
articles of Association for that purpose, accompanied with a description of
the fertility of the soil, and the commercial advantages of the country. The
king, by proclamation, exhorted his subjects to unite with the company,:}:
and recommended its plan to a diet of the States, by whom it was confirmed. §
Persons of every rank, from the king to the hind, engaged in tlie scheme.
An admiral, vice admiral, merchants, assistants, commissaries, and a mili-
tary force, were appointed, and the association received the name of the
South Company; — but the intervention of a German war, suspended its
operations. ||
From 1633 to 1637, no effort was made by any European power, to peo-
ple the banks of the Delaware, unless during this period. Sir Edward Ploey-
den, commenced his ephemeral palatinate of New Albion. It is probable,
however, that the Dutch visited the river, with a view to trade, and, occa-
sionally, spent some time at Fort Nassau. That, they vigilantly observed
the approach of other nations to these shores, is obvious, from the prompti-
* Letters of Samuel Preston, of Stockport, June 6th, and 14th, 1828, published in
the Register of Pennsylvania, Vol. i. No. 28.— July 12, 1828.
t 21st December, 1624. I July, 1626. § 1627. || Campanius, Aurelius,
Molton.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 11
tude of their remonstrances against the subsequent attempts of the English
and Swedes.
The Swedish project, so far as it relates to colonization on the Delaware,
was, at length, revived by the Dutch ex-governor, Minuit, (who had been
superseded by Vouter van Twiller,) under the immediate authority of the
Swedish government. In 1637 or 1638, an expedition, consisting of the
Key of Caiman, a ship of war, and a transport named the Bird Grip,
(Gryphen) carrying a clergyman, an engineer, and many settlers, with
necessary provisions, and merchandise .for trade with the Indians, sailed
under Minuit's command.* The emigrants landed at Inlopen, the inner
cape on the western shore of the Delaware bay, to which they gave the name
of Paradise Point — morfi, we must conjecture, from the pleasant emotions
caused by the sight of any land, after a long sea-voyage, than from the
beauty or fertility of the spot. They opened communications with the
natives, on the bay and river, and purchased the soil, on the western
shore, from the capes, to the falls at Sanhikans, below the present city of
Trenton.
Soon after, in 1638, they laid the foundation of the town and fort of
Christina, on a site called by the natives Hopohaccan, north of the Minqvas,
or Suspecoiigh creek, and a short distance above its mouth. f Not a ves-
tige of this fort or town remains ; but a plan of both, drawn by the engineer,
Lindstrom, has been preserved by Campanius. In 1747, during the war of
England against France and Spain, a redoubt was thrown up at this spot;
and at the distance of three feet below the surface, a Swedish coin of Chris-
tina was found, among axes, shovels, and other implements.:)^
The author of Bescryvinge van Netherlands, asserts, that Minuit entered
the Delaware, under pretence of procuring refreshment, on his way to the
West Indies, but betrayed the deception, by erecting this fort. The Dutch
soon discovered the intrusion; and Kieft, who, about this time had succeeded
Van Twiller, as governor of New York, remonstrated with Minuit, by letter,
dated. May 6th, 1638; asserting, that the whole South river of New Nether-
lands, had been in possession of the Dutch, for many years, above and below
Christina — had been studded by forts, and sealed with their blood. This
remonstrance was unreasonable and unwarrantable, if, as Campanius asserts,
the Swedes had, in 1631, purchased the right of the Dutch. The allegation
of purchase, may have induced forbearance on the part of the Dutch au-
thorities, but did not deter them from erecting a fort soon after, at the
Hoarkills.
During the year 1640, several companies of emigrants departed from
Sweden, for the new world. Among the documents obtained from the
Swedish records, by Mr. Russel, minister from the United States, at Stock-
holm, we find, dated, January 24th, 1640, a passport to captain Jacob Pow-
elson, for a vessel under his command, named- Fredenburg, laden with men,
cattle, and other things, necessary for the cultivation of the country, depart-
ing from Holland to America, or the West Indies, and there establishing
himself in the country called New Sweden. Two others were issued in
blank, for other captains and their vessels. We learn, also, from a letter of
the same date, addressed by the Swedish ministers to the commandant, or
commissary, and other inhabitants of Fort Christina, in New Sweden, that
permission had been granted to Gothbert de Rehden, William de Horst,
and Fenland, and those interested with them, to send out and establish a
* Bescryvinge van Virginia, De Laet, Acrelius.
t Swedish MSS. Records, communicated by the Rev. Nicholas Collin.
t Kalm's Travels.
12 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
colony on the north side of the South river. In a charter, or grant and
privilege, as it is termed, of the same date, to this company, the name of
Henry Hochhanmer, is substituted for that of Lieutenant Horst. From this
instrument we derive tlie Swedish principles of colonization. An indefinite
quantity of land is given to the company — at least four German miles,
(about 15 English) from Fort Christina, in allodial and hereditary property;
they paying to the crown of Sweden, three florins of the empire, for each
family established upon their territory. The company is empowered to
exercise, within their district, high and low justice ; to found cities and vil-
lages, and communities, with a certain police, statutes and ordinances — to
appoint magistrates and officers, and to take the title and arms of a province
or colony ; conforming themselves, in the use of these rights, to the principles
directing the ordinary justice of fiefs. Reservation is made of full sove-
reignty to the crown ; and, especially, of appeals to it, and the governors
established by it, whose approbation was necessary to all statutes and ordi-
nances. Besides the Augsburg confession of faith, the exercise of the " pre-
tended reformed^'' religion was permitted, in such manner, however, that those
who professed either, should live in peace, abstaining from every useless
dispute, from all scandal, and from all abuse. But the patrons of the colony
were obliged, at all times, to maintain as many ministers and schoolmasters
as the number of inhabitants should require; and to choose for this purpose,
persons who had at heart, the conversion of the pagan inhabitants, to Chris-
tianity.
Permission was given to the colonists to engage in every species of manu-
facture and commerce, in and out of the country; in vessels, however, which
should be built in New Sweden. Gottenburg was made the depot for all
merchandise transported to Europe; but merchants were not required to
pass the Sound, when destined to some other part of Sweden. Entrance to
foreign ports, however, was prohibited, unless in case of necessity ; and even
in such case, merchants were required to repair to Gottenburg, to account
for such entry, and to pay duty on merchandise, they might have sold else-
where; and to equip their vessels anew. The colonists were exempted, for
ten successive years, from every species of impost; but, after that period,
were required to pay, in New Sweden, a duty of five per cent, on all im-
ports, and exports, and such further charges as the expenses of government,
there, might require. The discoverer of minerals, precious stones, coral,
crystal, marble, a pearl fishery, means for making salt, or other like things,
was permitted the unrestricted use thereof, for ten years, and to enjoy, sub-
sequently, a preferable right to possession, under an annual rent. Pro-
tection was promised to the colonies, in consideration whereof, fealty and
allegiance were exacted. But the government expressed the desire, that the
colonists and their posterity might be always exempt from enrolments and
compulsory military service. Confiscation of property was prohibited : and
fines, whatever might be the offence, were hmited to forty rix-dollars; every
other species of punishment, accoi'ding to the quality of the offence, was re-
served to the crown. And as the patrons of the colony designed, in a few
years, to transport other and more considerable colonics, liberty was given to
ship, directly from Holland, whatever they might require.
Whilst the arrangements for this colony were in progress, due care was
had, by the ministry of Sweden, for the scion they had already planted. One
Jost de Bogardt was nominated, rather as an agent and superintendent of
the colony of Christina, than as governor. He engaged, by an obligation,
called the counterpart of his commission, to be faithful and subject to her
majesty; "and not only to aid, by his counsel and actions, the persons who
are at Fort Christina, and those who may be afterwards sent there from
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 13
Sweden, but to employ his exertions to procure, as occasion may present,
whatever will be most advantageous to her Majesty and the crown of Swe-
den; and, moreover, not to suffer an opportunity to pass of sending infor-
mation to Sweden, which may be useful to her Majesty and the crown."
The reward of these services was stipulated to be two hundred rix-doUars
per annum.
XVI. The country, which had been settled, appears to have been pur-
chased, chiefly, by an association called the Navigation Company, who, en-
joying the soil, submitted to the political direction of the crown. John Printz,
a colonel of cavalry in the Swedish service, was appointed governor. His
commission bears date August 16, 1646. His instructions charge him to
preserve amity, good neighbourhood, and correspondence with foreigners,
with those who depend on his government, and with the natives of the coun-
try ; to render justice without distinction, so that there shall be injury to no
one ; and if any person behave himself grossly, to punish him in a conve-
nient manner; and as regards the cultivation of the country, in a liberal
manner to regulate and continue it, so that the inhabitants may derive from
it, their honest support, and even, that, commerce may receive from it a sen-
sible increase. As to himself, he was required so to conduct in his govern-
ment, as to be willing and able, faithfully, to answer for it before God, be-
fore the Queen and every brave Swede, regulating himself by the instruc-
tions given to him. These instructions, remarkable for their simplicity, re-
mind us of the patriarchal era, to which the state of New Sweden, had some
resemblance. The salary assured to the governor, was 1200 rix-dollars
per annum; a portion of which, at least, was imposed on the colony in
a tariff of compensations, which gave to the governor 800 rix-dollai's ;
(half from excise and half in silver;) to a lieutenant governor, sixteen
dollars per month ; a sergeant major ten, a corporal six, a gunner eight,
trumpeter six, drummer five; to 24 soldiers, four, each; to a paymaster ten, a
secretary eight, a barber ten, and a provost six. We must not infer from
comparison of the wages of the secretary and barber, that the latter was the
most valued though the most appreciated. The first had, doubtless, the most
honour, though the second had a greater compensation in base lucre.
On the 16th February, 1642-3, Printz, accompanied by John Campanius,
a clergyman and subsequent historian of New Sweden, with many emi-
grants, on board the ship Fame and Transport Swan, arrived in the Dela-
ware. The governor established himself on the island of Tcrmekong, cor-
rupted into, Tinicum; which, in Nov. 1643, was granted him by the Queen
Christina, in fee ; where he built a fort called New Gottenburg, a convenient
dwelling for himself, denominated Printz Hoff or Printz Hall, and a church,
which was consecrated in 1646. Around this nucleus, the principal settlers
reared their habitations. Pursuant to his instructions, he recognised the
right of the aborigines to the soil, confirmed the contract made with them by
Minuit, for land fronting the river, from the Cape to the Falls, and extending
inland, so far, as the necessities of the settlers should require. He refrained
from every species of injury to the natives, cultivated their favour by a just
and reciprocal commerce, supplying them with articles suitable to their
Vi'ants, and employed all friendly means to win them to the Christian faith.
The result of these measures was such as they should have produced. The
savage was disarmed by respect and gratitude; for, when the presents from
the Swedes were discontinued, and councils were holden by the discontented,
to weigh the fate of the strangers, the old and wise expatiated on their bene-
volence and justice, and assured the young and violent, that no easy con-
quest, would be made, of men, who, whilst cherishing the arts of peace, were
armed with swords and muskets, and guarded by vigilance and courage.
14 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
The ire of the Indians on one occasion, it seems, was particularly directed
against the pastor, who speaking alone, during divine service, was supposed
to exhort his audience to hostility against them.*
XVII. Before Printz left Sweden, it was known that an English colony
had alighted on the eastern shore of the Delaware; sixty persons having
settled near Oijtsessing, Assamohocking, Hog or Salem Creek, at the close
of the year 1640, or commencement of 1741, who were, probably, pioneers
of Sir Edmund Ploeyden, or squatters from the colony of New Haven. The
Swedes purchased all the lands from Cape May to Narriticon or Raccoon
Creek, for the purpose of bringing the English under their dominion; and
Printz was instructed, either to attach them to the Swedish interests, or to
procure their removal without violence.^ He disregarded his instructions
on this occasion, since, we are told, that the Dutch and Swedes united to
expel the English; and that the latter, assuming the task of keeping out the
intruders, seized their possessions, and erected a Ibrt; which they called Elfts-
burg or Elsinborg.:}: But, Acrclius assures us, that this fort was reared in
1651, as a counterpoise to the Dutch power, acquired by the erection of
Fort Casmier ; and that, the guns of Elsinborg, compelling the Hollanders
to strike the flag from their vessels' mast, gave mortal offence, and was the
cause of their subsequent wrath, so fatal to the dominion of the Swedes. Be
this as it may, all authors agree, that the Swedes were driven out by an in-
vincible, and sometimes invisible, foe, — that the moschettoes, in countless
hosts, alike incomparable for activity and perseverance, obtained exclusive
possession of the fort, and that the discomfited Swedes, bathed even in the
ill-gotten blood of their enemies, were compelled to abandon the post, which,
in lionour of the victors, received the name of Moscliettoesburg.
The Salem settlers were not the only Englishmen who endeavoured, at
this time, to establish themselves in the vicinity of the Delaware. A colony
seated under the patent of Lord Baltimore, was discovered on the Schuylkill,
whence they were driven by the watchful Kieft, governor of New Nether-
lands, without difficulty. His instructions, dated 22d May, 1642, to Jan
Jansen Alpendam, commandant of the expedition, strongly assert the right
of the Dutch to the soil and trade there.
XVIII. The Swedish government anticipated, that, resistance might be
made to their plans of colonization, by the Dutch West India Company, of
whose pretensions to the shores of the Delaware, they were well instructed.
Yet, Printz was authorized to protest against their claims, supported as they
were, by the actual possession of Fort Nassau, now garrisoned by twenty
men ; and in case of hostile efforts on their part, to contend to the uttermost.
Printz conducted the affairs of New Sweden with due discretion, receiving
the thanks and commendations of his sovereign, whose permission he soli-
cited, in 1647, to return to Europe. He remained in America, however,
until 1654, when he was succeeded in the government by John Papegoya,
his son-in-law. Papegoya had come to tlie Delaware with the earliest Swe-
dish settlers, probably in 1638; but had returned to Sweden about the time
of Printz's departure. In 1643 he revisited New Sweden, bearing letters
recommendatory, from the Queen, to the governor, whose daughter he subse-
quently married. He remained in the government two years; when embark-
ing for Europe, he devolved the administration on John Risingh, who came
out, a short time before this period, clothed with the authority of commissary
* "The Indians sometimes attended the religious assemblies of the Swedes; but
with so little edification, tliat they expressed their amazement that one man should
detain his tribe witli such lengthened harangues, without offering to entertain them
with brandy." — Grakumes Cm. Hist. 2 vol. 200.
t Acrelius. X Beschryvinge van Virginia. Smith's New Jersey.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 15
and cx)Utisellor, and continued to preside over the Swedes until they were
subjected by the Dutch. He renewed the treaties with the Indians ; and at
a convention held in 1664, both parties engaged to preserve and brighten the
friendly chain. The engineer Lindstrom, who accompanied Risingh, mi-
nutely explored several portions of the country, constructed plans for some
forts, aided in the fortification of others, and framed a map of the bay, river,
and adjacent territory, remarkable for its correctnesss, and curious, as giv-
ing the Indian names of the streams. A descriptive memoir, highly interest-
ing, accompanied the map.*
The country on the Delaware was, for some years, liolden by the Swedes
and Dutch, in common. To the forts at Nassau and the Hoarkills, the lat-
ter, in 1651, added Fort Casimer, at Sandhocken, the present site of New-
castlc.f This near approach to the primitive seat of their American domain,
became intolerable to the Swedes. Printz remonstrated, and Risingh for-
mally demanded, that Fort Casimer should be surrendered to him. This
having been refused, he manfully resolved to seize it by force or fraud. He
approached it in seeming amity, and after firing two complimentary salutes,
landed thirty men, whom the garrison, unsuspectingly, admitted within their
gates. The Swedes suddenly mastered the place, seized the effects of the
West India Company, and even compelled some of the conquered soldiers to
swear allegiance to Queen Christina. Not even Dutch phlegm would lie
quiet under this grievous insult. The redoubted Stuyvesant, then governor
of New York, though busily engaged in restraining the encroachments of
his restless mercurial neighbours of Connecticut, resolved on instant and
direful vengeance.
XIX. On the 9th September, 1654, he appeared in the Delaware, with seven
vessels, carrying between six and seven hundred men. He descended first
upon Elsinborg, where the patriotism of the Swedes had again led them, in
despite of the moschettoes, and where it was their fate to become prisoners to
the invaders. Next, he asailed the fort of the Holy Trinity, and having
landed and intrenched his force, demanded its surrender, threatening, in case
of refusal, the utmost extreme of military severity. Whether the fort were
taken by storm, or surrendered upon capitulation, history has, with repre-
hensive carelessness, omitted to state : but certain it is, that the Dutch, also,
became masters of the Holy Trinity, and striking the Swedish colours, gave
from the towering flag-staff, those of the States-General, to the breeze. On
the 16th, the fleet anchored in front of Fort Casimer, then commanded by
Sven Scutz, or Schute, who, in reply to the summons, asked leave to con-
sult his superior, Risingh; which being denied him, he yielded, upon most ho-
nourable terms ; marching forth in military pomp, and retaining, not only the
arms of his troops, but the battery of the fort. The stronger fortress of
Christina was held by Risingh, in person ; but even he, unable to resist the
invincil)le Stuyvesant, submitted on the 25th of September; and the fall of
New Gottenburg, with its fort, Printzhojf, and church, soon followed.
Thus perished, never to be revived, the provincial power of New Sweden. :j:
Stuyvesant issued a proclamation favourable to such of the Swedes as
chose to remain under his government. About twenty swore fealty to the
" States-General, the Lords, Directors of the West India Company, their
subalterns of the province of New Netherlands, and the Director- General,
then, and thereafter to be, established." Risingh and one Elfyth, a noted
trader, were ordered to Gottenburg.^ Among those who remained, was the
wife of Papegoya, to whom Tcnnekong had descended ; and who, subse-
* MSS. Lib. of Am. Phil. Soc. t Campanius, Acrelius.
} Acrelius; Smith's N. Y.; Smith's N. J.; Dutch Records. § Smith's N. Y.
16 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
qucntly, sold it to Captain Carr, the English governor, from whom the pur-
chase money, 300 guilders was recovered, by execution from the council at
New York.* In March, 1656, the S\^•edish resident at the Hague, remon-
strated against the conduct of the West India Company; but the United Pro-
vinces never gave redress. These wars of the Dutch and Swedes have been
more minutely and worthily chronicled by the facetious and veracious
Knickerbocker. We will add, only, that they appear to have been wholly
unstained by blood, and admirably adapted to a country where restraint on
population was not needed.
During the government of the Swedes, several vessels, other than we
have mentioned, arrived from Sweden with adventurers, who devoted them-
selves to agriculture. The last ship, thus freighted, through the unskilful-
ness of her officers, entered the Raritan, instead of the Delaware, river, and
was seized by Stuyvesant, then preparing for his campaign against Risingh.
Many improvements were made by this industrious and temperate people,
from Cape Henlopen to the falls of Alumningh, or Sanhikans. Beside the
places we have already named, they founded Upland the present Chester, at
Mocoponaca; Korsliolm at Passaiiing; Fort Manaiiing at the mouth of the
river, called by the Indians Manaiinio;, Manaijimk, Manajaske, Nitaba-
cong, or Matinacong; by the Dutch, Schvylkill, and by the Swedes, Skiar-
hilleii and Landskillcn; marked the sites of Nya Wasa and Gripsholm,
somewhere near the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers,
Strmcsivijk and Nieu Causeland or Clauseland; (the present Newcastle)
and established forts, also, at Kinsessing, Wicacoa, (Southwark) Findlant,
Meulandael, and Lapananel. On the eastern shore of the Delaware, they
had settlements at Swedesborough, at the site of the present city of Burling-
ton, and other places. Most of these stations are marked on the maps of
Campanius and Lindstrom, and were, probably, little else than dwellings of
farmers, with such slight defences, as might protect them from a sudden in-
cursion of the natives. Gold and silver mines are said to have been disco-
vered by the Swedes ; and the latter are mentioned by Master Evelyn, in his
description of the country, reported by Plantagenet, in his memoir on New
Albion. The ores were probably pyrites, which have so often proven de-
ceptive.f
* New York Records.
f We are assured by Lindstrom, that a silver mine existed on the eastern shore of
the Delaware, in tlie vicinity of the falls; and that ^old was found in considerable
quantities higher up the river, on the Jersey side. •' The shore before the mountain
is covered with pyrites. When the roundest are broken, kernels are found as large as
small peas, containing virgin silver. I have broken more than a hundred. A savage
Unapois beholdinor a gold ring of the wife of governor Printz, demanded, why she
carried such a trifle. The governor replied, ' if you will procure me such trifles, I
will reward yon with other thinsfs suitable for you.' ' I know,' said the Indian, a
mountain filled with such metal.' ' Behold,' rejoined the governor, ' wheat 1 will
give you for a specimen ;' presenting to him at the same time, a fatiiom of red and a
fathom of blue frize, some white lead, looking-glasses, bodkins, and needles, declaring
that he would cause him to be accompanied l)y two of his soldiers. 13ut the Indian,
refusing this escort, said, tliat he would first go for a specimen, and, if it gave satis-
faction, he might be sent back with some of the governor's people. He promised to
give a specimen, kept the presents and went away ; and, after some days, returned
witli a lump of ore as large as his doubled fist, of which the governor made proof,
found it of good quality, and extracted from it a considerable (juantity of gold, which
he manufactured into rings and bracelets. He promised the Indian further presents
if he would discover the situation of this mountain. The Indian consented, but de-
manded a delay of a few days, when he could si)are more time. Content with this,
Printz gave him more presents. The savage, having returned to liis nation, boasted
of liis gifts, and declared the reason of their presentation. But he was assassinated by
the sacliem and his companions, lest he should betray the situation of this gold mine ;
they fearing its ruin if it were discovered by us. It is still unknown." — Extract
from lAndstroms MS. Journal. Am. Phil. Soc.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 17
XX. The Dutch governed the newly recovered country on the Delaware,
by lieutenants, subject to the Director-General at New Amsterdam. Jo-
hannes Paul Jaquet was the first Vice-Director. His successors were Peter
Alricks, Hinojossa, and William Beekman. These officers were empowered
to grant lands ; and their patents make part of the titles of the present pos
sessors. Alrick's commission, of 12th of April, 1657, indicates the extent
of the Dutch claim, on the west of the Delaware. It constitutes him " Di-
rector-General, of the Colony of South river, of New Netherlands, and the
fortress of Casimer, now called Niewer Amstel, with all the lands dependent
thereon, according to the first purchase, and deed of release, from the na-
tives, dated, July the 19th, 1651 ; beginning at the west side of the Minquas,
or Christina Kill, in the Indian language named, Suspccoitgh, to the mouth
of the bay or river called Boompt Hook, in the Indian language, Cannaress,
and so far inland, as the bounds and limits of the Minquas land, with all the
streams, appurtenances and dependencies." Of the country north of the
Kill, or south of Boompt Hook, no notice is taken. In 1658, Beekman
was directed to purchase Cape Henlopen, which, for want of goods, was not
done, until the succeeding year.* From the order and purchase of 1658, it
would seem, that no regard was had, either by the Indians or Dutch, to the
contracts made for Goodyn, in 1629, or by the Swedish governors.
Upon the eastern side of the present State of Nevy Jersey, the Dutch had,
at this period, acquired several tracts of country. Beside the purchase of
Staten Island, for the Heer Pauw,"]" Augustine Herman purchased an exten-
sive plot, stretching from Newark Bay, west of the present site of Elizabeth-
town;:}: and the Lord Director-General and Council, a large tract, called
Bergen. § And we may, justly, suppose, that, the road between the colonies,
on the Hudson and Delaware, was not wholly uninhabited.
XXI. x\lthough, for fifty years, these extensive possessions of the Dutch,
were not disputed by the English government, still the claim of the English
nation, founded on the discoveries by Cabot, Hudson, and other navigators,
was neither abandoned nor unimproved. The Puritans were making con-
tinued pretensions and encroachments upon the east, and emigrants from
New Haven settled on the left shores of the Delaware, so early as 1640 —
some of whose descendants may, probably, yet be found, in Salem, Cumber-
land, and Cape May, counties. The adventurers of Maryland had penetrated
to the Schuylkill, and the agents or grantees of Sir Edward Ploeyden, had
attempted to people his palatinate. Of these efforts it is proper that we should
speak more particularly.
In 1642, as we have seen, the Dutch expelled the English, from the
Schuylkill, as intruders, on rights too notorious to be disputed. But in 1654,
Colonel Nathaniel Utie, commissioner of Fendal, governor of Maryland, de-
manded possession of the shores of the Delaware, by virtue of the patent
from the English crown, to Lord Baltimore; visited New Castle to protest
against the occupation of the Dutch, to threaten the assertion of Baltimore's
right by force, and to offer his protection to the inhabitants, upon terms
similar to those given to other emigrants. Beekman proposed to refer the
controversy to the republics of England and Holland ; and Stuyvesant, by
commissioners, at Annapolis, repeated the proposition ; asserting, however,
the title of the India Company, by prior occupancy, and assent of the English
nation; and protesting against the conduct of Fendal, as in breach of the
* Smith's New York.
f Deed, dated, 10th August, 1630. Elizabethtown Bill in Chancery.
t Deed, 6th December, 1651.
§ Deed, 30th January, 1658.
C
18 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
treaties between the two nations. In the following year, Lord Baltinnore
applied, through his agent, captain Neale, to the Dutch Company, for orders
to the colonists on the Delaware, to submit to his authority. A peremptory
refusal was instantly given ; and a petty war in the colonies was prevented,
by the weakness of Maryland, and the hopes of redress from measures then
contemplated by the English government against all the Dutch possessions
in America.*
We learn, from a pamphlet, published in 1648, that a grant had been
made by James the First, to Sir Edward Ploeyden, of the greater part of the
country between Maryland and New England, which was erected into a
province and county palatine, with very comprehensive, if not precise
boundaries.f
The rights derived from this patent were unexercised during the reigns of
James, and the first Charles — but were acted on, during the revolution.
Before 1648, a company was formed, under Sir Edward Ploeyden, for
planting this province, in aid of which, our author wrote his description of
New Albion. This little work compares New Albion with other countries
of the new world, giving all preference to the former, and contains a learned
exposition and defence of the rights of an earl palatine, who, among other
royalties, having power to create barons, baronets, and knights, of his
palatinate, had bestowed a baronage upon our aiithor, and others, as well as
upon each of his own children. Thus, there were, the son and heir ap-
parent, and Governor, Francis, Lord Ploeyden, Baron of Mount Royal, an
extensive manor, on Elk river; and Thomas, Lord Ploeyden, High Admiral,
Baron of Roymount, a manor on the Delaware bay, in the vicinity of Lewis-
town; and the Lady Winifrid, Baroness of Uvedale, in Webb's Neck, de-
riving its name from its abundance of grapes, producing the Thoulouse,
Muscat, and others.
From circumstances, it is probable, that this New Albion Company sent
out agents, who visited diflerent parts of the province, some of whom esta-
blished themselves there ; that the Palatine and some friends, of whom was
Plantagenet, sought temporary cover from the storms of civil war in England,
amid the American wilds; — that a fort named Erewomec was erected at the
mouth of Pensaukin Creek, on the Jersey shore; and that, there was a con-
siderable settlement at Wafcessi or Oijtscssing, the present site of Salem,
which was probably broken up, or reduced, by the united force of the Dutch
and Swedes. No known vestige of these settlements remains ; and all our
knowledge in relation to their fate is conjectural. :j:
XXII. In 1640, as stated I)y Trumbull, some persons at New Haven, by
Captain Nathaniel Turner, their agent, purchased for thirty poi/nds sterling, a
large tract of land, for plantations, on both sides of the Delaware river; erected
trading houses, and sent out near fitly families to settle thcm.§ It is proba-
ble, that this number is over-rated. But wc gather from the complaints of
* New York Recordg. Now York Hist. Col. vol. iii. p. HCS. Smith's Now York.
t This pamphlet is iiridressod hy Benu(;h;mip Plan1;in-cnet, " To the Risrht Honour-
able and mighty Lord Edmund, hy Divine Providctifc, Lord Proprietor, Earl Palatine,
Governor, and (/aptain-C.oneral of the province of New Alhion; and to the Ri^ht
Honourable, the Lord Viscount Monson, of Casllemain; the Lord Sherard, Baron of
Leitrim, and to all other, the Viscounts. Barf)ns, Baronets. Knights, and jrentlenien,
merchants, adventurers, and planters, of the hopeful company of New Albion, in all
forty-four undertakers, and stihscribers. hound by indenture, to bring and settle 3000
able, trained men, in our several plantations, to the said i)roviiice."
} New Albion. Smiths N.J. Boscryvinge van Virginie, New.Netherlandts. Penn.
Register, 1828, vol. iv. See, for a further account of New Albion, Appendix, note
B, and Philadelphia Library, No. 1019, Oct.
§ TrumbuH's Conn.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 19
the Connecticut traders, that, tliey visited the Delaware for the purpose of
barter, and were driven thence by the Swedes and Dutch, under Kieft, in
1642; that, their trading house was destroyed, their goods confiscated, and
their persons imprisoned. The commissioners of the United Colonies of New
England, upon an investigation of the facts^ directed governor Winthrop to
remonstrate with the Swedish governor, and to claim indemnity for the losses
sustained, amounting to one thousand pounds. Winthrop addressed letters
to Kieft and Printz, but received no satisfactory answer.
At an extraordinary meeting of the commissioners, in 1649, the court of
New Haven, proposed the speedy planting of Delaware Bay. But this, as a
general measure, was deemed inexpedient, and the New Haven merchants
were left to improve or sell their lands as they should see cause. The treat-
ment of these merchants, by the Dutch, formed part of the grievances sub-
mitted to the delegates appointed by Stuyvesant, and the United Colonies, in
1650,- when the latter claimed a right to the Dela^A'are under their patents, as
well as by purchase from the Indians. These delegates, from want of suffi-
cient light to determine the question, concluded to leave both parties at liber-
ty to improve their interests upon that river.
Encouraged by this declaration, the inhabitants of New Haven and its
vicinity, in the following year, fitted out a vessel with fifty adventurers, who
proposed to establish themselves on the disputed lands. They put into
New York ; and the object of their voyage being made known, Stuyvesant,
who was wanting, neither in ability, nor resolution, immediately seized the
vessel, her papers, and crew, and extorted a promise from the last, to return
to their homes ; which they more readily gave as the Dutch governor threat-
ened, that he would send to Holland, any of them whom he should find on
the Delaware, and would resist their encroachments, in that quarter, even
unto blood.
But, the colony of New Haven, with its characteristic pertinacity, was not
disposed thus to abandon her pretensions. She brought the subject again
before the commissioners of the United Colonies, in 1654, who addressed a
missive to Stuyvesant, in which, the rights alleged by the Dutch, are very
summarily disposed of, as " their own mistake, or at least, the error of them
that informed them ;" whilst, the claims of the people of New Heaven, appeared
" so clear, that they could not but assert their just title to their lands, and de-
sire tliat they might peaceably enjoy the same." No efi^ect was produced by
this letter, and the colony of New Haven would have resorted to hostilities,
could she have been assured of the protection of her sisters. But, they were
deaf to her appeals, and the Plymouth colony shortly replied, "that they did
not think it meet, to answer their desire in that behalf, and that they would have
no hand in any such controversy." Thus deprived of all hope of effectual as-
sistance, from their neighbours, the traders of New Haven were compelled to
remain at peace. The country was soon after granted to the Duke of York,
and their claims were too feebly sustained by justice, to brave the Duke's power.
But this, with other causes of dispute, had implanted in the colonists of
New England, such animosity against their Dutch neighbours, that, in 1653,
they formed the design to drive them from the continent, and applied to
Oliver Cromwell for assistance. He, being then engaged in the two years'
war with Holland, which the Parliament had commenced, promptly acceded
to their request, by despatching a squadron to aid the colonial troops. The
design M'as, however, arrested, by intelligence of the peace that had been
concluded between the Protector and the States-General.* And it is remark-
* Oldmixon i. 119. Chalmers 574. Trumbull i. 168. Hazard's Col. vol. ii. Gra-
hames' Col. Hist, of North America.
30 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
able, that the treaty has no direct reference to the possessions of either party
in North America ; but, stipulating for the restoration of peace, between the
dominions of the two countries in every part of the world, and the English
expedition being countermanded thereon, the validity of the Dutch claim to
the country, it is supposed, was manifestly implied and practically acknow-
ledged.* Yet, the New England men, succeeded in impressing different
views upon Richard Cromwell ; who, during his short protectorate, ad-
dressed instructions to his commanders, for the invasion of New Nether-
lands, and directed the concurrence of the forces of the English colonial
governments, in the enterprise ; but the subversion of his ephemeral power,
prevented the execution of his orders.f
Charles II., however, fj-om enmity to the States-General, certainly not
from love of his transatlantic subjects, entered into their designs. His senti-
ments were enforced by the interest of the Duke of York, who had placed
himself at the head of a new African company, with the view of extending
and appropriating the slave trade, and which found its commerce impeded
by the more successful traffic of the Dutch. Like the other courtiers, the
Duke had cast his eyes, on the American territorities, which his brother
was about to distribute with a liberal hand; and to other reasons, which he
employed to promote a rupture with the Dutch, he solicited a grant of their
North American possessions, on the prevailing plea, that they had been ori-
ginally usurped from the territory, properly belonging to Britain. :j: The in-
fluence of these motives on the mind of the King, may have been aided by
the desire to strike a blow that would enforce the arbitrary commission, he
was preparing to send to New England, and to teach the Puritan colonists
there, that he had power to subdue his enemies in America.
XXIII. Charles having failed in repeated attempts to provoke the resent-
ment of the States-Cieneral, resolved to embrace the suggestion of his right
to the province of New Netherlands. In pursuance of this purpose, a royd
charter, dated 20th March, 1664, was executed in favour of the Duke of
York, containing a grant of the whole region, extending from the western
bank of the Connecticut river, to the eastern shore of the Delaware, together
with the adjacency of Long Island, and conferring on his royal highness, all
the powers of government, civil and military, within these ample boundaries.
This grant disregarded alike, the possession of the Dutch and the recent
charter of Connecticut, which, from ignorance or carelessness in the defini-
tion of boundaries, it wholly, but tacitly superseded.
As soon as the Duke had obtained this grant, and before investiture, he
proceeded to exercise his ])n)p]-ietary powers in their fullest extent, by con-
veying to Lord Berkeley and Sir (4eorge Carteret, all that portion of the ter-
ritory, which forms the present state of New Jersey. A military force,
however, had been prepared to compel possession; and with some secrecy
too, although this was scarce necessary, since the Dutch, so far from appre-
hending an attack, had, but a few months before, sent to their colony, a
vessel laden with planters and the implements of husbandry.
XXIV. The command of the English troops in the expedition, and the
government of the province against which it was directed, were given to
Colonel Nicholls, who had studied the art of war under Marshal Turenne,
and who, with George Cartwright, Sir Robert Carr, and Samuel Maverick,
also, had a commission to visit the colonies of New England, and investigate
" Oldmixon i. 119. Chalmers 574. Trumbull i. 1G8. Hazard's Col. vol. ii. Gra-
hame's Col. History of Nnrlh America.
t lb. ib. Thurloc's Collcc. i. 721.
i Sir J. Dalrymple's Mem. ii. 4. Hume's England. Chalmers. Grahame, vol.
ii. 214.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 21
and determine, according to their discretion, all disputes and controver-
sies within the various colonial jurisdictions. After touching at Boston,
where an armed force was ordered to be raised and sent, to join the expedi-
tion, the fleet proceeded to the Hudson river, and anchored before the capital
of New Netherlands. The requisition from Boston was so tardily obeyed,
that the enterprise was over, before the Massachusetts troops were ready to
march ; but governor Winthrop of Connecticut, with several of the principal
inhabitants of that province, immediately joined the King's standard.*
The armament, consisting of three ships, with one hundred and thirty
guns and six hundred men, was too formidable to be resisted by a petty
town, hastily and poorly fortified, and manned by peaceful burghers, or
mere plodding planters. Yet the spirited governor was exceeding loth to
surrender without, at least, having attempted its defence; although the favour-
able terms offered to the inhabitants disposed them to immediate capitulation.
After a few days of fruitless negotiation, during which, Stuyvesant pleaded,
in vain, the justice of the title of the States-General, and the peace existing
between them and the English nation, the province was surrendered upon
the most honourable terms to the vanquished, who preserved their arms, am-
munition, and public stores, with leave to transport them, within twelve
months, to Holland : the inhabitants were free to sell their estates and return
to Europe, or retain them and reside in the province ; such as remained,
were to enjoy their ancient laws relative to the descent of property, liberty
of conscience in divine worship, and church order, and perpetual exemption
from military service ; and what was yet more extraordinary, all Dutchmen
continuing in the province, or afterwards resorting to it, were allowed free trade
with Holland ;■!• but this privilege being repugnant to the navigation act, was
soon afterwards revoked. Notwithstanding these very advantageous condi-
tions, the mortified commandant could not be brought to ratify them, for two
days, after they had been signed by the commissioners.:]: Immediately after-
wards. Fort Orange also surrendered. In honour of the i)uke, the city of New
Amsterdam received the name of New York, afterwards extended to the
province, and Fort Orange, that of Albany. The greater part of the inhabi-
tants submitted, cheerfully, to the new government; and governor Stuyvesant
retained his property and closed his life, in his beloved city.
XXV. Sir Robert Carr, with two frigates, and the troops not required at
New York, was sent to compel the submission of the colony on the Delaware;
which he efle;ctcd with the expenditure of two barrels of powder and twenty
shot. By articles of agreement, signed Garret Saunders, Vautiell, Hans
Block, Lucas Peterson, and Henry Cousturier, it was stipidated, " that the
burgesses and planters submitting themselves to his Majesty, should be pro-
tected in person and estate; that, the present magistrates should continue in
office; that permission should be given to depart the country, within six
months, to any one ; that all should enjoy liberty of conscience in church
discipline, as formerly; and that any person taking the oath of allegiance,
should become a free denizen, and enjoy the privilege of trade in his Ma-
jesty's dominions, as freely as any Englishman. "§ From this separate con-
vention, it would seem, that the capitulation of New York was not deemed
conclusive upon the Delaware settlements; whose affairs were henceforth
conducted, until 1768, by their ancient magistrates, under the supervision of
Captain John Carr, aided by a council consisting of Hans Block, Israel
Holme, Peter Rambo, Peter Cock, and Peter Aldrick, from whom an appeal
lay to the governor and council of New York.||
* Trumbull i. 266. t Smith's N. J. Graliame's Col. Hist.
i August 27, 1664. § 1st October. || New York Records.
22 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
XXVI. Thus, by an act of flagrant injustice and tyranical usurpation,
was overthrown the Dutch dominion in Nortli America, after it had subsist-
ed lor more than half a century. The actual condition of their possessions
was depreciated by Col. Nichols, in his letters to the Duke, from the humane
view, it is supposed, of deterring his master from burdening or irritating the
people, by fiscal impositions. Early travellers and writers unite in describ-
ing the Dutch colonial metropolis, so admirably chosen, as a handsome well
built town; and Josselyn declares that the meanest house in it, was worth
£100.* Indeed, the various provisions introduced into the articles of sur-
render, to preserve the comforts of the inhabitants, attest the orderly condition
and plentilul estate thej^ had acquired, and explain the causes of their unwar-
like spirit. If their manners corresponded with those of their countrymen in
the parent state, they were probably superior to those of their conquerors.
Of the colonists, who had latterly resorted to the province, some had enjoyed
affluence and respectal)ility in Holland, and had imported with them, and dis-
played in their houses, costly services of family plate, and well selected pro-
ductions of the Dutch school of painting.f No account has been preserved
of the total population of the province and its dependencies; but the metro-
polis, at this time, is said to have contained about 3000 persons, of whom,
one half returned to Holland. Their habitations, however, were soon occu-
pied by emigrants, partly from Britain, but chiefly from New England.
Upon the North river, throughout the present county of Bergen, Dutch set-
tlers were numerous, and both shores of the Delaware were studded with
plantations of Dutch and Swedes. Three Dutch families were settled at
Lazy Point, opposite Mattinicunk Island, the site of Burlington, and four
years later, one Peter Jegow, in 1668, (such was the intercourse between the
two rivers) received license for, and kept a house of entertainment, for
accommodation of passengers, travellers, and strangers, on this point of the
Delaware.:}:
The capture of New York and its dependencies, led to an European war,
between Great Britain and FloUand, ending in the treaty of Breda, of July,
1667. Happily, for the prosperity of the colony, which Nicholls, with the
aid of the other English provinces, would have dclended to the last extremity,
neither the States-General, nor the Dutch West India Company, made any
attempt to possess themselves of New York during this war; and at the
peace, it was ceded to England, in exchange for her colony of Surinam,
which had been conquered by the Dutch. This exchange was no otherwise
expressed, than by a general stipulation in the treaty, that each nation should
retain what it had acquired by arms, since the commencement of hostilities.
The Dutch had no reason to regret this result, since they could not long have
preserved New York against the increasing strength and rivalry of the inha-
bitants of New P^ngland, Maryland, and Virginia.^
Colonel Nicholls governed the province, for nearly three years, with great
justice and good sense. He settled the boundaries with (Jonnecticut ; which,
yielding all claim to Long Island, obtained great advantages on the main,
pushing its line to Mamoroneck river, about thirty miles from New York —
prescribed the mode of purchasing lands from the Indians, making the con-
sent of the governor, and public registry, requisite to the validity of all con-
tracts with them for the soil — and incorporated the city of New York, under
a mayor, five aldermen, and a sheriff; and although he reserved to himself
all judicial authority, his administration was so wise and impartial, that it
enforced universal praise.
* Josselyn's Second Voyage, p. 154. Oldmixon i. 11!'.
t Grant's Memoirs of an American Lady, &c. vol. 1. ]>. 11. Gruhame's Col. Hist,
vol. ii. 225. t Ellzabethtown Bill in Chancery. New Jersey Records.
§ Grahame's Col. Hist. vol. ii 231.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 23
CHAPTER II.
Comprising Events from the Grant to the Duke of York, to the Division of the
Colony, into East and West Jersey. I. Nature of the Estate acquired by the
Duke of York, by the Grant from Charles I. — II. Motives and Nature of the
Grant from the Duke of York, to Berkeley and Carteret. — III. Bounds of
the Country ceded. — IV. Proceedings of the Proprietaries, to settle tiieir Pro-
vince of New Jersey, &c. — their " Concessions." — V. Remarks on the Constitu-
tion.— VI. Assumption of Government by Colonel Nicholls — Indian Grants. —
VII. Philip Carteret appointed Governor — His Efforts for Colonization — Ad-
vantages enjoyed by the New Colonists. — VIII. Unhappy Effects of the De-
mand of Proprietary Quit Rents. — IX. Recapture of New Netherlands by Holland
— and Restoration to the English. — X. Re-grant of the Province to the Duke —
Re-grant to Berkeley and Carteret. — XI. Return of Philip Carteret to the
Government — Modification of the Constitution. — XII. Oppressive Conduct of
Andross, Governor of New York. — XIII. Division of the Province into East and
West Jersey.
I. We have seen, in tlie preceding Chapter, that James, Duke of York,
even before he had obtained seizin of his newly granted tief, had conveyed
a considerable portion of it to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. The
charter to the duke, though less ample in its endowments than those previ-
ously granted to the proprietaries of Maryland and Carolina, resembled them
by conferring the powers of government on the grantee and his assigns.
And thus, even with the light which had been stricken forth by the extraor-
dinary political concussions of the passing century, the allegiance and obe-
dience of freemen, were made transferable as if they were serfs attached to the
soil. Nor was this proprietary right merely potential. — Instances in the his-
tory of the Carolinas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, demon.strate, that the pro-
prietaries regarded their functions less as a trust, than as an absolute property ;
subject to every act of ownership, and in particular, to mortgage and aliena-
tion. Ii was not until after the British revolution of 1688, that the legality
of this power was disputed; when the ministers of William III. maintained
its repugnance to the laws of England, which recognised (an absurdity not
less) a hereditary, but not a commercial transmission of office and power.
The point was never determined by any formal adjudication ; but, the evil
in process of time, produced its own remedy. The succession and multipli-
cation of proprietaries became so inconvenient to themselves, that, they
found relief, in surrendering their functions to the crown. In Carolina and
New Jersey the exercise of the right of assignation, materially, contributed
to shorten the duration of the proprietary government.*
II. Berkeley and Carteret were already proprietaries of Carolina. Not
satisfied with this ample investiture, nor yet certified by experience, of the
tardy returns from colonial possessions, they had been induced, by the re-
presentations of a projector acquainted with the domain assigned to tlie Duke
of York, to believe, that a particular portion of it would form a valuable
acquisition to themselves. This person, we are assured by Colonel Nicholls,
had been an unsuccessful applicant for the patent which the Duke had ob-
tained, and revenged his disappointment by instigating these courtiers to
* Grahames Col. Hist. vol. i. 315.
24 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
strip him of a most desirable portion of his territory.* But the claims which
the grantees of the duke had upon the royal family, together with the political
motives of colonization, may have been sufficient reasons for the grant of a
newly acquired, and almost unexplored wilderness in America ; and we in-
cline to the opinion, which we think is confirmed by the promptitude with
which it was made, after the title of the Duke had accrued, that, the transfer
to Berkeley and Carteret was an understood consideration of the grant to the
Duke. Both were favoured courtiers; — Berkeley was of the Privy Council,
and Carteret, Treasurer of the Navy, and Vice Chamberlain of the royal
household. f
III. The cession from the Duke was made by deeds of lease and release,
dated, respectively, 23d and 24th June, 1664, and conveyed to the grantees,
their heirs and assigns, in consideration of a competent sum, " That tract of
" land adjacent to New England, lying westward of Long Island, and Man-
" hattan Island ; and bounded on the east, part by the main sea, and part by
"Hudson's river; and hath upon the west, Delaware Bay, or river; and
" extendeth southward to the main ocean, as far as Cape May, at the mouth of
" Delaware Bay; and to the northward as far as the northernmost branch of
"the said bay, or river Delaware, which is in 41° 40' of latitude; and
" crosses over, thence, in a straight line, to Hudson's river, in 41 degrees of
" latitude ; which said tract of land is hereafter to be called Nova Ccesaria,
" or New Jersey." The name was given in compliment to Carteret, who
had defended the island of Jersey against the long Parliament, in the civil
war. But the powers of government, which had been expressly granted
to the Duke, were not in terms conveyed, though it would seem, that both
parties deemed them to have passed by the grant.
IV. The first care of the proprietaries was to invite inhabitants to their
province; and their exertions for this purpose, though pursued with more
eagerness than perseverance, were marked by political sagacity, and held
forth those assurances of civil and religious rights which had proven so at-
tractive in New England. They prepared a constitution which they pub-
lished under the title of " The concessions and agreement of the Lords Pro-
prietors of New Jersey, to and with all and every of the adventurers, and all
such as shall settle and plant there.":]: We deem it our duty to give much
in detail, the provisions of this instrument; since from it, have sprung, many
of the existing institutions of the state.
It provided; 1. That the governor of the province should have power,
when occasion required, to appoint a substitute, and to nominate a council, in
number, not less than six, nor moi-e than twelve, by whose advice he should
govern : — 2. Tliat the ]iro[)rietaries or governor should nominate a secretary
or register, to record all public afFaii's, and all grants or leases for more than
one year, of land, from the |m)prietor, or from man to man; the execution
of which, should be acknowledged before the governor or a judge; and
giving to such recorded grants, preference to other conveyances: — 3. That
* The name of this individual was Scot. Whether it was he, or another with the
same name, who afterwards published an account of East New Jersey, we are uncer-
tain. Colonel Nichols acquits Berkeley and Carteret of a design to defraud the Duke.
But Carteret did not always enjoy an unspotted reputation, in 1H(3!) he was expelled
the House of Commons for rojifused accounts as chamberlain. — Grahamc s Col. Hist.
Smith's jYriP Jersey.
t Clarendon.
i The date of this instrument, as given in Scot's model of the province of East
New Jersey, in Smith's History of New Jersey, and in Learning and Spicer's Collec-
tion of State Papers, is lOth February, lGti4. This date precedes not only that of the
grant to Berkeley and Carteret, but, also, that of the grant to the Duke of York. The
date is, therefore, erroneous, unless we suppose the instrument was prepared before
the charter from the king
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 25
a surveyor-general, appointed in the same manner as the secretary, should
survey the lands granted by the proprietary, and those of individuals when
requested ; certifying the same for record, to the register : — 4. That all
officers should swear (and record their oaths) to bear allegiance to the King,
to be faithful to the proprietaries, and duly to discharge their respective
trusts," persons subscribing a declaration to like effect without oath, being
subject to the same punishment, as if they had sworn and broken their
oaths : — 5. That all subjects of the King of England, swearing allegiance to
the King and faithfulness to the Lords, might become freemen of the pro-
vince:— 6. That no person so qualified, should, at any time, be in any way
molested, punished, disquieted, or called in question for any difference in
opinion or practice, in matters of religious concernment, who do not actually
disturb the civil peace of the said province ; but that all persons may freely
and fully have and enjoy his and their judgments and consciences in matters
of religion, they behaving themselves peaceably and quietly, and not using
this liberty to licentiousness, nor to the civil injury or outward disturbance
of others ; any law, statute, or clause contained, or to be contained, usage
or custom of the realm of England, to the contrary thereof, in anywise not-
withstanding:— 7. As a restraint upon the right of advowson, claimed by
the proprietaries, under their grant, that the Assembly should have power to
constitute and appoint such and so many ministers or preachers as they
shall think fit, and to establish their maintenance, giving liberty beside, to
any person or persons to keep and maintain what preachers or ministers
they please.
The concessions further provided — 8. That, the inhabitants being free-
men, or chief agents to others, should immediately choose twelve repre-
sentatives, to unite with the governor and council in making laws ; but, so
soon as the proper territorial divisions should be made, that the inhabitants or
freeholders thereof, respectively, should, annually, elect representatives who,
with the governor and council, should form the General Assembly of the
provmce; the governor or his deputy being present, unless he refused, when
the Assembly might appoint a president. The Assembly was to have povver
to meet and adjourn at pleasure, and to fix their quorum at not less than one-
third of their number : to enact all necessary laws, as near as may be, con-
veniently agreeable to the laws and customs of England, and not against
the interest of the Lords Proprietors, nor against these concessions, and
particularly, not repugnant to the article for liberty of conscience ; such
laws to be in force for one year, unless contradicted by the Lords Proprie-
tors ; within which time to be presented to them for raiification, and being
confirmed, to remain in force until expired by their own limitation, or be
repealed: to constitute courts, and all that shall pertain to them: to levy
taxes on goods or lands, except such of the latter as were unsettled, belong-
ing to the Lords Proprietors : to erect manors, with their courts and jiu-is-
dictions, and to divide the province into such districts as they migJit think
proper: to create ports, and harbours; build castles, incorporate cities,
towns, and boroughs; create a military force; naturalize foreigners; and
prescribe the quantity of land to be allotted, from time to time, to every head,
free or servant, within the proportions granted by the " concessions :" to
provide for the maintenance and support of the governor, the necessary
charges of government, and the collection of the Lords' rents ; and lastly,
to enact all such other laws, as may be necessary for the prosperity and
settlement of the province, conforming to the limitations expressed in the
" concessions."
The governor and council were empowered — 9. To see that all courts
and officers performed their duties, and to punish infraction of the laws :
D
26 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
to nominate and commission tlic judges and other officers, according to the
constitution of the General Assembly, appointing none but freeholders, ex-
cept by assent of Assembly, and their commissions to revoke at pleasure :
to have charge of ail places of defence, and direction and officering of the
military force, appointing none but freeholders without assent of the Assem-
bly: to reprieve criminals until the pleasure of the Lords, who reserved the
power to pardon, was known : to issue writs for supplying vacancies in the
Assembly ; and to grant warrants for land. They were required, not to im-
pose, nor suffer to be imposed, any tax upon the province or inhabitants,
other than that imposed by the General Assembly : to take care, that lands
quietly held, seven years after survey by the surveyor-general, should not
be subject to review by the proprietaries, or their agents.
And that the planting of the province might be the more speedily promoted,
it was further provided — 10. That, there should be granted to all persons
who had already adventured, or should transport themselves or servants,
before the 1st Jan. 1665, lands in the following proportions, viz. to every
freeman, going with the first governor, armed with musket, ten pounds of
powder and twenty pounds of bullets, with bandeliers and matches conve-
nient, and with six months' provision, for his own person, arrivmg there,
one hundred and fifty acres ; and like quantity, for every able bodied ser-
vant, so armed, whether taken by the master, or sent thither, by him ; and
for every weaker servant, or slave, male or female, exceeding fourteen years,
which any one should send or carry, arriving there, seventy-five acres ;
and to every Christian servant, exceeding such age, seventy-five acres,
for his own use: to the master or mistress going before 1st Januaiy, 1665,
one hundred and twenty acres, and like quantity for an able bodied male
servant, taken with, or by, them; and for other servants or slaves, as
above, sixty acres, with sixty acres for the servant's own use, when able, and
forty-five acres when of the weaker class. Where the party emigrating
arrived, from January 1666 to January 1667, armed and provided as afore-
said, he became entitled, for self and able servant, to sixty acres of land for
each, and such servant to like quantity, and weaker servants or slaves, thirty
acres each. All lands were to be taken up by warrant, from the governor,
and confirmed, after siu'vey, by the governor and council, under a seal to be
provided for that purpose. All lands were to be divided by general lot, none
less than two thousand one hundred, nor more than twenty-one thousand,
acres, except cities, towns, &c., and the near lots of townships; and of such
lots, towns, &c., one seventh, was reserved, by lot, for the proprietaries.
Convenient portions of land were to be given, for highways and streets, not
exceeding one hundred feet in breadth, in cities, towns and villages; for
churches, forts, wharves, keys and harbours, and for |)ublic houses; and to
each parish for the use of their minister, two hundred acres, in such place
as the General Assembly might appoint. A penny, or half penny, per acre,
according to the quality of the land, was reserved to the proprietaries, an-
nually, as quit rent.
V. Such was the first constitution of New Jersey, almost as democratic as
the one she enjoys; and certainly a greater safeguard of her liberti(>s, since
this was, truly, a constitution, an unalterable paramount law, prescribing and
regulating tlx; duties and powers, of the agents of the government, whether
legislative, executive, or judicial; whilst all the provisions of the instiiunent
of 1776, save three, an; placed at the will of the legislature. What more
was necessary, save the perpetuity of the laws, to assure to the people, all
the blessings of political imion? No laws were in force, save for one year,
without the assent of the Lords Proprietors. But, laws which did not in-
fringe their interests, would, commonly, i-eceivc their assent; and when it
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 27
was refused, at the worst, the Assembly was compelled to re-enact such
laws, annually. It was, indeed, a singular competition, which these pro-
prietary governments produced, in which despotic sovereigns, and specula-
tive legislators, were compelled, by interest, to vie with each other, in the
production of models of liberty, and in offering to their subjects, the most
effectual securities against arbitrary government. The competition was,
the noble, though compulsory sacrifice to the great and divine principle,
that man, in the aggregate, is competent to promote his own happiness.
VI. Upon the conquest of New Netherlands, Col. Nicholls assumed the
administration of the whole territory, as governor for the Duke ol" York.
While yet unacquainted with the grant to Berkeley and Carteret, he formed
the design of colonizing the district which they had acquired ; and for this
purpose, granted licenses to various persons, to make purchases of lands
from the aboriginal inhabitants; a measure, however wise in its conception,
fraught, ultimately, with perplexing consequences to the Duke's grantees,
by the creation of a pretence for an adverse title. Three small tow nships
were speedily formed, in the eastern part of the territory, by emigrants,
chiefly, from Long Island, who laid the foundation of Elizabethtown, Wood-
bridge, and Piscataway; and Nicholls, who entertained a very favourable
opinion of this region, bestowed on it the name of Albania, in commemora-
tion of one of the titles of his master.* It is uncertain, whether Middletown
and Shrewsbury had not been previously settled by Dutch and English.
About this time, however, many respectable farmers, comprising almost all
the inhabitants from the west end of Long Island, removed to the neighbour-
hood of Middletown ; and to Shrewsbury, there came many families from
New England. t
* Smith's N. .1. Grahame's Col. Hist.
t The petitioners for the EHzabcthtown tract, 26th Sept..l6G4, were John Bailey,
Daniel Denton, Thomas Benydick, Natlianiel Denton, John Foster, and Luke Watson.
The parties to the deed, from the Indians, dated 2Sth Oct. 1GG4, are Muttano, Mana-
warne, and Conascomon, of Staten Island, and John Bailey, Daniel Denton, and Luke
Watson: — the tract conveyed, is described, as " one parcel of land, bounded on the
south, by a river, comnionlj' called the Raritan, and on the east, by the river which
parts Staten Island and the main, and to run northward up Arthur Cull Bay, till we
come to the first river, which sets westward out of the river aforesaid; and to run
westward, into the country, twice the lenjrth that it is broad, from the north to the
south, of the aforementioned bounds." The consideration given for this liroad tract,
was twenty fathom of trading cloth, two made coats, two guns, two kettles, ten bars
of lead, twenty handfuls of powder, and four hundred fathoms of white, or two hun-
dred of black, wampum, payable in one year from the day of entry, by the grantees,
upon the lands. The whole valued at thirty-six pounds and fourteen shillings sterling.
One of the grantors attests the conveyance, perhaps the first Indian grant made with
technical form, by a mark opposite to his name. This, subsequently, became the
common mode of signature ; and the illiterate sons of the American forest, like the
unlettered noble of the European feudal states, adopted as a sign manual, occasionally,
the picture of a bird, or oihcr object, that captivated his fancy. Mattano was the
only grantor who signed, and his mark was v^w^^-^- or waved line; and, unfortu-
nately for his business character, he had executed a deed, for the same lands, to Au-
gustus Herman, already mentioned. The grant, however, is duly confirmed, probably,
in entire ignorance of preceding events, by governor Nicholls. t The wampum was
the currerit money of the Indian tribes, the precious material of which their orna-
ments were made, and the sacred sanction of their contracts, public and private. The
name is derived from an Indian word, meaning m?/sc/c. It was called by tlie Dutch,
seicant. It was worked from shells into the form of beads, and perforated, to string
on leather. Six beads were formerly valued at a stiver, twenty stivers made a guilder,
6d. currency, or 4d. sterling. The white was fabricated from the inside of the great
conchs, the black or purple, from the clam or muscle shell. Several strings, increased
in number with the importance of the occasion, formed the belt of wampum. Before
^ See Elizabethtown Bill in Chanceiy.
28 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
But the hope, which Nicholls had conceived, of rendering the district a
valuable appendage of the Duke's possessions, was destroyed by intelligence
of the grant to its new proprietaries. He remonstrated, with his master, on
the impolicy of thus multiplying statistical divisions, and disjointing, from
his own province, a portion distinguished for the fertility of its soil, the com-
modiousness of its rivers, and the richness of its minerals : and while he
urged the Duke, to revoke a grant, so prejudicial to his interests, he pre-
dicted, truly, that the attempt of his grantees, to colonize the vacant terri-
tory, would disnpi)oint their expectations of profit, and involve them in
expenses, of which their remote posterity, only, could hope to gather the
fruits.*
VII. Whatever effect this remonstrance may have had upon the Duke, it
was too late to revoke the grant; and Nicholls \\as compelled to surrender
the government of New Jersey, to Pliilip Carteret, who arrived with a com-
pany of thirty settlers, from England, and established themselves at Eliza-
bethtown,"t" regarded as the capital of the infant province. At this period,
however, there were only four houses here, and the name was given by him
in honour of Lady Elizabeth Cartcret.ij: Soon after his arrival, he despatch-
ed emissaries to New England, and other adjacent colonies, to make known
the proprietaries' " concessions," and to invite settlers ; whose efforts were
attended with extraordinary success. Among those who came on this in-
vitation, were the founders of Newark, who, in consequence of the inability
of the governor, to pay the consideration required by the Indians, took, by
his license, an Indian title, which was afterwards vexatiously set up against
that of the proprietaries.
It was the liappy pecidiarity in the lot of these colonists, that establishing
themselves in the vicinity of countries already cultivated, they escaped the
disasters and privations which had afflicted so severely, the first inhabitants
of most of the other provinces. Their neighbourhood to the commerce of
New York was considered highly advantageous during the infancy of their
settlement ; though, in process of time, it was less favourably regarded, as
preventing the rise of a domestic mart, which might give more effectual
encouragement to their trade. Like the other colonists of North America,
they enjoyed the advantage of transporting the arts, and habits of industry,
from an old country, where they had been carried to high perfection, into a
new land, which afforded them more liberal encouragement, and more unre-
stricted scope. Their exertions for raising cattle and grain were speedily
and amply rewarded, by a grateful soil ; and their friendly relations with
the Indians enabled them to prosecute their labours, in undisturbed tranquil-
lity, and to add to them a beneficial traffic, in peltry, with the roving tribes,
by which the adjacent forests were inhabited. Their connexion with New
York, also, gave them the advantage of the alliance, which subsisted between
that colony, and the powerful conlcderacy of the Five Nations, whose influ-
ence extending to all the tribes of the new settlement, procured its inhabi-
tants entire exemption from Indian war. Recommended by the saluljrity of
the climate, as by its many other advantages, it is not surprising that New
Jersey was soon celebrated by the early writers, with higher commendations
tlie advent of tho Euro])cans, the Indians made tlicir strings and belts, of small pieces
of wood, staiiK'd lilacii or wliite. For want of proper tools, i\:'\v were made of shells,
though hiiflily valued. But the Europeans soon manufaetured them of the latter ma-
terial, neatly and ahuiidantly. The value of this Indian money, was raised by pro-
clamation, in 1(J7".{, froiu the crovernor and council of New York, commanding' that,
"instead of eight white and four black, six white and three black, should pass for a
stiver, and three times so much, the value in silver. — JS'cw York Records.
* Grahame's Col. Hist. t August, 1665. { Elizabethtown Bill.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 29
than any other of the colonies. The proprietaries, stimulated by the hope of
a rich revenue, industriously proclaimed its advantages in Europe and Ame-
rica, and, from time to time, despatched from England, vessels freighted
with settlers, and stores, to reinforce the numbers,^and supply the wants of
their people. •
VIII. But the period to which they had looked, for the fruition of their
hopes, demonstrated their fallacy ; and the peace of the province was un-
happily interrupted by the arrival of the day fixed for the payment of the
proprietary quit rents. The first demand of this tribute excited universal
disgust among the colonists, who expressed greater unwillingness, than in-
ability, to comply with it. A party among them, including the k\v settlers
who had seated themselves under the authority of Colonel NichoUs, refused
to acknowledge the title of the proprietaries, and in opposition to it, set up
the Indian title, which we have already noticed, and also, the right of
government within the tract, thus conveyed to them. And the better to sup-
port this pretence, they prevailed on James Carteret, a weak and dissolute
natural son of Sir George, to assume the government, as by their election,
and under an alleged proprietary title, which, he asserted, he was not obliged
to show.* For two years, the governor, Philip Carteret, maintained an in-
effectual struggle, to enforce the claims of his employers ; until, at length,
the popular discontent broke forth into insurrection — his officers were im-
prisoned, their estates confiscated — and he was compelled to fly from the
province, and to seek redress in England, leaving John Berry, as deputy
Governor, and James BoUen, Secretary of the Province.f His return, with
strengthened authority, was retarded by the unexpected events of the follow-
ing year, when New York, being reconquered by Holland, New Jersey was
again united to the province of New Netherlands.
IX. The second war with Holland, most wantonly and unjustly provoked
by the dissolute Charles, in subserviency to the ambition of Louis XIV., was
declared, March 17th, 1672. A small squadron despatched from Holland,
under the command of Binkes and Evertzen, to destroy the commerce of the
English colonies, having performed that service, with great effect on the
Virginia coast, was induced to attempt a more important enterprise, by in-
teUigence of the negligent security of the Governor of New York. The
Dutch had the good fortune to arrive before this, their ancient seat, while
Lovelace, the Governor, was absent, and the command was exercised by
Captain Manning, who, by his own subsequent avowal, and the more credible
testimony of his conduct, was a traitor and a coward. Now was reversed
the scene, which had been presented on the invasion by NichoUs. The
English inhabitants prepared to defend themselves, and offered their assist-
ance to Manning ; but he obstructed their preparations, rejected their aid,
and on the first intelligence of the enemy's approach, struck his flag, even
before their vessels were in sight. As the fleet advanced, the garrison de-
monstrated their readiness to fight, but in a transport of fear, he forbade a
gun to be fired, under pain of death, and surrendered the place, uncondition-
ally, to the invaders. After this extraordinary and unaccountable conduct,
Manning had the impudence to repair to England, whence, he returned, in
the following year, after the province had been given up, by the Dutch. He
was tried, by a coin-t martial, on a charge of treachery and cowardice, ex-
pressed in the most revolting terms; which, confessing to be true, he re-
ceived a sentence almost as extraordinary as his conduct; — " that, though
he deserved death, yet, because he had, since the surrender, been in England,
and seen the King and the Duke, it was adjudged that his sword should be
* 1070. t 1672.
.30 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
broken over his head, in pubHc, before the city hall ; and himself rendered
incapable of wearing a sword, and of serving his majesty for the future, in
any public trust."* The old maxim, that, grace was dispensed by the mere
look of a king, was respected on tliis occasion. The Dutch commanders, in
their triumph, imitatei^tRc moderation and prudence of Nicholls; and assur-
ing the citizens of their rights and possessions, gratified the Dutch colonists,
and left the English cause of complaint, only against their pusillanimous
commander. Like moderation being tendered to the other districts of the
province, on condition of sending deputies, to swear allegiance to the
States-General, induced the whole to submit.f The Dutch dominion was
restored more suddenly than it had been overthrown, and the name of
New Netherlands was once more revived — but was not destined to long
endurance.
Great consternation prevailed in the adjoining English colonies. The
government of Connecticut, with apparent simjilicity, that ludicrously con-
trasts with the ordinary astutia o(" her people, sent a deputation to the Dutch
admirals, to remonstrate against their usurpation of dominion, over the terri-
tory of England, and the property of her subjects; to desire them to explain
the meaning of their conduct, and their further intentions, and to warn them,
that the united colonies of New England, entrusted with the defence of their
sovereign dominions, in America, would be faithful to their trust. The
Dutch commanders, as they well might, expressed surprise at the terms of
this message, but declared, that commissioned by their country, to assail her
enemies, whilst they applauded the fidelity of the English, to their sovereign,
they would imitate the good example, and endeavour to prove equally faith-
ful to the States-General. Active preparations for war, were, forthwith,
made by Connecticut, and the confederate colonies; but, as each party
stood on the defensive, only a few insignificant skirmishes took place,
before winter suspended military operations. Early in the following spring,
the controversy was terminated, without further bloodshed, bv the treaty
of peace, concluded at London, and the restoi'ation of New York, to the
English.:}:
X. Doubts had been raised, as to the validity of the Duke of York's title,
because granted whilst the Dutch were in full and peaceful possession of the
country ; and which, though originally good, seemed to have been impaired
by the subsequent conquest. The Duke deemed it prudent to remedy this
defect, and to signalize the resumption of his proprietary functions, by a new
patent. Another cause, however, may have contributed to this measure. —
He probably, supposed, that it would afi'nrd him an opportunity of dispensing
with his grant, to Berkeley and Carteret. It was pretended, that the Dutch
conquest, had extinguished the j)roprietary rights, and that the country had
been acquired, <lc novo, to the crown. A new charter recited the lijrmer
grant, and confirmed to him the whole which that had covered. The mis-
fortune, and evident incapacity of Lovelace, precluded his re-appointment lo
the office of governor, which was conferred on Edmund Andross, w ho dis-
graced his superior talents, bv the unprincipled zeal and activity, m illi which
he devoted them to the arbitrary designs of his master.
In him, and his council, were vested all the functions of government,
legislative and executive, and their power was extended over New Jersey.
It seems, however, that the Duke wanted cither resolution or authority, to
effectuate his iniquitous intentions; for, on the application of Sir George Car-
teret, he promised the renewal of his charter, which, after some delay and
hesitation, he performed. Previous to this second grant, it would seem, that
* Smith's New York. t July, 1G73. t 2^th February, 1G74.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 31
Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, had agreed upon a partition of the
province, since the country described therein, was bounded, on the south-
west, by a line drawn from Barnagat Ci-eek to the Rancocus. But, though
he finally consented to restore New Jersey, he endeavoured to evade the
full performance of his engagement, pretending to have reserved certain
rights of sovereignty over it, which Andross seized every opportunity of
asserting.
XI. In the commencement of the year 1675, Philip Carteret returned to
New Jersey, and resumed the government of the settlements, in the eastern
part of the province. The inhabitants, who had experienced the rigours of
conquest, and the arbitrary rule of Andross, readily received him; and as
he postponed the payment of their quit rents, to a future day, and published
a new set of " concessions,^'' by Sir George Carteret, a peaceable subordina-
tion was once more established in the colony. These new " concessions,"
however, restricted the broad grant of political freedom, originally framed,
by giving to the governor and council, the power of naturalization, the right
to approve such ministers as might be chosen by the several corporations,
and to establish their maintenance ; granting liberty, however, to all per-
sons, to keep and maintain what preachers they pleased. They authorized
the governor, also, to appoint the times and places of meeting of the General
Assembly, and to adjourn them at pleasure, and to separate the counsellors
and delegates into two chambers.*
XII. Yet, the only disquiet, during several years, arose from the efforts
of Andross, from time to time, to enforce the unjust pretensions of the Duke.
Governor Carteret, in hope of procuring to his people, a share of the advan-
tages, which the neighbouring colony derived from her commerce, attempted
to establish a direct trade between England and New Jersey. But Andross
earnestly opposed this proper measure, as one injurious to New York; and
by confiscating vessels engaged in such trade, extinguished the New Jersey
commercial enterprise in its infancy. In addition to this outrage, he endea-
voured, by various exactions, to render the colonists tributarv to his govern-
ment; and even had the insolence, by a force despatched to Eliza bethtown,
to arrest governor Carteret, and convey him prisoner to New York. When
comj)laints of these proceedings were made to the Duke, he evinced the same
indecision and duplicity, that had characterized all his recent conduct. He
could not, he said, consent to depart from a prerogative. which had always
belonged to him ; yet, he directed the relaxation of its exercise, as a matter
of favour to his friend, Sir George Carteret. f But the province had now
been divided into two proprietary jurisdictions; audit was in the western
part, where Carteret had ceased to have an interest, that the Duke most exer-
cised his prerogative. The circumstances which attended this partition,
are not the least interesting of the provincial history of the state.
* Learning and Spicer's Col.
t Douglas ii. 272. S. Smith G8, 77. Chalmers, (J16, 618. Smith's N. Y. 45.
Grahame's Col. Hist.
32 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER III.
From the Division of the Province, into East and West Jersey, to the
Purchase of East Jersey, by Quakers.
I. Motives of the Quakers for Emigration. — II. Sale of Lord Berkeley, to Byllinge
and Fenwicke. — III. Assignment of West Jersey to William Penn, and others
in Trust, for the Creditors of Byllinge. — IV. " Concessions," or Constitution of
West Jersey. — V. Measures of the Proprietaries to promote Colonization. — VI.
Commissioners appointed to Administer the Government of West Jersey — their
Proceedings. — Vll. Increase of Emigrants — Success of their Efforts. — VIII.
Death of Sir George Carteret — Successful Efforts of the Colonists, to procure
Relief, from the Jurisdiction of New York. — IX. Extraordinary Pretensions of
Byllinge. — X. Resisted by the Proprietaries, in General Assembly — Samuel
Jennings elected Governor — Proceeds to England, as Deputy of the Assem-
bly— The Right of Government, purchased by Doctor Daniel Coxe, and subse-
quently transferred to the West Jerse}'^ Society. — XII. Meeting of the First
Assembly — Proceedings. — XIII. Modification of the Law, relating to Religious
Faith. — XIV. Death of Carteret — his Disposition of East Jersey. — XV. Troubles
at the Close of the Administration of Philip Carteret. — XVI. Review of the
Policy of the Proprietary Governments. — XVII. Comparison between the Laws
of East and West Jersey.
I. Soon after the restoration of Charles II., the Quakers became objects
of suspicion and dread, to his govei-nment, from a mistaken supposition,
that, Hke the Fifth Monarchy men, or Millenarians, they held themselves
entitled to overthrow, even by force, every temporal authority, which ob-
structed the advent of their cherished spiritual dominion. This suspicion
was increased by the insurrection of the Millenarians, in the first year of the
restored monarchy; and the refusal of the Quakers to give assurance of
fidelity to the king, by taking the oath of allegiance. In consequence of this
error, they were assailed with a rigour and reality of persecution, which
hitherto they had never experienced, in England. They were, first, in-
cluded with the Millenarians, in a royal proclamation, forbidding either, to
assemble under pretence of worship, elsewhere, than in the parochial church-
es; but were soon afterwards, distinguished by the provisions of an act of
parliament, that applied exclusively to themselves.* This statute enacted,
that all Quakers refusing to take the oath of allegiance, and assembling to
the number of five persons, above sixteen years of age, should, for the first
and second offences, incur the penalty of fine, and imprisonment; and for
the third, should either abjure the realm, or be transported beyond it. Nay,
so cordial was the dislike entertained by the court, against them, that, in-
stead of using their complaints as cause of quarrel, v/ith the obnoxious pro-
vince of Massachusetts, the enmity in this province against the Quakers,
was sustained : and the authorities there, were invited to a repetition of the
severities, which had been, at one time, prohibited. " We cannot be under-
stood," said the king's letter of 1662, after urging general toleration, " hereby,
to direct or wisli, tliat any indulgence should be granted to Quakers, whose
principles, being inconsistent with any kind of government, we have found it
necessary, with the advice of our parliament liere, lo make a sharp law
against them; and arc well content, that you do the like, there."
These unfavourable and erroneous sentiments, it is true, were shortly
after exchang(.'d by the king, for a more just estimate of (Quaker principles.
But, the alteration in his .sentiments, produced no relaxation of the legal
" Grahame's Col. Hist. vol. ii. p. 332.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 38
severities to which the Quakers were subjected ; and was attended with no
other consequence, than a familiar and apparently confidential intercourse,
between him, and some of their more eminent leaders, together with many
expressions of regard and good will, on his part, which he was unwilling or
unable to substantiate. In the persecution, now commenced against all
classes of dissenters, the Quakers were exposed to a more than equal share
of severity, from the unbending zeal, with which they refused to conform,
even in appearance, to any one of the obnoxious requisitions, and the eager-
ness with which they seized every opportunity of manifesting their forbidden
practices, and signifying their peculiar gifts of patient sufiering, and untiring
perseverance. In every part of England, they were harassed with fine and
imprisonment, and great numbers were transported to Barbadoes, and to the
American settlements;* where, they formed a valuable addition to the
English population, and quickly discovered, that their persecutors, in expell-
ing them from their native land, had, unconsciously, contributed to ame-
liorate their condition. Instead of the wild enthusiasts who had rushed
with headlong zeal to New England, in quest of persecution, there was now
introduced into America, a numerous body, of wiser and milder, professors
of Quakerism, whose views were confined to the enjoyment of that liberty of
worship, for the sake of which, they had been driven into exile. «
In several of the American provinces, as in the island of Barbadoes, they
experienced full toleration, and friendly reception from the governments,
and inhabitants ; and, even in those provinces, where they were still objects
of suspicion and severity, they rendered their principles less unpopular, by
demonstrating with what useful industry, and peaceful virtue, they might be
combined. Contented with the toleration of their worship, and diligently
improving the advantages of their new lot, many of the exiles obtained,
in a few years, to plentiful and prosperous estates : and so willing were they
to reconcile their tenets, with existing institutions of the countries, in which
they were established, that they united in the purchase and employment of
negro slaves. Perhaps, the deceitfulness of the human heart, was never
more strikingly exhibited, than in this monstrous association of the charac-
ters of exiles, for conscience sake, and the principles of universal peace and
philanthropy, with the condition of slave owners and the exercise of arbi-
trary power. Yet, in process of time, much good was educed from this
evil ; and the inconsistency of one generation of Quakers, enabled their suc-
cessors, to exhibit to the world, a memorable example of disinterested re-
gard, for the rights of human nature, and a magnanimous sacrifice to the
requirements of piety and justicc.f
The principles of the sect continued, meanwhile, to propagate themselves,
in Britain, to an extent, that more than supplied the losses occasioned by the
banishment of their professors. Almost all the other sects had suffered an
abatement of piety and reputation, from the furious disputes, and vindictive
struggles, that attended the civil wars ; and while the Quakers were exempted
from this reproach, they were no less advantageously distinguished, by a
severity of persecution, which enabled them to display, in an eminent de-
gree, the primitive graces of Christian character. It was, now, that their
cause was espoused, and their doctrines defended, by writers, who yielded
to none of their contemporaries, in learning, eloquence, or ingenuity, and
who have not been equalled, nor even approached, by any succeeding
Quaker authors. The doctrines that had floated, loosely, through the
* In one vessel alone, which was despatched from England, in March, 1G64, sixty
Quaker convicts, vvere shjpped. for America. — Williamson's North Carolina, i. 82.
t Grahaine's Col. HisL
E
34 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Quaker society, were collected and reduced to an orderly system ; the disci-
pline necessary to preserve from anarchy, and restrain the fantastic sallies,
which the genuine principle of Quakerism, is peculiarly apt to beget, was
explained and enforced ;* and in the midst of a persecution that drove many
of the Presbyterians of Scotland to despair and rebellion, the Qiiakers began
to add to their zeal and resolution, that mildness of address and tranquil
propriety of thought, by which tliey are universally characterized. Yet,
it was long before the wild and enthusiastic spirit, which had distinguished
the rise of the societ}^, was banished entirely from its bosom ; and while it
continued, a considerable diversity of sentiment and lanijuage, prevailed
among the brethren. This diversity was manifest, particularly, in the senti-
ments entertained relative to the duty of confronting persecution. While all
considered it unlawful to forsake their ordinances, on account of the prohi-
bition of their oppressors, many held it, a dereliction of duty, to abandon
their country, for the sake of their enjoyment in a foreign land. Consider-
ing Quakerism as a revival of primitive Christianity, and themselves as fated
to repeat the fortunes of the first Christians, and to gain the victory over the
world, by evincing the fortitude of martyrs, they had associated the success
of their cause with the infliction and endurance of persecution, and deemed
retreat, to be flight from the contest between truth and error. The promul-
gation, rather than the toleration, of their principles, seemed their great
object; and their success was incomplete, without the downfall of the esta-
blished hierarchy. But others of more moderate temper, though willing to
sustain the character of the primitive Christian, believed it not inconsistent
with the exercise of that liberty, expressly given to the apostles, when per-
secuted in one city, to flee to another. Disturbed in their religious assem-
blies, harassed and impoverished by fines and imprisonments, and withal,
continually exposed to violent removal from their native land, they were led
to meditate the advantages of voluntary expatriation with their families and
substance; and, naturally, to cast their eyes on that country, which, not-
withstanding the severities once inflicted on their brethren, in some of its
provinces, had always presented an asylum to the victims of persecution.
Their regards were further directed to this quarter, by the number of their
fellow sectaries, who were now established in several of the North American
states, and the freedom, comfort, and tranquillity, which they were there ena-
bled to enjoy. f
IJ. Such was the situation of the Quakers when Lord Berkeley, alarmed
by the insubordination of the planters of New Jersey, and dissatisfied with
the pecuniary prospects of his adventure in colonization, offered his share of
his province for sale. He soon received the offer of a price, that was satis-
factory, from two English Quakers, John Fenwicke and Edward Byllinge;
and on the 18th March, 1673, in consideration of one thousand pounds, con-
veyed his interest in the province, to the first, in trust for the other. A dis-
pute arising between these parties, respecting their proportions of interest; to
avoid the scandal of a law suit, it was submitted to William Penn, who now
held a conspicuous place in the society of Friends. With some diffi-
culty, he succeeded in making an award satisfactory to both parties. Fen-
wicke, in 1675, sailed from London, for the new ])urchase, in the ship Grif-
* See Appendix, C.
t Goiigh and Scwoll's History of the Quakers, vol. i. rliap. 2. 4, H, 7 and 8, vol. ii.
chap. 4. Ncal's History of the Puritans, vol. iv. Grahamc's Col. Hist. From the
last work 1 have drawn, principally, the precedinir view of tiic Quaker motives for
emigration. It has, however, suffered such modification, in my hands, as to render
me responsible for it.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 35
fith, with his family and several Quaker associates.* This was the first
English vessel that came to New Jersey with emigrants. After a prospe-
rous voyage, she landed her freight, at a rich and pleasant spot on a branch
of the Delaware, to which Fenwicke, on account, probably, of its peaceable
aspect, gave the name of Salem.
III. Further, immediate, clforts, at colonization, were prevented by the
covTimercial embarrassments of Byllinge, who had sustained such losses, in
trade, as rendered it necessary for him to assign his property for the indem-
nification of his creditors, with a resulting trust, in whatever balance there
might be, for himself. Penn, unwillingly, at the solicitation of some of the
creditors, became joint assignee, with Gawn Lawrie and Nicholas Lucas,
(Quakers and creditors) of Byllinge's interest, in New Jersey. These trus-
tees, under the pressure of circumstances, sold a considerable number of
shares, of the undivided moiety, to different purchasers, who, thereby, be-
came proprietaries, in common, with them,
IV. As all men, when, now, emigrating to America, sought, not only re-
ligious and civil freedom, but, also, the security which these could receive in
the form of permanent records or constitutions, the proprietaries of West
New Jersey, published their '■'■concessions,^'' comprising many of the provi-
sions of the insti-ument formed by Berkeley and Carteret, together with others,
orisinatino; with themselves. The management of the estate and affairs of
• "111"
the province, was committed to the commissioners, appomted by the proprie-
taries, whh power to divide and sell the lands, to lay out towns, and, gene-
rally, to govern the province according to the " concessions," until March,
1680; at which time, and thence, annually, ten commissioners were to be
elected by the people, until a General Assembly should be chosen. The
territory was to be divided into one hundred lots, or proprietaries, ten of
which, to be assigned to Fenwicke, and the remainder to the assignees of
Byllinge; and the hundred proprietaries were to be divided into ten divi-
sions or tribes, and the inhabitants of each, were empowered to elect a com-
missioner; and, for the avoidance of" noise and confusion, all elections were
directed to be by ballot. Lands were given to settlers upon principles analo-
gous to those adopted in the concessions of Berkeley and Carteret.
The instrument then sets forth, the charter or fundamental laws, and de-
clares, that, they shall be the foundation of the government, not to be altered
by the legislative authority : that every member of the Assembly, who shall,
designedly, wilfully, and maliciously move anything subversive of such con-
stitution, on proof, by seven honest and reputable persons, shall be proceeded
ao-ainst, as a traitor to the government : that, such constitution should be
recorded, in a fair table, at the Assembly house, and read at the commence-
ment and dissolution of every Assembly, and be, also, written in fair tables
in every common hall of justice, and read, in solemn manner, four times
every year, in presence of the people, by the magistrates : that, as no men,
nor number of men, upon earth, had power to rule over men's consciences,
no one should, at any time, be called in question, or hurt in person, privilege,
or estate, for the sake of his opinion, judgment, faith, or worship, towards
God, in matters of religion : that, no inhabitant should be deprived of life,
limb, liberty, privilege, or estate, without due trial and judgment, passed by
twelve good and lawful men of his neighbourhood ; and in all trials, the
* There came passengers, with Fenwicke, Edward Champness, Edward Wade,
Samuel Wade, John Smith and wife, Samuel Nicholls, Richard Guy, Richard Noble,
Richard Hancock, John Pledger, Hypolite Lefever, and John Matlock. These, and
others with them, were masters of families. Among the servants of Fenwicke, were
John Adams and Samuel Hedge, who, subsequently, married his daughters. — Smith's
JV. J. 79.
36 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
accused might peremptory challenge thirty -five jurors, and for cause sho\vTi,
the whole array: that, in civil cases, no inhabitant of the province should
be arrested, until after summons and default of appearance; and imprison-
ment for debt, on surrender of the property of the debtor was prohibited :
that, every court should consist of three justices or commissioners, who,
sitting with the jury, should assist them in matters of law, but should pro-
nounce such judgment, only, as the jury should give ; to whom, only, the
right of judgment belonged, in all causes civil and criminal; and should the
commissioners refuse, then judgment to be pronounced by one of the jury : that,
in all causes, civil and criminal, proof should be made by " the solemn and
plain averment" of, at least, two honest and reputable persons ; and perjury, in
civil causes, was punishable by the penalty the one witnessed against might
suffer, and in criminal cases, by fine, disqualification from giving evidence,
and from holding office: that, in criminal cases, not felonious, the injui-ed
party might compound the offence before, or remit the penalty after, judg-
ment: that, theft should be punished, by twofold i-estitution, and for lack of
means, by the labour of the offender, until such restitution should be made,
or as twelve men of the neighbourhood should determine, not extending to
life or limb ; and that breach of the peace, should be punished according to
the nature of the offence, at the discretion of twelve men of the neighbour-
hood, appointed by the commissioners.
Much providence was displayed in the care of the estates of decedents.
Wills were to be registered, and inventories filed, and security given, by
executors, before administration. In case of intestacy, like provision was
made in regard to administrators ; and to secure two parts of the estate,
for the children, and one-third to the wife ; and if there were no child, half
to the next of kin, and half to the wife : and guardians were appointed, of
the persons and estates, by the commissioners. Where parents died, leaving
children and no estates, the commissioners were to " appoint persons to
take care for the children, to bring them up at the charge of the public stock
of the province, or a tax to be levied by twelve men of the neighbourhood.
No forfeiture was incurred, by suicide, or by way of deodand; and in cases
of murder and treason, the sentence, and way of execution thereof, was left
to the General Assembly to determine, as they, in the wisdom of the Lord,
should judge meet.
As soon as the divisions or tribes, or such like distinctions should be
made, the inhabitants, on the first of October, yearly, were to elect one pro-
prietor or freeholder, for each proprietary, " to be deputies, trustees, or
representatives, for the benefit, service, and behoof of the people ; and whose
number was a hundred, corresponding to the number of the proprietaries.
Provision was made for the purity of elections, which were not to be deter-
mined by the common and confused way of cries and voices ; but by putting
balls in balloting boxes, for the prevention of all partiality, and whereby
every man might freely choose, according to his own judgment and honest
intention. This supreme legislature was empowered, to meet and adjourn
within the year, at pleasure ; to fix the quorum for business, at not less than
one-half of the whole, and the votes of two-thirds of the quorum were re-
quired for determination. The question frequently agitated, relative to the
obligation of the representative, to obey the instructions of his constituents,
was, here, fully decided. He was holdcn, justly, to be their deputy or agent;
and they were required, at his election, to give him their instructions at large,
and he, to enter into indenture, under hand and seal, covenanting and oblig-
ing himself, in that capacity, to do nothing, but what should tend to the fit
service and behoof of those that sent and employed him; and on failure of
trust, or breach of covenant, he might be questioned in that or the next
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 37
Assembly, by any of liis electors: And further, each member was allowed
one shilling, per day, payable by his constituents, not in compensation of his
services, but that he might be known, as the servant of the people. The
Assembly was, also, authorized, to constitute and appoint, ten commissioners
of estate, for managing the atiairs of the province, during the adjournments,
and dissolution of the General Assembly : To enact all laws for the well-
government of the province : To constitute all courts, together with the limits,
power and jurisdiction thereof: To appoint the judges for such time as they
may deem meet, not more than two years, their salaries, fees, and appella-
tions : To appoint commissioners of the public seals, treasurers, and chief-
justices, embassadors, and collectors. But the justices of the peace, and
constables, were to be chosen by the people.*
The faults of this system of government are radical and glaring. A
many-headed executive, possessing a temporary, and reflected portion only,
of political power, necessarily engendered jealousy, division and favouritism ;
and distracted councils, produced contempt and disobedience. The legisla-
ture, composed of one house, was exposed to the evils of precipitation : and
choosing from itself the executive, and the greater proportion of the officers
of the commonwealth, to intrigue and corruption. Courts, without perma-
nent judges — with juries, determining, in all cases, the law, as well as the
fact, would disregard the established rules of jurisprudence, and produce
uncertainty in the administration of justice; whilst the limited tenure of
office, made incumbents unskilful and rapacious. Yet, this instrument con-
tained many excellencies, and revealed principles of political science, which
the enlightened philosophy of the present age, has not yet fully developed.
Thus, the most entire liberty of conscience, was established; and the politi-
cal power was emphatically in the people, who were absolutely free to pursue
their own happiness; — the right of suffrage was universal — the personal
liberty of the citizen was cherished, and the barbarism of imprisonment for
debt, whether upon initiatory or final process, was abolished. The punish-
ment of crimes, had in view, the reparation of injury, rather than the inflic-
tion of vengeance ; and in no instance, did it extend to the loss of life or limb.
The evidences of property were secured by registering offices ; — and rules
for the treatment of the aborigines, were framed upon principles of justice
and humanity. The love of the proprietaries, for civil and religious freedom,
and democratic rule so thoroughly established in the Quaker societies, was
certainly conspicuous in their concessions, and had they possessed as much
experience, as zeal, they would, probably, have framed a finished system.
V. With the publication of this instrument, the proprietaries gave a- spe-
cial recommendation of the province, to the members of their own religious
fraternity, which produced an immediate display of that diversity of senti-
ment, which had begun to prevail in the society. Many, with lively expec-
tations of future happiness, prepared to embark for the New Utopia ; whilst
others regarded with jealousy, and vehemently opposed, a secession, which
they deemed pusillanimous. To moderate the expectations of the one, and
appease the jealousy of the other, of these parties, William Penn, and his
colleagues, addressed a circular letter, to " Friends," solemnly cautioning
them, against leaving their country, from a timid reluctance to bear testi-
mony to their principles, from an impatient, unsettled temper, or from any
motive inferior, to a deliberate conviction, that the God of all the earth,
opened their way, and sanctioned their removal. And admonishing them,
to remember, that, although Quaker principles were established, in the pro-
vince, only Quaker safeguards could be interposed for their protection ; and
* See Appendix, D.
38 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
that, religious toleration must depend for its continuance, on the aid of the
Being, with whose will they believe it to concur, and could never be defend-
ed by force, against the arm of the oppressor. To this admonitory letter,
there was annexed, " A Description ot" West New Jersey," correcting some
trivial exaggerations, which had been bruited abroad, of the excellence of the
soil, and climate ; but conveying, in the n)ain, a most inviting representation
of the country. This neither did, nor was intended, to repress the ardour
of Quaker emigration. Numerous purchases of colonial land, were made
by Quakers, in various parts of England ; and in the course of the year
1677, upwards of four hundred persons of this persuasion, transported them-
selves to West New Jersey ; many of whom, were persons of property and
respectability, who carried with them, their children and servants.
The first care of the assignees of Byllinge, was to make a partition of the
province, between them and Sir George Carteret, which was effected by a
deed, quintipartite,* comprehending. Sir George, William Penn, Gawn
Lawrie, of London, mei'chant, Nicholas Lucas, of Hertford, malster, and
Edward Byllinge, of Westminster; directing a straight line to be drawn
through the province, from north to south, from the most southerly point of
the east side of Little Egg Harbour, to the most northerly point, or boundary
on the Delaware. To the portions thus separated, were given the names of
East and West Jersey, respectively. "f
Soon after,:]: letters were addressed by the West Jersey proprietaries, Penn,
Lawrie, Lucas, Byllinge, (who had still an equitable interest,) and John
Eldridge, and Edmond Warner, who had become the assignees of Fenwicke's
portion, to Richard Hartshorne, Richard Guy, and James Wasse. The
two first were Quakers, resident in East Jersey, and the last, an agent, sent
out specially, from Europe. They w^ere instructed to resist and control
some irregular proceedings of Fenwicke, in the disposition of lands, to pre-
pare for the many emigrants about to depart for the colony, to purchase
lands from the natives, and to select a site for, and lay out a town of four or
five thousand acres. § Among the purchasers of West New Jersey, were
two companies, one, of Friends from Yorkshire, and the other of Friends
from London, who contracted for very considerable shares, for which they
received patents. 1|
VI. In 1677, the promised commissioners were sent out, by the proprieta-
ries, to administer the government, pursuant to the concessions.** They
embarked on board the Kent, Gregory Marlow, master, the second shij)
from London, to West Jersey. Whilst on the Thames, Charles II., in his
pleasuring barge, came along side, and observing the number of passengers,
and learning whither they were bound, asked if they were all Quakers, and
gave them his blessing. After a tedious passage, they arrived at New
Castle, on the 16th of August; and soon after, two hundred and thirty, land-
ed at the mouth of Raccoon creek, where the Swedes had some habitations.
Notwithstanding their number, the greatest inconvenience which they suffer-
ed, was want of room for lodgings ; and some terror, from the abundance of
* Dated 1st. July, ]676.
t Learning and Spicer's Collection.
i 2r,th August, 1(170.
§ The surveyor proposed for this duty, was a certain Augustin, of Maryland, or
William Elliot, of York river, Virginia.
II See Appendix, E.
** These commissioners were Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, John Kinsey, John
Penford, Joseph Hclmsley, Robert Stacy, Benjamin Scott. Richard Guy. and Thomas
Foulke. Richard Guy came in the first ship. John Kinsey died at Shackamaxon,
Kensington, soon after liis landing; his remains were interred at Burlington, in
ground appropriated for a burial ground, but now a sivcei.— Smith's jXcio Jcrscij.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 39
snakes, which were occasionally seen in their chambers, or crawling over
the low roots of their dwellings.* The vessel on the passage had dropped
anchor at Sandy Hook, whilst the commissioners proceeded to New York,
to exhibit their commission to Andross. He treated them civilly, but demand-
ed, if they had any communication from the Duke, his master. This mea-
sure, obviously requisite, the commissioners had strangely neglected, and
when Andross declined to recognise their authority, instead of extenuating
their imprudence, they strenuously insisted upon their rights, under the assign-
ment of Lord Berkeley. Andross cut short the controversy, by pointing to
his sword; and as this was an argument, which they could not retort, they
submitted to his jurisdiction, until they could obtain redress from England;
taking magistrate's commissions from him, and conducting the land atfairs
according to their instructions. Fenwicke, who neglected to take a like pre-
caution, in relation to his tenth, was twice seized, and detained, some time,
prisoner, in New York.
Upon their arrival in the Delaware, the commissioners obtained, from the
Swedes, interpreters, by whose agency they conducted their negotiations
with the Indians, and purchased the lands from Timber Creek to Rancocus,
from Oldman's Creek to Timber Creek, and from Rancocus to the Assun-
pink, by three several conveyances.f Not having sufiicient goods to make
payment for the land last purchased, they covenanted not to settle any por-
tion of it, until full payment should have been made. After examination of
the country, the Yorkshire commissioners, Helmesly, Emley, and Stacv, on
behalf of their constituents, chose the tract between Rancocus, and the Falls,
which hence was called the first tenth; whilst the London commissioners,
Penford, Clive, Wills and Scott, selected that below Timber creek, which
was called the second tenth. Disastisfied, however, with this separation,
the Yorkshire men proposed to the Londoners, that, if they would unite in
establishing a town, the latter should have the larger proportion, in conside-
ration, that the Yorkshire men had the better land in the woods. These
terms were embraced, and one Noble, a surveyor who came in the first
ship, was employed to lay out the town plot, running the main street and
dividing the land on either side, into lots, giving those on the east, to the
Yorkshire, and those on the west, to the London, proprietors. The town
thus founded, was first called New Beverly, after Bridlington, but the name
was soon changed to Burlington, which it now bears. §
These pioneers having arrived late in the autumn, the winter Avas much
spent, before they could erect permanent dwellings. In the mean time, they
lived in wigwams, built after the manner of the Indians, and subsisted chiefly
on Indian corn and venison, supplied by the natives. These simple people,
less corrupted, than they afterwards became, from the use of ardent spirits,
were kind to their guests, notwithstanding some malicious insinuations, that
the strangers had sold to them the small pox m their match coats; that
distemper having attacked them at this period.
VII. In the same year arrived two other vessels. The Willing Mind,
John Newcomb, commander, with about seventy passengers, dropped anchor,
at Elsinburg, in November. She was soon after followed, by the fly boat,
Martha, of Burlington, Yorkshire, with one hundred and fourteen. On the
10th December, 1768, came The Shield, from Hull, Daniel Townes, com-
mander. When passing Coaquanock, the site of the present city of Phila-
delphia, she ran so close to the shore, that in tacking, her spars struck the
* Smith's N. J.
t Dated, respectively, 10th September, 27th September, and lOtli October, 1G77.
t Smith's N. J. § See Appendix, F.
40 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
trees, and some one on board remarked, how fine a spot this was for a town.
A fresh gale brought her to Burhngton, being the first vessel that came so
far up the Delaware. She moored to a tree, and the next morning the pas-
sengers came ashore on the ice. About the same period, another ship
arrived from London, freighted with passengers.*
Although compelled to endure the hardships inseparable from the occupa-
tion of a desert land, these were quickly surmounted, by the industry and
patience of the emigrants. Their town soon assumed a thriving appearance,
and was rapidly enlarged by increasing members. In this, as in other, infant
settlements of America, the success of the colonist was commonly propor-
tioned to the original humility of his condition; and he, who emigrated as a
servant, was frequently more prosperous than his master. Persevering in-
dustry, temperance, and self-reliance, always reaped a full reward, whilst
self-indulgence, and dependence upon hirelings, terminated in poverty.
VIII. Sir George Carteret, proprietary of East Jersey, died in 1679;
having derived so little benefit from his American territory, that he found it
necessary to bequeath it to trustees, to be sold for the benefit of his creditors.
The exemption, this district enjoyed, from the jurisdiction of the Duke ot
York, had not contributed to moderate the discontent of the inhabitants ot
West New Jersey, with his assumed illegal authority. They, incessantly,
importuned him for redress, and were, at length, provoked by a tax of five
per cent., which Andross imposed, on the importation of European merchan-
dise, to additional vehemence of complaint, and urgency of solicitation.
Wearied, at length, with the impoiiunity of these suitors, rather than moved
by the justice of their complaint, the Duke referred the subject to commis-
sioners, by whom, it was finally submitted to Sir William Jones.f
The argument, in behalf of the colonists, on this occasion, prepared
by William Penn, George Hutchinson, and others, chiefly Quakers,
breathes a firm, undaunted spirit of liberty, worthy the founders of a North
American commonwealth; and contains traces of those principles, which,
subsequently, led the colonies to full emancipation.:]: " Thus then," they say,
after a deduction of their title, " we came to buy that moiety, which belonged
to Lord Berkeley, for a valuable consideration ; and in the conveyance he
made us, powers of government are expressly granted ; for that, only, could
have induced us to buy it : and the reason is plain, because to all prudent
men, the government of a place is more jnviting than the soil. For what is
good land without good laws ? — the better the worse. And if we could not
assure people, of an easy, and free, and safe government, both with respect
to their spiritual and worldly property, — that is, an uninterrujited liberty ot
conscience, and an inviolable possession of their civil rights and freedoms,
by a just and wise government, — a mcn^ wilderness would be no encourage-
ment ; for it were madness to leave a free, good, and improved country, to
plant in a wilderness, and there adventure many thousands of pounds, to
give an absolute title to another person, to tax us at will and pleasure."
Slating the tax imposed by Andross, tliey proceed: "This is one grievance;
and for this, we make our application to have speedy redress, not as a burden
only, with respect to the quantum or the way of levying it, or any circum-
stance made hard by the ' irregularity of the officers, but as a wrong; for
* Sec Appendix, G. f Grahamc's Col. Hist. vol. ii. 344.
t This document, found in Smith's History, is unnoticed hy Chalmers; and is im-
perfectly abridged by Winterbotham (vol. ii. p 287). Graliauio (vol. ii. p. :{4(i) admits
that Penn concurred in its presentation, and, probably, assisted in its composition;
but denies that he was the sole author, as some of his bioirraphers have insisted; sup-
posing this pretension to be refuted, by the style of the document; in which, not tha
slightest resemblance is discernible, to any of his acknowledged productions.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 41
wo complain of a wrong, done us, and ask, yet, with modesty, quo jure?
Tell us the title, by what right or law, are we thus used, that may a little
mitigate our pain ? Your answer, hitherto, hath been this. That it was a
conquered country ; and that the King, being the conqueror, has power to
make laws, raise money, &c. ; and that this power jwe regale, the King
hath vested in the Duke ; and by that right and sovereignty, the Duke de-
mands that custom we complain of. Natural right and humane prudence,
oppose such doctrine all the world over ; for what is it, but to say, that peo-
ple, free by law, under their prince at home, are at his mercy in the planta-
tions abroad ; and why 1 because he is a conqueror there, but still at the
hazard of the lives of his own people, and at the cost and charge of the
public. We would say more, but choose to let it drop. But our case is
better yet ; for the King's grant, to the Duke of York, is plainly restrictive
to the laws and government of England. Now the constitution and go-
vernment of England, as we humbly conceive, are so far from countenancing
such authoi'ity, that it is made a fundamental in our constitution, that the
King of England cannot, justly, take his subject's goods without their con-
sent. This needs no more to be proved than a principle; his jus indigene,
an home-born right, declared to be law by divers statutes." — " To give up
the power of making laws, is to change the government, to sell, or rather, to
resign, ourselves to the will of another ; and that for nothing. For, under
favour, we buy nothing of the Duke, if not the right of an undisturbed co-
lonizing, and that, as Englishmen, ^vith no diminution, but expectation of
some increase of those freedoms and privileges enjoyed in our own country;
for the soil is none of his; 'tis the natives, by the jus gentitnn, the law of na-
tions ; and it would be an ill argument to convert them to Christianity, to
expel, instead of purchasing them, out of those countries. If then, the coun-
try be theirs, it is not the Duke's: he cannot sell it; then what have we
bought?" — "To conclude this point, we humbly say, that we have not lost
any part of our liberty, by leaving our country; for we leave not our King,
nor our government by quitting our soil ; but we transmit to a place given
by the same King, with express limitation to erect no polity contrary to the
same established government, but as near as may be to it ; and this varia-
tion is allowed, but for the sake of emergencies, and that latitude, bounded
by these words, for the good of the adventurer and planter." After this, as
they term it, the " point of law" of the case, they proceed to insist upon the
equity of it; protesting that the "tax is not to be found in the Duke's con-
veyances ; that it was an after business, a very surprise to the planter." —
" This, in plain English, is under another name, paying for the same thing
twice over." — "Custom, in all governments in the world, is laid upon trade;
but this, upon planting, is unprecedented. Had we brought commodities to
these parts to sell, made profit out of them, and returned to the advantage
of traders, there had been some colour or pretence for this exaction ; but to
require and force a custom, from persons, for coming to their property, their
own terra firma, their habitations ; in short, for coming home, is without a
parallel. This is paying custom, not for trading, but for landing; not for
merchandising, but planting." — " Besides there is no end of this power; for
since we are, by this precedent, assessed without any law, and thereby ex-
cluded our English right of common assent to taxes; what security have we
of any thing we possess ? We can call nothing our own, but are tenants at
will, not only for the soil, but for all our personal estates. We endure
penury, and the sAveat of our brows, to improve them, at our own hazard,
only. This is to transplant, not from good to better, but from good to bad.
This sort of conduct has destroyed government, but never raised one to any
true greatness; nor ever will, in the Duke's territories, whilst so many coun-
F
42 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
tries, equally good, in soil and air, surround, with greater freedom and
security. Lastly, the Duke's circumstances, and the people's jealousies,
considered, we humbly submit it, if there can be, in their opinion, a greater
evidence of a design, to introduce an unlimited government, than both to
exact such unterminated tax from English planters, and to continue it, after
so many repeated complaints. And on the contrary, if there be any thing
so happy to the Duke's present affairs, as the opportunity he has to free that
country with his own hands, and to make us all owers of our liberty, to his
favour and justice: So will Englishmen, here, know what to hope for, by
the justice and kindness he shows to Englishmen there ; and all men, to see
the just model of his government in New York, to be the scheme and draught
in little, of his administration in Old England, at large, if the crown should
ever devolve upon his head."
Unpalatable as this argument must have been to the British court, and the
counsellors of the Duke, at this period, it was triumphant. The commis-
sioners were constrained to pronounce judgment, in conformity with the
opinion of Jones, " that as the grant to Berkeley and Carteret, had reserved
no profit or jurisdiction, the legality of the tax could not be defended." The
Duke, therefore, without further delay, abandoned all claims on West Jersey,
confirming the territory, or soil of the province, in the fullest terms, to Wil-
liam Penn, Gawn Lawry, and Nicholas Lucas, trustees for Byllinge, and to
John Eldridge, and Edmund Warner, assignees of Fenwicke, according to
their several interests, whilst he conveyed, expressly, the government to Ed-
ward Byllinge, his heirs and assigns.* And soon after, he made a like
confirmation, in favour of the representatives of his friend. Sir George
Carteret, f
The forcible and spirited pleading, we have noticed, derives special inte-
rest, from the recollection of the conflict, then waging between the advocates
of liberty, and the abettors of arbitrary power. Probably, none of the
writings of which that period was, abundantly, prolific, was characterized by
a more magnanimous effort, for the preservation of liberty, than this first
successful vindication, of the rights of New Jersey. Its most remarkable
feature, is the strong and deliberate assertion, that no tax could be justly
imposed upon them, without their consent. The report of the commissioners,
and the relief that followed, was a virtual concession of this principle, which
subsequently triumphed more signally, in the independence of the United
States.:}:
* Indenture, dated Gth August, 1680.
f 14th March, 1G82. Learning and Spicer's Collection.
t The case between the proprietaries and the Duke, relative to the government, is
of some complexity; and from inspection of the documents alone, his i)retensions
have better grounds than his advocates appear to have assumed for him. The char-
ters of Charles II., to him, in addition to a full fee simple estate, in land, contain an
express grant of the powers of government; whilst the deeds from the Duke to
Berkeley and Carteret, convey a " tract of land." s])ecifically bounded, as in the
transfer of a private estate. There is not the slightest allusion to the powers of
government in them; and tlie special care taken to give such ])ovvers, in the one
case, and to omit them in the other, would be a strong argument, that they were
not designed to be granted, if such argument were needed, in tlie total absence of a
grant. It certainly never can be maintained, that, a fee simple, in land, carried witli
it a political power of government. In all cases wlierc this power was intended to be
conveyed, apt words were cmidoyed, as in the grants to the Duke of York, to Balti-
more, and Penn. Berkeley could convey no otiier right than he possessed, nor did
he attempt it, since that is not asserted in the plea of the New .Jersey proprietaries. —
Nor in the deed, quintipartite of partition, between Carteret, and the grantees of
Berkeley, is there any reference to the powers of government. So far, then, the case
would seem to be clearly, that the Duke had retained the integrity of his political
powers, as granted him by the crown. But against this paper case, there is strong
circumstantial evidence. 1. The assumption, and undisputed exercise of political
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 43
IX. But, if we condemn, severely, the tenacious hold of power, on the
part of the Duke, how shall we characterize the pretensions of B541inge,
subsequent to the exclusive grant of the government to him 1 His conduct
affords an additional instance of the corrupting force of power, and of human
inconsistency. He asserts, as grantee of Berkeley, that he became the par-
ticipant of political power, even by a deed for lands only ; but, when that
power was expressly and unequivocally conveyed to himself, he denies the
grant of similar power, to his assigns, though he is a party to the " conces-
sions," by which it was clearly conveyed; under the pretence, it would
seem, that as such power was not then with him, he could not grant it, and
though he had himself, taken the office of governor, by the election of the
proprietaries. That his exclusive gubernatorial power might be known and
felt, he proposed to remove Jennings, whom he had appointed his deputy,
under his delegated powers, in 1679.
X. The proprietaries, in General Assembly of the province, in June, 1683,
met this pretension with due firmness and spirit; resolving, that they had
purchased the land and government together ; that, in their deeds, Byllinge,
the grantor, had covenanted, within seven years, to make further assurance
of title, and was now bound, as they were, to fulfil his contracts ; that the
" concessions" were adopted by proprietaries and people, as the foundation
of the government of West New Jersey, by which they were resolved to
stand ; and that " an instrument be drawn up and sent to some trusty friends
in London, for Edward Byllinge to sign and seal ; whereby, to confirm his
first bargain and sale, he made to the fi-eeholders of this province, of land
and government together." They further resolved, that upon such confir-
mation, they were willing to testify their gratitude, as their ability would
permit ; and should Byllinge visit the province, to show their fi'ee and unani-
mous acceptance, and acknowledgments of his care and diligence in the
premises. This subject, it would seem, had been some time under dis-
cussion, before the Assembly was wrought to these resolutions ; and Wil-
liam Penn had recommended that the people should secure themselves, by
the election of Jennings, to the office of Governor, and his promise to exe-
cute the place, with fidelity and diligence, according to the laws, concessions,
and constitutions of the province. This expedient, certainly not flattering to
Byllinge, the Assembly adopted, and proclaimed Jennings governor, by
virtue of the power vested in six parts in seven, of their body, to alter their
constitution ; and they bestowed the right to six hundred acres of land, to
pay the charges of the office. Upon this occasion, the governor, and all the
officers, under the government, signed written engagements, faithfully to
perform their duty.*
power, by Berkeley and Carteret, openly promulgated in their concessions. 2. The
surrender of the government, by Nicholls, the agent of the Duke, to them, after remon-
strance, against such a measure, by that agent. 8. The re-grant of the soil, and the
sufFrance of the resumption of political power, by the Duke, after the conquest, and re-
conquest, by the Dutch; and 4th, the continued and unquestioned exercise of such
power, by Byllinge, and his assigns, and by Carteret, after partition made. These
are facts strangely at variance, with the deeds, and no one can suppose their exist-
ence, against an adverse claim, on the part of the heir apparent to the crown. And it
is not the least singular part of the case, that whilst the Duke claims a partial politi-
cal right, that of laying taxes, he suffers undisturbed, the exercise of independent
governments, in East and West Jersey. We must, therefore, believe, that there was
an implied grant of political power, in the conveyance of the soil, which was too
strongly confirmed by more than twenty years enjoyment, to be defeated. Yet, under
these circumstances, the ready acquiescence of the Duke, in the award of the com-
missioners, is extraordinary, when his love of power, and his tyrannical measures,
against other colonial governments, are considered.
* See Appendix, H.
44 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Subsequently, at an Assembly, convened on the 29th of March, 1684,
Governor Jennings, and Thomas Budd, were deputed to negotiate this matter,
in England; and two hundred pounds were voted for their expenses, which
were advanced by governor Penn, then in Philadelphia; for the repayment
of which, three thousand acres of land, were appropriated, above the falls of
the Delaware. Upon his departure, Jennings nominated Thomas Clive, his
deputy, who was duly elected governor, in May, 1684, and May, 1685.
These measures, on the part of the Assembly, seem to have been attended
with the desired effect. A new charter, the precise nature of which, we are left
to conjecture, was given by Byllingc, and deposited by the Assembly, in the
custody of Clive and Gardiner, their treasurer, and directed to be recorded.
This instrument, probably, restored the government to the footing of the
"concessions;" and John Skeinc was received as the deputy governor, of
Byllinge, although tlie Assembly had, before, rejected Welsh, who had been
appointed to the office. Skeine died in February, 1688.*
XI. Upon the death of Byllinge, in 1687, Dr. Daniel Coxe, of London,
already a large proprietary, at the instance of other proprietaries, purchased
the interest of Byllinge's heirs, in the soil and government. Soon after,
(September 6, 1687) he addressed a letter to the council of proprietors in
New Jersey, communicating this matter, and reviving the repudiated claim
of Byllinge; declaring, "that the government of the province was legally
in him, as that of Pennsylvania in Penn, or East Jersey in the proprieta-
ries; and that he was resolved, by the assistance of Almighty God, to exer-
cise the jurisdiction to him conveyed, with all integrity, faith, fulness,
and diligence, for the benefit and welfare of those, over whom, Divine Pro-
vidence had constituted him superintendent, or chief overseer. But as he
confirmed the " concessions," and thereby, in fact, transferred, as Jennings
had done, the full right of government, to the proprietors, jointly, his naked
assertion of exclusive right, appears to have excited no uneasiness in the
province. Smith informs us, that, Coxe received the appointment of governor
from the proprietaries, and continued in that station until the year 1690;
that, in the interval, Edward Plunloke was, at one time, his deputy ; and
that a like commission had been sent to John Tatham, who, being a Jacobite,
was rejected by the Assembly. In 1691, Dr. Coxe conveyed the government
to a company of proprietaries, called the West Jersey Society, in considera-
tion of nine thousand pounds sterling, who, in 1692, appointed Andrew Ha-
milton governor. This view of the governmental question, has carried us
in advance of other portions of our subject, to which we now return.
XII. West Jersey, .now filled apace with inhabitants; the greater portion
of whom were Quakers. Jennings convened the first Assembly, on 25th
November, 1681. This body enacted ccvhun fundamental const i hit ions,
and many laws. Pursuing the spirit of the " concessions," they, in the first,
provided, for the annual election and meeting of the Assembly ; the obliga-
tion of the laws by them enacted; the appointment and removal by them, of
all ofiicers of trust; that no tax or custom should continue longer than one
year ; and that no one should be incapable of office, by reason of his faith
and worship. They prohibited the governor and council, from enacting
laws, laying any tax, sending ambassadors, or making treaties, and from
proroguing or dissolving that house; and declared, that, upon Jennings'
acceptance of these conditions, they would recognise him as de|)uty go-
vernor. These " constitutions were duly signed by Samuel Jennings, de-
puty governor, and Thomas Clive, speaker. It would be difilcult to find
" The salary of Clive wa» thirty ])nuncl3; of Skoino, thirty biinhols of rye, beside
liis fees.
^ft:
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 45
any instrument, in representative government, more democratic, or more
liberal, in matters of religious faith. Not even belief in the Deity, was neces-
sary to human equality, whilst the constitution of the state of New Jersey,
excludes from office all who do not profess belief in the faith of some Pro-
testant sect.
Thirty-six acts embraced, and enforced, most of the provisions of the
"concessions." Among them, however, was one authorizing the levy of two
hundred pounds, " in coin, or skins, or money,'''' for defraying public debts
and other public charges of the province. For this great sum, " Thomas
Budd and Thomas Gardiner, were appointed receivers-general, with power
to constitute and appoint all inferior or sub-collectors, or otherwise, for the
best and easiest way of raising the amount, throughout the province of West
Jersey." Another enacted, that, if any person shall presmxie to offer affront
to the public authority, or any officiating in that capacity, he shall be punish-
ed and fined at the discretion of the court — an offence certainly indefinite,
and a latitude of punishment, which, in some governments, would have been
very alarming. A third, which was, however, soon after repealed, raised the
value of the current coin fifty per cent.: a fourth, directed the making of a
highway from Burlington to Salem; and two others, appropriated twenty
pounds to the governor, and five to the speaker, for their services. But
among the most meritorious, was that imposing a heavy penalty upon the
sale of strong liquors to the Indians.
At the next session, holden in May, 1682, the Assembly authorized each
of the ten proprietaries, to dispose of five hundred acres of land, within their
respective tenths, for defraying the public expenses, in such tenth : made the
half-pence, coined by one Mark Newbie, a member of council, and called
Patrick's half-pence, current coin of the province; with condition, however,
that no one should be obliged to receive more than five shillings of it, in one
payment: established Burlington and Salem as ports: empowered justices to
solemnize marriages on fourteen days notice, and consent of parents : direct-
ed ten bushels of corn, necessary apparel, two horses, and one axe, to be
given, as freedom dues, to servants : subjected land to the payment of debts ;
prohibited the imprisonment of debtors, surrendering their estates; and de-
clared the town of Burlington, the chief city of the province.
At the next session, May, 1683, some modification of the fundamental
laws was made. The governor and coimcil, were empowered to prepai-e
bills for laws, promulgating them, twenty days, in the most public place of
the province, before the meeting of the General Assembly. The governor,
council, and Assembly, met together, were declared the General Assembly;
who might affirm, or deny, bills so prepared; and of this Assembly, the go-
vernor was declared speaker, with a double voice. During the recess of the
Assembly, the government of the state, was lodged with the governor and
council.
We have already noticed the proceedings of the Assembly, in relation to
the claim of Byllinge ; beside which, there were no subjects of interest, in
the history of the succeeding decade of years. The planters appeared to
have pursued, undisturbed, the noiseless tenor of prosperity. Some efforts,
however, were made during this period, by the proprietaries of East and
West Jersey, for running the line between their provinces. But of this
vexed and still unsettled question, we shall treat fully, in our exposition of
the land system of the state.
XIII. In 1693, however, the religious toleration, granted bv the laws, was
somewhat restricted by an act, which, though declaring that conscientious
scruples, against taking oaths, should not incapacitate for office, required from
the incumbent, a declaration of fidelity to the King, renunciation of popery
nr
46 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and the following profession of the Christian faith : I, A B, profess faith
in God, the Father, and Jksus Curist his eternal Son, the true Gob,
and in the Holy Spirit, one God blessed for ever more ; and do acknow-
ledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and Neio Testament, to he given by
divine inspiration.*
* Can this be deemed a confession of faith, by Quakers? The question derives
great interest from the wide schism, at this time existing in the society of Friends, in
which the two parties, alike, claim to hold the original faith; one professing that in
the text — the other, belief in the unity of the Deity, the humanity of Christ, with a
modified view of divine inspiration in the Scriptures. Upon the true solution of the
original faith of the Quakers, much property, and a greater value, (if I may thus ex-
press myself,) in sentiment, at this moment depends. It is said, that no formal decla-
ration of the Quaker faith, is to be found in the records of the society; and courts of
justice have been compelled to seek it, in the partial, equivocal, and unsatisfactory
declarations of esteemed preachers, and polemical writers. The best evidence which
the nature of the subject admits, is the formal declaration of faith, by the yearly meet-
ing. But an attempt of this kind was one of the immediate causes of the present
division. The next best evidence, would be a declaration of faith, by a body of Qua-
kers, at a period when no division existed, among the sect, and when an attempt to
force a declaration of faith upon them, would have been resisted, as firmly, to say the
least, as at any time, since the ministry of Fox. Was the Assembly of West New
Jersey, of the year 1(39G, such a body .^ If it was, their declaration of " Tlie Christian
Faith," is entitled to profound respect and unlimited confidence; having been made
when the zeal of the church was most lively, during the life of many of its dis-
tinguished primitive apostles, such as Barclay and Penn, and within seven years after
the death of its founder, George Fox. This Assembly consisted of about fifty mem-
bers. It is perhaps impossible, at this day, to declare that every member was a Quaker.
This, however, is probable, since the Quakers composed vastly the greater proportion
of the population. It is certain, however, that the majority of the Assembly were
Friends, and might, therefore, have arrested the promulgation of this creed. That
they would have done so, cannot be doubted, had it not been their faith; for they
came to the province, that they might enjoy that faith, without molestation. They
had purciiased the soil, and the government, that they might live under laws of their
own enactment. But this act, had it declared a faith different from that, which the
Quakers professed, would have disqualified them from participating in the govern-
ment, and would have placed them at the mercy of the very few Swedes and Dutch,
who were in the province. We are, therefore, constrained to believe, that this statu-
tory confession of faith, was the faith of the Quaker church. — See Learning and Spicer's
Collection, p. 514. — ind see the jlct, in the Appendix, I.
The confession of faith set fortli in the New Jersey act of 1693, is copied in words,
from the English toleration act, passed in 16H'.), (1 William and Mary). The follow-
ing account of which, is given l)y George Whitehead. — Works, page G35. " Yet to
prevent any such (Friends) from being stumbled or ensnared, by some expressions in
the aforesaid profession or creed, (which appeared imscriptural,) in the said Bill, we,
instead thereof, did propose and humbly offer, as our own real belief of the Deity of
the Father, Son and Holy Ghost;" — the form we have given in the text. " Which
declaration," he continues, " John Vaughton and I, delivered to Sir Thomas Clergis,
who, with some others, were desirous we should give in such confession, of our Chris-
tian belief, that we might not lie under the unjust imputation of being no Christians,
and thereby be deprived of the benefit of the intended law, for our religious liberty.
We were, therefore, of necessity, put upon offering the said confession, it being, also,
our known professed principle, sincerely to confess Christ, the Son of the living God,
his divinity, and that he is the eternal Word, and that the Three which bear record in
heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, are one; one divine Being, one
God, blessed forever."
In what sense the words of this confession were accepted, by Friends, it would, per-
haps, be difficult to say. They were, probably, understood by the framers of the
toleration act, to be equivalent to the belief in the Trinity, as expressed by the Church
of England. But this sense, if not denied, is certainly not conceded by the Quaker
writers, generally, who, in relation to this mysterious subject, express themselves with
great mystery, and allege that they take up tlie doctrine as expressly laid down in
the Scripture, and are not warranted in making deductions, however specious. It
has been supposed, too, that in framing this confession of faith, an outward con-
formity to the requisition of Parliament, only, was designed : and that every Friend
was at perfect liberty to construe the words of his confession, in such sense as the
spirit within him should direct. If so, we have advanced notliing in determining
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 47
XIV. By the deed of partition of July, 1676, Sir George Carteret became
seized of East New Jersey, in severalty. By his testament, December 5th,
1678, he named his wife, Elizabeth, his executrix, and guardian of his heir;
and devised the province to trustees, to be sold for payment of his debts.*
He died in the following year, but his death made no change in the govern-
ment, which continued to be administered by his brother Philip, until about
the end of the year 1681, or beginning of 1682, when he was superseded by
the transfer of the province to other proprietaries.
XV. The latter part of his administration, was embittered by the revival
of the disputes which had once rendered him a fugitive from his govei-nment,
and by the unjust and violent assumption of authority, over his province, by
the profligate Andross, governor of New York. The pretension of this ready
tool of despotism, was sustained by that portion of the inhabitants, who had
derived their land titles through governor Nicholls, from the Duke, and who
believed that his Grace would render valid their advantageous purchases
from the Indians. Andross seems, first, formally, to have disputed the right
of Carteret, in March, 1680, when, by proclamation, he claimed the submis-
sion of the inhabitants for the Duke of York. Threats of invasion followed;
to resist which, Carteret prepared his military force, amounting to one hun-
dred and fifty men. Andross, however, visited Elizabethtown, attended by
a civil suite, only, where he ostentatiously displayed the Duke's title, and his
own commission ; and, utterly disregarding his master's double grant to Sir
George Carteret, demanded the recognition of his authority. This being re-
fused, he retired ; but soon after, April 31 , 1680, despatched a party of soldiers,
who rudely dragged Carteret from his bed, and conveyed him, prisoner, to
New York, where he was tried, upon the information of the attorney-general,
with having riotously and routously, with force of arms, endeavoured to
maintain and exercise jurisdiction and government over his Majesty's sub-
jects, within the bounds of his Majesty's letters patent, granted to his Royal
Highness. In despite of the efforts of Andross, who presided at the trial, the
jury, though several times sent out by him, magnanimously acquitted the
prisoner. The court, however, adjudged, that if Carteret returned to New
Jersey, he should engage not to assume any authority there.
Andross met an Assembly at Elizabethtown, on the 2d June, 1680, where
he again exhibited the documents of his authority, together with a copy of
the laws enacted at New York, which he proposed as the rule of action for
New Jersey. Although the Assembly were indisposed, or dreaded, to ques-
tion the authority of the Duke, they were not unregardful of their rights, nor
backward in proclaiming them. They replied, " As we are the representa-
tives of the freeholders of this province, we dare not grant his Majesty's let-
ters patent, though under the great seal of England, to be our rule or joint
safety ; for the great charter of England, alias, magna charta, is the only
rule, privilege, and joint safety of every free born Englishman. What we
have formerly done, we did in obedience to the authority that was then esta-
blished in this province, and that being done according to law, they needed
no confirmation." They declared, also, their expectation, that, the privileges
granted them, by virtue of the concessions of Lord Berkeley and Sir George
Carteret, would be confirmed to them ; and they re-enacted former laws, and
demanded their approval.
the faith of Friends, since they have adopted the remainder of the Scriptures, giving
to them, in many cases, a meaning widely different from that assigned by Orthodox
Christians.
* The trustees were John Earl of Sandwich, John Earl of Bath. Bernard Granville,
brother of the latter, Sir Thomas Crew, Sir Thomas Atkins, and his brother, Edward
Atkins.
48 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Complaints against the proceedings of Andross were despatched to Eng-
land with an appeal to the King. The Duke disavowed the acts of his
minion, yet no instructions appear to have been given to rescind them. For,
after the departure of Andross, for England, Captain Brochholts, his substi-
tute, maintained his assumption, refusing to recognise the authority of Carte-
ret, until he exhibited a new commission, notwithstanding the Assembly of
New Jersey had declared the conduct of Andross illegal. No further forci-
ble effort, however, was made to control the province; the Duke having,
in truth, agreed to confirm his former grants with the right of government;
and, soon after, by release of this contested power, terminated these troubles.
Disgusted by these contentions, and perceiving that they were not likely to
derive either emolument or satisfaction, from their province, the trustees and
executrix of Sir C4eorge Carteret, offered it for sale to the highest bidder.*
XVI. The sessions of the Assembly, during the administration of Carteret,
were commonly holden at Elizabethtown, frequently at Woodbridge, and
sometimes at Middletown and Piscataway.f Many laws were enacted
during this period, but most of them were local or ephemeral in their cha-
racter. Those of a more general nature, provided; That, contemners of
authority should be punished by fine, or corporal infliction, at the discretion
of the court: that males above sixteen, and under sixty, years of age, failing
to fui-nish themselves with arms, should be fined, two shillings per week, for
neglect : that, one guilty of arson, should repair the injury done, and in case
of inability so to do, be, at the mercy of the court, condemned to death or
other corporal punishment: that, murder, false witness, with design to take
away life, crimes against nature, witchcraft, stealing away any mankind^
should be punished by death ; burglary or highway robbery, the first offence
with burning in the hand, the second in the forehead, and in both cases,
with restitution ; and the third offence with death : larcenj^, the first offence
by treble restitution ; and so the second and third, with such increase of
punishment, even unto death, as the coiu't might direct, if the offender were
incorrigible ; otherwise, and if unable to make restitution, to be sold for
satisfaction, or to receive corporal punishment : conspiracies or attacks upon
towns or forts, smiting or cursing of parents, unless in self defence, upon
complaint of the parent, were also subjected to the penalty of death : rape
was punishable with death, or otherwise, severely, at the discretion of the
court ; fornication, with marriage, fine, or corporal punishment ; adultery,
with divorce, corporal punishment, or banishment, either, or all of them, as
circumstances should determine the mind of the judge; night walking and
mvelling, after nine o'clock, with arrest, and punishment, at the discretion
of the court : — That, the memh(;i-s of Assembly should be chosen on the
first of January, and their sessions be holden on the first Tuesday in Novem-
ber, annually, or oftencr, if the governor and council should deem neces-
sary: that, no marriage should be had without the consent of parent, guar-
dian, or master, as the case might require, unless upon notice, thrice
publisluid, at some meeting or kirk, near the parties' abode, or set up in
writing, at some public house, for fourteen days previous; nor then, unless
solemnized by some approved minister, justice, or chief officer, who was
forbidden, under penalty of twenty pounds, and dismission from office, to
marry any, who had not fulfilled these requisitions.
XVII. In comparing the laws of East and West Jersey, we are much
struck with the difference of the spirit which dictated them. The genius of
Calvinism, which rules by terror, and the ever suspended sword, in this and
* Grahames Col. Hist. vol. ii. 350. See Appendix K.
t The first Assembly was holden 26th May, 1668, at Elizabethtown.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 49
in the future world, is strongly impressed upon the one, whilst a prudent
I'eserve in naming crimes, and a humane forbearance in their punishment,
characterize the other. The ancient lawgivers prescribed no punishment
for parricide, deeming the offence impossible; — the Quaker legislators, had
no enactment against arson — no prescribed punishment for murder or trea-
son, and other heinous offences ; and yet, during four-and-twenty years, of
their administration, no instance of such crimes was known within their
territories. In East Jersey, there were thirteen classes of offences, against
which, the penalty of death was denounced ; and amongst these, were sim-
ple larcenies, and the impossible crime of witchcraft ; whilst in West Jersey,
such punishment was unknown to the law. The sentence, and mode of its
execution, in cases of treason and murder, were by the " Concessions," com-
mitted to the Assembly ; but that body never prescribed a general rule, nor
had occasion to apply their powers to a special case. The legislators of
West Jersey, in injuries of every kind, sought reparation, and the reclama-
tion of the offender. Thus, the spoiler of property was condemned, in all
cases, to make a fourfold restitution, and to suffer imprisonment at labour;
and the perpetrator of personal injuries, might be pardoned by the sufferer.
In all cases, mercy presided over the justice-scat. But in East Jersey, the
great object of the law seems to have been vengeance. Like to Draco, the
legislator deemed small crimes worthy of death, and could find no severer
punishment for the greatest. But, though from the enactments against
witchcraft, the progress of intellectual light seemed less in East, than in West
Jersey, there was an earnest care for the instruction of the people. This
was particularly evident in an act, of 1693, providing, that, the inhabitants of
any town might, by warrant from a justice, elect three men to establish and
levy a rate for the maintenance of a schoolmaster, payment of which, might
be enforced by distress. Upon the whole, we may remark, that, though the
legislators of East and West Jersey, drew their principles from the same
volume, they were from different sources ; the first were oppressed, enslaved,
by the vengeful God, who prescribed the Levitical law ; the others sought
and found, a well regulated freedom, in the merciful monitions of a Re-
deemer.
In East Jersey there was no law for the public support of religion ; yet,
every township maintained its church and its minister. The people, by the
testimony of the first deputy of the Quaker sovereigns, " were, generally,
a sober, professing people, wise in their generation, courteous in their beha-
viour, and respectful to those in office." And Gawn Lawrie, the second
deputy, assures us, " that there was not, in all the province, a poor body, or
that wants."* Relying on this view, we might impute the dissentions which
had prevailed, to the injudicious conduct of the government. But there is
reason to believe, that, the blame of these dissentions is chargeable, in a con-
siderable degree, upon the people. A headstrong and turbulent disposition
appears to have prevailed among some classes, at least, of the inhabitants :
various riots and disturbances broke forth, even under the new government,
and the utmost patience of the rulers, were necessary to govern them. A
law, enacted about four years after this period, reprobates the frequent oc-
currence of quarrels and challenges, and interdicts the inhabitants from
wearing swords, pistols, or daggers-f
* " The servants work not so much," says Lawrie, " by a third, as they do in Eng-
land, and I think, feed much better; for they have beef, pork, bacon, pudding, milk,
butter, and good beer and cider to drink. Wlien they are out of their time, they have
land for themselves, and generally turn fanners. Servants' wages are not under two
shillings a day, besides victuals." S. Smith, p. 117, 181.
1 Smith, pp. 162, 163, 160. 17J, 175, &c. Grahames Col. Hist.
G
50 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER IV.
From the Purchase of East Jersey, by the Quakers, to the Surrender of the two
Provinces to tlio Crown, 1682-1702. — I. Purchase of East Jersey by Penn and
his Associates. — They admit others, not Quakers, to participate in the Purchase.
— II. Robert Barclay appointed Governor lor Life — Scotch Emigrants — Deputy
Governors — Foundation of Amboy — Vain Efforts at Commerce. — III. Efforts of
James If. to destroy Colonial Charter — Defeated by the Revolution. — IV. An-
drew Hamilton, Deputy Governor — Death of Robert Barclay — Interregnum —
Andrew Hamilton, Governor-in-Chief — Superseded by Jeremiah Basse — Re-
appointed— Discontent of the Colonists. — V. Attempt of New York to tax the
Colony. — VI. Proposition from the English Ministers for the Surrender of the
Proprietary Governments — Negotiations relating thereto. — VII. Final and un-
conditional Surrender — Lord Cornbury appointed Governor — Outline of the new
Government. — VIII. Stationary Condition of New Jersey — Causes thereof. —
IX. Condition of the Aborigines — Purchases of their Lands — Traditions of their
Origin — Tribes most noted in New Jersey — Treaty at Crosswicks — at Burlington
and Easton — Final Extinction of Indian Title to the Soil of New Jersey. —
X. Review of the Title under the Proprietaries of East Jersey. — XI. Review of
Title of Proprietaries of West Jersey. — XII. Of the Partition Line between East
and West Jersey.
I. The success of their experiment in West Jersey, encouraged the Qua-
kers of Great Britain, to avail themselves of the opportunity, that was now
afforded, in the proposition for the sale of East Jersey, of enlarging the
sphere of their enterprise, by the acquisition of that province. In February,
1682, William Penn, with eleven others of his religious faith,* purchased
the colony from the devisees of Sir George Carteret. This territory, then,
contained about live thousand inhabitants, the great majority of whom were
not Quakers. There wore populous settlements at Shrewsbury, Middle-
town, upon tlie Raritan and Millstone rivers; at Piscataway, Woodbridge,
and Elizabethtown ; at Newark, and upon the banks of the Passaic and
Hackensack rivers; at Bergen, and along the bay and bank of the Flud-
son. Whether to allay the jealousy, with which, the inhabitants might
have regarded a government, wholly composed of men whose principles dif-
fered greatly from their own, or for the purpose of fortifying their interest at
court, by associating influential men with their enterprise, the twelve pur-
chasers hastened to assume twelve other partners, among whom were the
Earl of Perth, Chancellor of Scotland, and Lord Drummond, of Gilston,
Secretary of State for that kingdom.f In favour of the twenty-four, the
Duke of York executed his third and last grant of East Jersey, 14th March,
* The associates of Penn were Robert West, Thomas Rudyard, Samuel Groome,
Thomas Hart, Richard Mew, Thomas Wilcox. Ambrose Rigg, Hugh Hartshorne,
Clement Phiinstend, Tiiomas Cooper, and John Hay ward.
t The iKuiies of the additional twelve, were James, Earl of Perth, Sir George
M'Kcnzie, John Dnuamond, Robert Barclay, David Barclay, Robert Gordon, Robert
Burnett, Potor Sonmans, James Braine, Gawen Turner, Tiiomas Nairne, Thomas
Cox, and Willi;im Dockwra.
t From the dedication of Scott's model of East Jersey, it appears that Viscount
Tarbet and Lord M-Leod, two other powerful Scotch nobles, became, shortly after,
proprietaries. Sir George M'Kcnzie, Lord Advocate of Scotland, whom his cotem-
poraries justly denominated, the bloody M'Kenxie, was infamously distinguished as
a witness for the crown, on the trial of Lord RussoW. — GndKunc's Col. Hist. vol. ii.
p. 351. n.
f Grahame's Col. Hist.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 51
1682, with full powers of government. To facilitate the exercise of their
dominion, they, also, obtained from the King, a royal letter, addressed to the
governor, council, and inhabitants of the province, stating, the title of the
purchasers to the soil and jurisdiction, and requiring due obedience to their
government.*
Among the new proprietaries of East Jersey, was the celebrated Robert
Barclay, of Uric, a Scottish gentleman, who had been converted to Quaker-
ism, and, in delence of his adopted principles, had published a series of
works, which elevated his name, and his cause, in the esteem of all Europe.
Admired by scholars and philosophers, for the stretch of his learning, and
the strength and subtlety of his understanding, he was endeared to the mem-
bers of his religious fraternity, by the liveliness of his zeal, the excellence of
his character, and the services which his pen had rendered to them. To the
King and the Duke of York, he was recommended, not less by his distin-
guished fame, than by the principles of passive obedience, professed by the
sect of which he was leader ; and with the royal brothers, as well as with
some of the most distinguished of their Scottish favourites and ministers, he
maintained a friendly and confidential intercourse. Inexplicable, as to
many, such a coalition of uncongenial characters may appear, it seems, at
least, as strange a moral phenomenon, to behold Barclay and Penn, the vo-
taries of universal toleration and philanthropy, voluntarily associating, in
their labours, for the education and happiness of an infant community, such
instruments as Lord Perth, and other abettors of royal tyranny and eccle-
siastical persecution, in Scotland. f
II. By the unanimous choice of his colleagues, Robert Barclay was ap-
pointed, for life, first governor of East Jersey, under the new proprietary
administration, with dispensation from personal residence, and authority to
nominate his deputy. The most beneficial event of his presidency, was the
emigration of many of his countrymen, the Scotch, to the province; a mea-
sure, eflected, it is said, with much difficulty and importunitv. For, although
the great bulk of the nation was sullering the rigours of tyranny, for their
resistance to the establishment of prelacy, they were reluctant to seek relief
in exile from their native land. The influence of Barclay and other Scotch
Quakers, however, co-operated with the severities of Lord Perth, and the
other royal ministers, to induce many, particularly, from Aberdeen, the
governor's native county, to seek this asylum. In order to instruct the
Scotch, more generally, of the condition of the colony, and to invite them to
remove thither, an historical and statistical account of it was published, with
a preliminary treatise, combatting the prevailing objection to expatriation.
This work was, probably, composed, in part, by Barclay ; but was ascribed
to George Scott, of Pitlochie, and was eminently successful.:]: As a farther
recommendation of the province, to the favour of the Scotch, Barclay, sub-
sequently, displaced Lawrie, a Quaker, whom he had appointed deputy, and
conferred this office on Lord Neil Campbell, uncle of the Marquis of Argyle,
who resided some time in the province as its lieutenant governor.^ The
* Learning and Spicer's Col. Grahame, vol. ii. p. 351.
t Grahame's Col. Hist. vol. ii. p. 354. See Appendix, L.
t It bore the title of The Model of the Government of the Province of East New
Jersey, in America, and contains a minute account of the climate, soil, institutions,
and settlements of the province. See Appendix, M.
§ Grahame's Col. Hist. vol. ii. p. 358. Oldmixon and Smith concur, in relating
that Lord Neil Campbell succeeded Barclay as gorcrnor. But this seems an error of
Oldmixon, which Smith has incautiously copied; for, from a document, preserved by
Smith himself, (p. 196) Barclay, in 1688, as governor of East Jersey, subscribed an
agreement of partition between it and West Jersey.
52 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
more wealthy of the Scotch emigrants, were noted for bringing with them a
great number of servants, and in some instances, for transporting whole
families of poor labourers, whom they established on their lands, for a term
of years, endowing them with competoi'it stock, and receiving in return, one
half of the agricultural produce.
The first Deputy Governor, under Barclay, was Thomas Rudyard, an
attoi'ney of London, noted for his assistance at the trial of Penn and Mead,
who arrived at his government, early in 1683. He was superseded, how-
ever, at the close of the year, by Gawn Lawrie, also of London, who had
been one of Byllinge's trustees, for West Jersey. The efforts of Rudyard,
of Samuel Groome, who was the surveyor of the proprietaries, and of Law-
rie, were strenuously directed to create a city, at Amboy Point; a plan for
which, the proprietaries had published, with an invitation to adventurers.
They laid the ground out in lots, with out-lots, or small farms, appendant to
them, put up houses on account of the proprietaries, in order to entice settlers,
and proclaimed the advantages of its situation, in England and America.
The town at first called Ambo, the Indian name for point, received soon
after, the addition of Perth, in honour of the Earl, and was thenceforth
known, as Perth Amboy. The endeavours of the proprietaries, in this re-
spect, were crowned with very partial success ; nor were their equally ear-
nest efforts to establish foreign trade with their city, more happy. New
York possessed, in her more advantageous position, and greater capital, the
means of suppressing all rivalry, to which her governors did not hesitate to add
force; seizing, in the very port of Amboy, vessels engaged in foreign trade,
carrying them to New York, for adjudication, upon alleged breach of com-
mercial regulations.
The new proprietaries do not appear to have deemed any modification of
the civil polity of the country necessary. In their description of the pro-
vince, they commended the concessions of Berkeley and Carteret, and pro-
mised to make such additions to them as might be found necessary. Their
administration for several years seems to have been satisfactory to the in-
habitants; and with some inconsiderable exception, the discord arising from
opposing titles, was stilled.
III. But James II., who had now ascended the throne,* had little respect
for the engagements of the Duke of York. Nor could his seeming friend-
ship for Barclay, nor the influence of the Earl of Perth, and the other cour-
tier proprietors, deter him from involving New Jersey in the design he had
formed of annulling all the charters and constitutions of the American colo-
nies. A real or pretended complaint was preferred to the English court,
against the inhabitants of the Jerseys, for evasion of custom-house duties.
The ministers, eagerly seizing this pretext, issued writs of <pio warrantOj
against both East and W^est Jersey; and directed the Attorney-General to
prosecute them with the greatest possible expedition. The reason assigned
for this proceeding, was, the necessity of checking the pretended abuses " in
a country, which ought to be more dependent upon his majesty." Aroused
by this blow, the proprietaries of East Jersey presented a remonstrance to
the King; reminding him, that, they had not received tlieir province as a
benevolence, but had purchased it, at the price of many thousand pounds, to
which they had been encouraged, by his assurances of protection ; that they
had already scut thither several hundreds of the pc>ople from Scotland; and
that, if satisfactory, they would propose to the New Jersey Assembly, to
impose the same taxes there, that were paid by the people of New York.
They entreated, that il" any change should be made in the condition of the
* On the death of Charles IT, nth February, 1Ca5.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 53
provinces, it might be, by the union of East and West Jersey, to be ruled by
a governor, selected by the King from the proprietaries. But James was
inexorable, and gave to their remonstrances no other answer, than that he
had resolved to unite the Jerseys, New York, and the New England colo-
nies, in one government, dependent upon the crown, and to be administered
by Andross. Unable to divert him from his arbitrary purpose, the proprie-
taries of East Jersey, not only abandoned the contest, for the privileges of
their people, but consented to facilitate the execution of the King's designs,
as the price of respect, for their interest in the soil. They made a formal
surrender of their patent, which being accepted by the King, the proceed-
ings on the quo warranto were stayed, with regard both to East and West
Jersey.* Seeing no resistance to his will, the King was less intent on con-
summating his acquisition ;' and while the grant of the soil to the proprieta-
ries, which was necessary for this purpose, still remained unexecuted, the
completion of the design was abruptly intercepted by the British revo-
lution.
IV. Upon the departure of Lord Neil Campbell, from Jersey, after a few
months residence only,f Andrew Hamilton, Esq., a respectable Scotch gen-
tleman, became Deputy Governor; which office he continued to exercise,
until June, 1689, when, by his return to Europe, it was vacated, and so re-
mained, until his second arrival, in August, 1692. During this interval,
there appears to have been no regular government in New Jersey. The
peace of the country was preserved, and the prosperity of its inhabitants
promoted, by their honesty, sobriety, and industry. In the mean time,
Robert Barclay died ; X having retained the government in chief, during his
life. At his death, this power reverted to the proprietaries; who having, by
sales and subdivisions of their rights, become too numerous, readily to ex-
press their will, some delay occurred in filling the vacancy. In March,
1692, Andrew Hamilton, received the commission of Governor-in-chief;
which, the proprietaries were, nevertheless, compelled, very reluctantly,
to revoke in March, 1697, in consequence of a late act of parliament,
disabling all Scotchmen, from serving in places of public trust and profit,
and obliging all colonial proprietors to present their respective governors to
the King, for his approbation. In his place, they appointed Jeremiah Basse,
M'ho arrived in the province, in May, 1698 ; but, who, though instructed by the
ministers of the King, had not the royal approbation in the form prescribed,
nor it seems, the voice of a majority of the proprietaries. These circum-
stances, added to the hostility borne to the proprietary government, by such
of the settlers, as held their lands by adverse title, occasioned disobedience
to his authority ; to enforce which, he imprisoned some of the most turbulent
malcontents. This energetic measure served but to increase the public dis-
satisfaction; to allay which, Colonel Hamilton was reappointed, notwithstand-
ing the statute, which was now construed, not to extend to the pi'ovinces,
and without the royal sanction. A new pretence for disobedience Avas
thus afforded, which was immediately seized; and a petition and remon-
strance was sent, by the disaffected, to the King, complaining of their griev-
ances, and praying redress. This document betrayed the source of these
commotions to be the claims of the proprietors to the exclusive possession of
the soil under the Duke of York's grants, their demand of quit-rents, and
repudiation of the title alleged to have been derived from Indian grants and
the approbation of Colonel Nicholls. The petitioners close their remon-
** April, 1688. Smith, App. 558, &c. Grahame's Col. Hist.
M From 10th Oct. 1686, to March, 1687. MSS. Records, Secretary's Office, Amboy.
Smith's Hist. App. 558.
t 3d October, 1690.
54 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
strance, with a prayer, that if the rights of government be in the proprieta-
ries, his Majesty would compel them to commission for governor, some one
qualified by law, who, as an indifferent judge, might decide the controver-
sies, between the proprietaries and the inhabitants.*
V. To these causes of uneasiness, another was at this period superadded, af-
fecting alike, the proprietaries and the people, in the renewed assumption by
New York, of supremacy over New Jersey, manifested in an attempt to levy
taxes by law upon that province. This effort, though encouraged by King
William, was as unsuccessful as those which had preceded it. The Crown
lawyers, to whom the complaint of the Jersey proprietors was referred, re-
ported, that no customs could be imposed on the Jerseys, otherwise, than by
Act of Parliament, or their own assemblies. f
VI. At length, the proprietaries of East and West Jersey, embarrassed by
their own numbers, and by the searching and critical spirit of their people,
finding that their seignoral functions tended only to disturb the peace of their
territories, and to obstruct their own emoluments from the soil, hearkened to an
overture from the English ministers, for the surrender of their gubernatorial
power to the Crown. They were further induced to this measure, by the de-
sire to avoid a tedious and expensive lawsuit, with which they were threatened:
the Lords of Trade having resolved to controvert their rights of Government
by a trial at law, in which they would probably have taken the broad ground,
that the King was not competent to subdivide and alienate the sovereign
power. The determination of the Lords on this head had prevented the con-
firmation of the appointment of Col. Hamilton to the office of Governor of
East and West Jersey, respectively, and such was the confusion in the pro-
vinces, consequent upon this rejection, that many of the proprietaries, whilst
professing their readiness to surrender the government upon such terms and
conditions as were requisite for the preservation of their properties and civil
interests, earnestly prayed that Col. Hamilton might be appi'oved, until the
surrender could be effected.:!^ But, whilst they seemed to make this approba-
tion almost a condition of their surrender, other proprietaries refused to join
in the petition to that effect, though expressing their readiness to yield the
government. Under these circumstances, the Lords of Trade, upon consi-
deration, that, the disorders into which the province had fallen were so great,
that, the public peace and administration of justice was interrupted and violated,
and that no due provision could be made for the public defence, recommend-
ed that his Majesty should appoint a Governor by his immediate commission,
with such instructions as might be necessary, for the establishment of a
regular constitution of government, by a Governor, Council, and General
Assembly, and other officers; for securing to the proprietors and inhabit-
ants, their properties, and civil rights; and for preventing the interference
of the Colony with the interests of his Majesty's other plantations, as the pro-
prietary governments in America had generally done.
VII. The proprietaries were desirous to annex special conditions to their
surrender, which they inserted in several memorials. It was finally, however,
made, absolutely and unrestricted, by all parties interested in both provinces,
before the privy council, on the 17th of April, 1702; and Queen Anne pro-
ceeded forthwith to reunite East and West Jersey into one province, and to
commit its government, as well as that of New York, to her kinsman Edward
Hyde, Lord Cornbury, grandson of the chancellor, Earl ol' Clarendon. The
commission and instructions which tliis nobleman received, formed the con-
* Smith's Hist. App. nfiO. t Grahame's Col. Hist. vol. ii. p. 361.
t Smith's N. J. App. N... 12,13.14.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 55
stitution and government of the province, until its declaration of independence.
The confidence of the proprietaries in the crown, exemplified by the uncon-
ditional surrender, was not misplaced. The greater part of the provisions they
were desirous to obtain, were inserted in the instructions, which were sub-
mitted to, and approved by, them, before confirmation in council. Indeed, so
much regard was paid to their wishes, that they might have nominated the
first governor, could they have united on any individual. All the measures
preparatory to the surrender, had been completed prior to the death of King
William,* but were not perfected until nearly a year after that monarch's
death, by his successor Anne.
The new government was composed of the governor, and twelve coun-
sellors, nominated by the crown, and an Assembly, of twenty-four mem-
bers, to be elected by the people, for an indefinite term, whose sessions
were to be holden, alternately, at Perth Amboy, and Burlington.t Five, or
in case of necessity, three members of council made a quoriun ; and they pos-
sessed the right to debate and vote on all subjects of public concern brought be-
fore them. Their number was neither to be augmented nor diminished, nor any
member to be suspended, without sufficient cause, when report was to be made
to the commissioners of trade and plantations. The Assembly was constituted
of two members from Amboy, two from Burlington, two from Salem, and two
from each of the nine counties, into which the whole province was then di-
vided.:}: No person was eligible to the Assembly, who did not possess a free-
hold in one thousand acres of land, within the division for which he was
chosen, or personal estate to the value of five hundred pounds sterling ; and
the qualification of an elector was a freehold estate in one hundred acres of
land, or personal estate to the value of fifty pounds sterling. The house was
to be convened by the governor from time to time, as occasion might require,
and to be prorogued, or dissolved at his pleasure. The laws enacted by the
council and Assembly were subject to the negative of the governor; and when
passed by him, were to be immediately transmitted to England, for confirma-
tion or disallowance by the crown. The governor was empowered to suspend
members of council from their functions, and to fill vacancies occurring by
death; and with consent of this body, to constitute courts of law, but not other
than those established, except by royal order; to appoint all civil and military
officers, and to employ the forces of the province in hostilities against public
enemies : He was commanded to communicate to the Assembly, the royal
desire, that, they would provide means, for a competent salary to the governor,
to themselves, to the members of councils, and for defraying all other pro-
vincial expenses: He was empowered, with advice and consent of council,
to regulate salaries and fees of officers, and such as were payable on emer-
gencies : He was directed to have especial care, that God Almighty be de-
voutly and duly served, the book of common-prayer, as by law established,
read each Sunday and holiday, and the sacrament administered, according to
the rights of the church of England ; that churches already built, should be
well and orderly kept; that more should be built, as the colony improved, and
that beside, a competent maintenance to be assigned to the minister of each
orthodox church, a convenient house should be built at the common charge,
for each minister, and a competent propoi'tion of land, granted him for a glebe,
and exercise of his industry; and that the parishes be so limited, as should be
most convenient for the accomplishment of this good work : He was to jier-
mit liberty of conscience to all persons (except papists), so they be contented
* March 8, 1701. t Sec note N.
t Bergep, Esaex, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Burlington, Gloucester, Salem,
Cape May.
56 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
with a quiet and peaceable enjoyment thereof, not giving offence or scandal
to the government : and he was vested with the right of presentation to all
ecclesiastical benefices.
If, on the death or absence of the governor, there were no lieutenant go-
vernor commissioned, the eldest counsellor, nominated by the crown, exer-
cised his powers.
Quakers were declared to be eligible to every office, and their affirmation
accepted in lieu of oaths.
Due encouragement was directed to be given to merchants, and, particu-
larly, to the Royal African Company, in England, lately established for pro-
secuting the accursed slave trade, and special care to be taken that they
were duly paid for the negroes they should import and vend in the province.
Laws were also to be enacted, protecting the slave against inhuman severity,
promoting his conversion to Christianity, and punishing his wilful murder,
by death.
From the courts of the province, where the value in controversy exceeded
one hundred pounds, an appeal lay to the governor in council, excluding
such members as might have, previously, sat upon the cause; and where the
value exceeded two hundred pounds, the cause might be carried before the
privy council in England. And,
Predicating, that gi'eat inconveniences might arise by the liberty of print-
ing in the. province; no printing press was permitted, nor any book or other
matter allowed to be printed, without the license of the governor.
The former proprietaries were confirmed in their rights to the soil and
quit-rents, as they had enjoyed them before the surrender, with power to
appoint their surveyors, and the exclusive right to purchase lands from
the Indians.
The constitution thus framed, gave to New Jersey, a polity similar to that of
other royal governments in America ; but it fell far short of the unconti-oUed
political freedom enjoyed under the proprietary concessions. The great and
essential principle of political happiness, the popular will, was deprived of its
energy, and circumscribed in its action, by the subjugation of the Assembly,
in the times of its convention and duration of its sessions, to the pleasure
of the governor; and by the double veto of him and the crown upon the
laws. The means were thus created, not only of marring the most beneficial
measures, when conflicting with the partial interests of the prince or his
deputy ; but when such measures were indifferent to them, of selling their
approbation for selfish considerations. When these consequences of the
surrender were felt, and they were not long delayed, the proprietaries and
people contended by an ingenious, but alas ! by a fallacious reasoning, that,
they had reserved, and by tlie nature of things were entitled to, the ]irivi-
leges of their first and palmy state. Among these privileges, they enume-
rated, absolute religious freedom ; exemption from every species of imposi-
tion, not levied by their Assemblies; the establishment of the judiciary by the
governor, council, and Assembly ; exemption from military duty of those
conscientiously scrupulous against bearing arms ; the solemnization of mar-
riage, as of other contracts, in presence of disinterested witnesses merely ;
the determination of all causes, civil and criminal, by jury, and in criminal
cases, the right of peremptory challenge, to the number of thirty-five; and
the right of the Assembly alone, to enact laws, provided, they were agreea-
ble to the fundamental laws of England, and not repugnant to the conces-
sions. Some of these claims were so entirely inooni|)atiblo with the right of
government, as understood by the crown, that we cannot be surprised that
they were disregarded.
VIII. The attractions which the neighbouring province of Pennsylvania,
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 57
presented to the English Quakers, and the cessation, which the British revo-
lution produced, of the severities that had driven so many Protestant dis-
senters from both England and Scotland, undoubtedly, prevented the popula-
tion of New Jersey from advancing with the rapidity which its increase, at
one period, seemed to promise. Yet, at the close of the seventeenth century,
the province is said to have contained twenty thousand inhabitants, of whom,
twelve thousand belonged to East, and eight thousand to West, Jersey.* It
is more probable, however, that the total population did not exceed fifteen
thousand; the great bulk of whom, were Quakers, Presbyterians, and Ana-
baptists. There were two Church of England ministers in the province, but
their followers were not sufficiently numerous and wealthy to provide them
with churches. The militia, at this period, amounted to fourteen hundred
men. This province, like several others of the continental colonies, witnessed
a long subsistence of varieties of national character among its inhabitants.
Patriotic attachment and mutual convenience, had, generally, induced the
emigrants, from different countries, to settle in distinct bodies, whence their
peculiar national manners and customs were preserved. The Swedes appear
to have been less tenacious of these, than the Dutch, and to have copied,
very early, the manners of the English. The distinction arising too, from
the separation of the province into governments and two proprietaryships,
was long continued, and is now scarce wholly obliterated. Yet, the inhabi-
tants of the eastern and western territories, were strongly assimilated by the
habits of industry and frugality, common to the Dutch, the Scotch, the emi-
grants from New England, and the Quakers ; and the prevalence of these
habits, doubtlessly, contributed to maintain tranquillity and harmony among
the several races, which were alike distinguished by the steadiness and
ardour of their attachment to those liberal principles which had been incor-
porated with the foundations of political society in the province. Negro
slavery was, unhappily, established in New Jersey, though, at what precise
period, or by what class of plantei-s it was introduced, cannot now be ascer-
tained. In spite of the royal patronage which this baneful system received,
it did not become inextricably rooted. Yet the Quakers, here, as in Penn-
sylvania, became propi-ietors of slaves ; but they always treated them with
humanity; and so early as the year 1696, the Quakers of New Jersey,
united with their brethren, in Pennsylvania, in recommending to their own
sect, to desist from the employment, or at least from the further importation
of slaves. f
The trade of the province was even at this time considerable. Its exports
consisted of agricultural produce, among which, mistakenly, we think, rice
has been enumerated, with which it supplied the West Indian islands; furs,
skins, and a little tobacco, for the English market; and oil, fish, and other
provisions, which were sent to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary islands. :j:
Burlington, at this time, gave promise of becoming a place of considerable
trade; and the comfort and neatness of its buildings, are commended by
several writers of this era.§ It possessed a thriving manufactory of linen
and woollen cloth, which was soon smothered by the jealous policy of the
mother country. In 1695, the governor's salary, in East Jersey, was one
hundred and fifty pounds; in West Jersey, two hundred pounds; and those
of other officers, at proportionate moderate rates.
* Grahame's Col. Hist vol. ii. 3(1(3. Holmes' Ann. vol. ii. p. 45, &c.
t Kalm's Travels, vol. i. and ii. Winterbotham, ii. 279. Warden, vol. ii. 38.
Clarkson's History of the Abolition of the Slave Trade, vol. i. 131, 136.
t Gab. Thomas' Hist, of West N. J. 13, 33. Oldmixon, i. 141. Blome celebrated
the excellence of the New Jersei' tobacco.
§ Thomas. Blome, who wrote in 1(386.
H
58 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
IX. Having thus brought our history to the termination of the proprietary
governments, it may be proper, before we proceed to a narration of events,
under the royal administration, to consider the condition of the aborigines,
the manner in which their interest in the soil was extinguished, and the prin-
ciples adopted by the proprietaries, in disposal of their acquisitions.
The strong are every where masters of the weak. In all ages, and with
all people, the power to subdue has been accompanied with the pretension of
right. The European, eminently endowed with this power, mentally and
physically, over the untutored savage of America, unhesitatingly, appropri-
ated to himself, all that the latter possessed, comprehending his labour and
his life. From the first landing of Columbus, at Guannahane, or San Salva-
dor, to the present era, the right by discovery has been the right of conquest.
The ambition of princes, stimulated by the most sordid motives, was dignified
by the appi'oval of grave and politic counsellors, and sanctified by the fathers
of the church, who in the plenitude of spiritual arrogance assumed, to dispose
of all countries : — of those inhabited by Christians, because the inhabitants, as
members of the church, were subjects of the supreme Pontiff' — of other coun-
tries, because the church would be advanced by the estates and services of
infidels. So long as colonization was prompted by state policy, and was
effected by the sword, the rights of the original possessors of the soil, what-
ever they may have been, were wholly disregarded. The most sacred, most
venerated spots, endeared to their inhabitants by the long occupancy of them-
selves and their ancestors, were seized with the same ruthless indifference, as
the untrodden wild; and the fruits of cultivation, with the same license, as the
spontaneous productions of nature. All the principles of property, growing
out of occupancy and manipulation, which society in its simplest form must
recocrnise, were utterly prostrated, in the subjugation of the newly discovered
countries of the West. When, however, these countries were sought, not
with the view of increasing regal power, or of gratifying the insatiate long-
ino-s of avarice, but as an asylum against princely misrule and clerical tyranny,
that justice which the colonist would obtain tor himself, was in a measure,
extended to the owner of the soil he would possess. The emigrant did not,
perhaps could not, and ought not, divest himself of the idea of right, ac-
quired by discovery of sparsely peopled land, to participate in the occupancy
of an uncultivated soil, with the indigene, who exercised over it the slightest
of all species of appropriation, that of^ occasional hunting upon it. But he re-
cognised in this occupant also, a right impeding that full and separate property
which his convenience required, and which his conscience forbade him to ex-
tinguish without a colour of compensation. The; requisitions of conscience,
however, in these cases, were easily appeased. In some instances, perhaps,
their very existence may be attributed to the fears caused by the fierce, war-
like, and indomitable character of the North American savage. The veriest
trifles which could be imposed on the ignorance and vanity of the native were
deemed adequate compensation for scores of miles of fertile lands ; and such
contracts of sale, whose nature was not comprehended by the vendors, were
enforcf'd by the vendees with as much donfidence in the legality and equity of
their title, as if a court of chancery had passed upon the adequacy of the
consideration.
It has Ikh'u erroneously supposed, that, the first instance of purchase from
the aborigines of America, was given by William Penn ; and modern histori-
rians and essayists, dnlighted to contrast the huninnily and justice of his con-
duct with the violence and devastation of other European agents, have by the
inflation of his deeds, obscured and almost hidden the scarce inferior merit
of others. The Dutch, Sw(>des, and Fins on the Delaware, the English in
Massachusetts, in New York, and New Jersey, had given examples of this
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 59
just and prudent policy, which Penn gladly followed, but which he dared not
reject. He has the merit of conforming to this established practice, with a
kindness of spirit and humane consideration, which have made an indelible
impression on the Indian race.
"Compared with tlie value of the lands acquired, the sums paid for them
were generally inconsiderable ; and consisted, but too frequently, of articles
of destructive luxury, serving to debase and destroy those who received them.
This consideration, small and personal and perishable in its nature, was soon
consumed ; leaving the vendor, only, vain regrets, which frequently hurried him
into imprudent and unjustifiable hostilities. Had it been practicable in the early
period of the intercourse between the whites and Indians of North America,
to have adopted the annuity system, which has been, in part, pursued by the
United States, the Indian race might, possibly, have been improved, en-
lightened, and preserved.
The Indians inhabiting the country between the great lakes and the
Roanoke, belonged, it would seem, either to the Leniii Lcnape, or the Meng-
we nations. The former, known among their derivative tribes, also, by the
name of the Wapanachki, corrupted by the Europeans into Opennald, Ope-
nagi, Abenaquis and Apenakies, and among the whites by the name of
Delawares, held their principal seats upon the Delaware river, and were ac-
knowledged by near forty tribes as their " grandfathers," or parent stock.
They relate, that many centuries ago, their ancestors dwelt far in the western
wilds: but emigrating eastwardly, they arrived after many years peregrina-
tion, on the Namcesi Sipu (Mississippi), or river of fish, where they encoun-
tered the Mengive, who had also come from a distant country, and had first
approached the river, somewhat nearer its soui-ce. The spies of the Lcnape
reported, that the country on the east of the river was inhabited by a power-
ful nation, dwelling in large towns, erected upon their princijml rivers.
This people wei'c tall and robust, some of them were said to be even of
gigantic mould. They bore the name of Alligewi, from which has been
derived, that of the Alleghany river and mountains. Their towns were de-
fended by regular fortifications, vestiges of which are yet apparent, in greater
or less preservation. The Lenape, requesting permission to establish them-
selves in the vicinity, were refused; but obtained leave, to pass the river, in
order to seek a habitation farther to the eastward. But, whilst crossing the
stream, the Alligewi, alarmed at their number, assailed and destroyed many
who had reached the eastern shore, and threatened a like fate to the remain-
der, should they attempt the passage. Fired by this treachery, the Lenape
eagerly accepted a proposition from the Mengwe, who had hilherto been
spectators of their enterprise, to unite with them, for the conquest of the
country. A war of great duration was thus commenced, which was prose-
cuted with great loss on both sides, and eventuated in the expulsion of the
Alligewi, who fled from their ancient seats, by way of the Mississippi, never
to return. The devastated country was apportioned among the conquerors;
the Mengwe choosing their residence, in the neighbourhood of the great
lakes, and the Lenape in the lands of the south.
After some years, during which, the conquerors lived together in much
harmony, the hunters of the Lenape, crossed the Alleghany mountains,
and discovered the great rivers, Susquehanna and Delaware. Exploring the
Sheyichhi country (New Jersey) they reached the Hudson, to which they,
subsequently, gave the name of the Mahicannittiick river. Upon their
return to their nation, they described the country they had visited, as abound-
ing in game, fruits, fish, and fowl, and destitute of inhabitants. Concluding
this to be the home destined for them, by the Great Spirit, the tribe esta-
blished themselves upon the four great rivers, the Hudson, Delaware, Sus-
60 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
quehanna, and Potomac, making the Delaware, to which they gave the name
of the Lenape ivihittt/ck, (the rivor or stream of the Lenape) the centre of
their possessions.
They say, however, that all of their nation who crossed the Mississippi, did
not reach this country; and that a part remained west of the Namcesi
Sipv. They were finally divided into three great bodies; the larger, one-
half of the whole, settled on the Atlantic; the other half was separated into
two parts ; the stronger continued beyond the Mississippi, the other remained
on its eastern bank.
Those on the Atlantic were subdivided into three tribes ; the Turtle or
Unamis, the Turkey or Unalachtgo, and the Wolf or Minsi. The two
former inhabited the coast from the Hudson to the Potomac, settling in small
bodies, in towns and villages upon the larger streams, under chiefs subordi-
nate to the great council of the nation. The Minsi, called by the English,
Muncys, the most warlike of the three tribes, dwelt in the interior, forming
a barrier between their nation and the Mengwe. They extended themselves
from the Minisink, on the Delaware, where they held their council seat, to
the Hudson on the east, to the Susquehanna on the south-west, to the head
waters of the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers on the north, and on
the south to that range of hills now known, in New Jersey, by the name
of the Musconetcong, and by that of Lehigh and Coghnewago, in Pennsyl-
vania.
Many subordinate tribes proceeded from these, who received names either
from their places of residence, or from some accidental circumstance, at the
time of its occurrence remarkable, but now forgotten.
The Mengwe hovered for some time on the borders of the lakes, with their
canoes, in readiness to (ly should the Alligewi return. Having grown bolder,
and their numbers increasing, they stretched themselves along the St. Law-
rence, and became, on the north, near neighbours to the Lenape tribes.
The Mengwe and the Lenape, in the progress of time, became enemies.
The latter represent the former as treacherous and cruel, pursuing, pei'tina-
ciously, an insidious and destructive policy towards their more generous
neighbours. Dreading the power of the Lenape, the Mengwe resolved, by
involving them in war with their distant tribes, to reduce their sti-ength.
They commilted murders upon the members of one tribe, and induced the
injured party to believe they were perpetrated by another. They stole into
tlie country of the Delawares, surprised them in their hunting parties,
slaughtered the hunters, and escaped with the plunder.
Each nation or tribe had a particular mark upon its war clubs, which,
placed beside a murdered pei-son, denoted the aggressor. The Mengwe perpe-
trated a murder in the Chei'okee country, and left with the dead body, a war
club bearing the insignia of the Lenape. The Cherokees, in revenge, fell
suddenly upon the latter, and commenced a long and bloody war. The
treachery of the Mengwe was at length discovered, and the Delawares turned
upon them with the determination utterly to extirpate them. They were the
more strongly induced to take this resolution, as the cannibal propensities of
the Mengwe had reduced them, in the estimation of the Delawares, below
the rank of human beings.*
Hitherto, each tribe of the Mengice had acted under the direction of its
particular chiefs; and, although the nation could not control the conduct of
its members, it was made responsible for their outrages. Pressed by the
Lenape, they resolved to form a confederation which might enable them
* The Iroquois or Monirwe Bometiines ate the bodies of tlieir prisoners. — Hteke-
weldcr, ii. N. Y. Hist. Col. 55.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 61
better to concentrate their force in war, and to regulate their affairs in peace.
Thannmoage, an aged Mohawk, was the projector of this alHance. Under
his auspices, five nations, the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagoes, Cayugas, and
Senecas, formed a species of republic, governed by the united counsels of
their aged and experienced chiefs. To these a sixth nation, the Tuscaroras,
was added in 1712. This last, originally dwelt in the western parts of North
Carolina, but having formed a deep and general conspiracy, to exterminate
the whites, were driven from their country, and adopted by the Iroquois con-
federacy.* The beneficial effects of this system, early displayed themselves.
The Lenape were checked, and the Mengwe, whose warlike disposition soon
familiarized them with fire arms, procured from the Dutch, were enabled, at
the same time, to contend with them, to resist the French, who now at-
tempted the settlement of Canada, and to extend their conquests over a large
portion of the country between the Atlantic and the Mississippi.
But, being pressed hard by their new, they became desirous of reconcilia-
tion with their old, enemies ; and, for this purpose, if the tradition of the
Delawares be credited, they effected one of the most extraordinary strokes
of policy which history has recorded.
The mediators between the Indian nations at war, are the women. The
men, however weary of the contest, hold it cowardly and disgraceful to seek
reconciliation. They deem it inconsistent in a warrior, to speak of peace with
bloody weapons in his hands. He must maintain a determined courage, and
appear, at all times, as ready and willing to fight as at the commencement
of hostilities. With such dispositions, Indian wars would be interminable,
if the women did not interfere, and persuade the combatants to bury the
hatchet, and make peace with each other.
Their prayers seldom failed of the desired effect. The function of the
peace maker was honourable and dignified, and its assumption by a coura-
geous and powerful nation could not be inglorious. This station the Mengwe
urged upon the Lenape. " They had reflected," they said, " upon the state
of the Indian race, and were convinced that no means remained to preserve
it, unless some magnanimous nation would assume the character of the
WOMAN. It could not be given to a weak and contemptible tribe ; such
would not be listened to : but the Lenape and their allies, would at once pos-
sess influence and command respect."
The facts upon which these arguments were founded, were known to the
Delawares, and, in a moment of^ blind confidence in the sincerity of the
Iroquois, they acceded to the proposition, and assumed the petticoat. The
ceremony of the metamorphosis was performed with great rejoicings at Al-
bany, in 1617, in the presence of the Dutch, whom the Lenape charge with
having conspired with the Mengwe for their destruction.
Having thus disarmed the Delawares, the Iroquois assumed over them
the rights of protection and command. But, still dreading their strength,
they artfully involved them again in war with the Cherokees, promised to
fight their battles, led them into an ambush of their foes, and deserted them.
The Delawares, at length, comprehended the treachery of their arch enemy,
and resolved to resume their arms, and, being still superior in numbers, to
crush them. But it was too late. The Europeans were now makino- their
way into the country in every direction, and gave ample employment to the
astonished Lenape.
The Mengwe deny these machinations. They aver, that they conquered
the Delawares by force of arms, and made them a subject people. And,
* Smith's New York. Dougl. Summ.
62 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
though it be said, they are unable to detail the circumstances of this con-
quest, it is more rational to suppose it true, tluin that a brave, numerous, and
warlike nation should have, voluntarily, suffered themselves to be disarmed
and enslaved by a shallow artifice ; or that, discovering the fraud practised
upon them, they should, unresistingly, have submitted to its consequences.
This conquest was not an empty acquisition to the Mengwe. They claimed
dominion over all the lands occupied by the Delawares, and, in many in-
stances, their claims were distinctly acknowledged. Parties of the Five
Nations occasionally occupied the Lenape country, and wandered over it, at
all times, at their pleasure.
Whatever credit may be due to the traditions of the Lenape, relative to
their migration from the west, there is strong evidence in support of their
pretensions to be considered the source, whence a great portion of the In-
dians of North America was derived. They are acknowledged as the
" grandfathers," or the parent stock, of the tribes that inhabited the extensive
regions of Canada, from the coast of Labrador to the mouth of the Albany
river, which empties into the southernmost part of Hudson's Bay, and from
thence to the Lake of the Woods, the northernmost boundary of the United
States; and also by those who dwelt in that immense country, stretching
from Nova Scotia to the Roanoke, on the sea-coast, and bounded by the
Mississippi on the west. All these nations spoke dialects of the Lenape lan-
guage, affording the strongest presumption of their derivation from that
stock. The tribes of the Mengwe, interspersed throughout this vast region,
are, of course, excepted. They were, however, comparatively, few in
number.
We have no data by which to determine the number of Indians in New
Jersey, at the advent of the Europeans. It is certain that it was very in-
considerable. The tribes were small, and scattered over the country ; and
consisted then, or soon after, of portions of the Mengioe and Lenape nations.
These petty hordes were commonly distinguished in their intercourse with
the whites, by the names of creeks, or other noted places, near which they
dwelt. Thus, there were the Assunpink,* the Rankokas,'\ the Mingo, the
Andasfaka; about Burlington, the Mantas;X the Raritans, the Navisinks,
&,c. The most noted nations, who occasionally inhabited the province, and
claimed lands witliin it, were the Naraticongs, on the north side of the
Raritan river ; the Capiiinasses, the Gacheos, the Muncys, or Minisinks,
the Po7nptons, the Senecas, the Maquas, or Mohaivks, and perhaps others,
of the confederates of the Five Nations. These tribes were frequently at
war with each other, and tlio heads of their arrows and javelins, are even
now occasionally discovered in the battle-fields; and near the falls of the
Delawai'c, on the Jersey side, and at Point-no-Point, in Pennsylvania, and
at other places, entrenchments \vere made against hostile incursions. At
some seasons of the year, the country, on the sea shore was probably more
thickly covered by swarms, who crowded from the adjacent provinces to
enjoy the pastimes, and partake the plenty of the fishing and fowling sea-
sons. And we may conceive, that they were Mengwe warriors, whom
Hudson encountered in the Kill-van-Kuhl, and the New York Bay.
From the petty resident tribes, purchases of the soil of New Jersey, were
from time to time, made by the Dutch, the Swedes, and the English proprie-
* Stony Creek.
t Lamikas, or Ckichequas, was the proper Indian name. The Indians did not use
the r.
t Frogs. A creek or two, in Gloucester county, are called Manta, or Mantua, from
a large tribe that resided tlicre. Tlie tribes were probably of the same stock.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 63
tors of East and West Jersey. Prior to the conquest of New York, by
Nicholls, it is probable, that individuals were permitted to purchase from
the natives, such tracts of land as they required. Subsequently to that
event, a like practice was for a short time permitted, upon the express
license and confirmation of the governor. But after the grant to Berkeley
and Carteret was proclaimed, no purchase from the Indians, other than by
the general proprietors, could be deemed lawful. These proprietors, appear
to have conducted themselves, with much equity; and for nearly a century
to have maintained, with the remnant of the tribes, great cordiality and
friendship.*
When the war of 1756, unbridled the evil passions of the western Indians,
some of those -who had usually resided in New Jersey, ungratefully, united
with the enemy, and probably, in the year 1758, led the way to the massa-
cres of a few families on the Walpack. Upon the first evidences of Indian
hostility, the legislature of New Jersey appointed commissioners to examine
into the treatment of those who dwelt within their boundaries, with whom a
convention was holden, at Crosswicks, in the winter of 1756, and they were
invited to unfold whatever grievances they might have. They complained
of some impositien's, in grants of lands, to individuals, and in their private
traffic, particLdarly, when intoxicated; of the destruction of the deer, by
iron traps; and the occupation of some small tracts of land, the title to
which, they had not sold. At the session of 1757, the Assembly imposed a
penalty on persons selling, them strong drink, so as to intoxicate them — pro-
hibited the setting of traps weighing more than three pounds — avoided all
sales and leases of land, made in contravention of the laws — and appropri-
ated sixteen hundred pounds, to the purchase of a general release of Indian
claims, in New Jersey ; one-half to be expended for a settlement, for such
Indians as resided south of the Raritan, where they might dwell, and the
remainder, to be applied to the purchase of any latent claims of non-
residents. At a second convention, holden also at Crosswicks, in February,
1758, the Indians produced a specification of their claims, appointed attor-
neys, to represent them in future negotiations, and executed a formal release,
to all lands in New Jersey, other than those in their schedule, and also to
such of those as might have been before conveyed ; excepting the claims of
the Minisinks and Pomptons, in the northern parts of the province; re-
serving the right to hunt and fish, on unsettled lands. f
* The last purchase from the Indians, entered in the East Jersey Records, was
made by John Willocks, from the Indian Weequehelah, June 16th, 1703, of a tract of
land, in Monmouth county. — Book F. 221.
t The Indians who retired to the west, had, to one of the messengers, from Penn-
sylvania, complained of the doatii of the sachem, Weequehelah ; but this was a mere
pretence, to colour their attempts with the appearance of justice; as that Indian was
known to have been executed for actual murder, and to have had a legal trial. He
was an Indian of great note, among Christians and Indians, of the tribe that resided
about South river, where he lived, witii a taste much above the common rank of In-
dians, having an extensive farm, cattle, horses and negroes, and raised large crops of
wheat; and was so far English in his furniture, as to have a house well provided with
feather beds, calico curtains, &c. He frequently dined with governors and great
men, and behaved well; but his neighbour, Captain John Leonard, having purchased
a cedar swamp of other Indians, to which he laid claim, and Leonard refusing to take
it on his right, he resented it highly, and threatened that he would shoot him; which
he accordingly took an opportunit}' of doing, in the spring, 1728, while Leonard was
in the day time walking in his garden, or near his own house. — Smith's JVcw Jersey,
pp. 440-441, n.
The commissioners for treating with the Indians, were Andrew Johnston, and
Richard Salter, esquires, of the council ; and Cliarles Read, John Stevens, William
Foster, and Jacob Spicer, esquires. The ludians were, Teedyuscuug, king of the
Delawares; George Hobayock, from the Susquehannah ; Crossmek Indians, Andrew
64 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Towards the close of the summer of 1758, and after the inroads on the
Walpack, Governor Bernard, through the medium of Teedyuscung, king of
the Delawares, summoned the Minisink or Muncy, and the Pompton Indians,
who had joined the enemy, to meet him at Burlington. Thither, they des-
patched deputies, who opened a council, on the 7th of August, 1758, at
which a Mingo attended, who, exercising the right of a conqueror, declared,
the Muncys to be women, and, consequently, unable to treat for themselves;
and proposed to adjourn the conference, to the council fire, about to be lighted
at Easton — to which, the governor readily acceded.* The great council
holden at this place, in October, 1758, had the general picification of the
Indian tribes, for its chief object. A special conference was, however, had,
by Governor Bernard, with the chief of the united nations, ^e Minisinks,
Wapings, and other tribes, on the 18th of that month; when he obtained,
in consideration of one thousand dollars, a release of the title of all the In-
dians, to every portion of New Jersey. /
The commissioners, subsequently, with the consent of the Indian attor-
neys, purchased a tract of more than three thousand acres of land, called
" Brotherton," in Burlington county, on Edgepeling creek, a bi'anch of the
Atsion river, upon which, there were a cedar swamp, and»a saw mill ; and
adjacent, many thousand acres of poor, uninhabited land, suljsjible for hunt-
ing, and convenient for fishing on the sea shore. This property was vested
in trustees, for the use of the Indians, resident south of the Raritan, so that
they could neither sell nor lease any part thereof; and all persons, other than
Indians, were forbidden to settle thereon. Soon after the purchase, they
were assisted by the government to remove to this spot, and to erect commo-
dious buildings. In 1765, there were about sixty persons seated here, and
twenty more at Weekpink, on a tract secured, by an English right, to the
family of King Charles, an Indian sachem. But no measure has yet been
devised, to avert the fiat which has gone forth against this devoted race.
This feeble remnant having obtained permission to sell their lands, in num-
ber between seventy and eighty, removed, in 1802, to a settlement on the
Oneida lake, belonging to the Stockbridge Indians, who had invited their
" Grandfathers to eat of their dish," saying, " it was large enough for both ;"
and adding, with characteristic earnestness, that, " they had stretched their
necks, in looking towards the fire-side of their grandfathers, until they were
as long as those of cranes." The united tribes remained here until 1824;
when the encroachments of the whites induced them, with the Six Nations,
and the Muncys, to quit New Stockbridge, and to purchase from the Meno-
mees, a large tract of land on the Fox river, between Winnebagoe Lake,
and Green Bay, and extending to Lake Michigan. In 1832, the New Jersey
tribe, reduced to less than forty, applied by memorial, to the Legislature of
tlie State, setting forth, that they had never conveyed their reserved rights
of hunting and fishing, on unenclosed lands, and had appointed an agent, to
transfer them on receipt of a compensation. This agent, a venerable chief
Wooley, Georgo Wheelwright, Peepey, Joseph Cuish, William Loulax, Gabriel
Mitop, Zeb. Conchec, Bill News, John Pembolus ; Mountain Indians, Moses Totamy,
Philip; Raritan Indian, Tom Evans; Ancocus Indians, Robert Kekott, Jacob Mullis,
Samuel Gosling; Indians from Cranhury, Thomas Store, Stephen Calvin, John Pomp-
shire, Benjamin Clans, Josoi)h Wooley. Josiah Store, Isaac Still, James Calvin, Peter
Calvin, Dirick Quaquaw, Kbcnczar Wooley, Sarah Stores, widow of Quaquahela;
Southern Indians, Abraham Loques, Isaac Swanelae. John Pompshirc, interpreter.
* The degradation of the Delawares, or Lenape, is apparent upon every occasion,
on which the Mcngwe assemble witli them. Benjamin, who on tills occasion replied
to Governor Bernard, on i)chalf of the Muncy Indians, held a belt in his hand. bu(
spoke whilst sitting, not being allowed to stand, until the Mingo had spoken. — Min.
of Treaty. — Smith's Hist. JV. J. 450.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 65
of seventy-one years of age, bore the name of Bartholomew S. Calvin. He
had been selected by J. Brainerd, brother of the celebrated Indian mission-
ary, and placed at Princeton College, in 1770 ; where he continued, until
the revolutionary war cut off the funds of the Scotch Missionary Society, by
whom he was supported. He afterwards taught school, for a number of
years, at Edgepeling, where he had as many white as Indian pupils. As all
legal claim of the tribe, was even by its own members, considered barred by
voluntary abandonment, the Legislature consented to grant remuneration, as
an act of voluntary justice; or rather, as a memorial of kindness and com-
passion, to the remnant of a once powerful and friendly people, occupants
and natives of the State, and as a consummation of a proud fact, in the his-
tory of New Jersey, that every Indian claim to her soil, and its franchises
had been acquired by fair and voluntary transfer. By the act of 12th
of March, the treasurer was directed to pay to the agent, two thousand dol-
lars, upon filing in the secretary's office, a full rehnquishment of the rights
of his tribe.
In all the measures of the state for the extinction of Indian title, it will be
observed that she was moved by principles of justice, humanity, and sound
policy. No pecuniary benefit resulted directly to the treasury, as she pos-
sessed, in her own right, not a single acre of the soil. This, by every title,
legal and equitable, was fully vested in the proprietaries, respectively, of East
and West Jersey ; and we proceed to consider, concisely, the principles which
they adopted for its disposal.
X. By the several " Concessions" of Berkeley and Carteret, and their
grantees, the twenty-four general proprietors, lands were given to settlers,
masters, and servants, males and females, in designated quantities, subject to
an annual quit-rent, and the extinction of the Indian title. This was the
common tenure until the 13th January, 1685,* and some few instances
occur so late as 1701. Lands thus granted were denominated " head lands."
The mode of the grant was devised with due regard to the ease and safety
of the grantees. A warrant signed by the governor and major part of the
council, was directed to the surveyor-general, commanding him to survey a
specific number of acres. Upon this warrant the surveyor endorsed his re-
turn; both were recorded by the register, and upon certificate from the
governor and council, he issued a patent, which receiving the signature of
the governor and council, was, also, duly registered. A resei-vation, not
ordinarily expressed in the patent, was made of all mines of gold and
silver.
There was, however, another source of legal title, to lands in the province,
in the Swedish and Dutch authorities; under the latter of which, manj tracts
were holden in East and West Jersey, accompanied with an Indian title,
obtained by the holders. Upon the English conquest, the principle was, im-
mediately, established, that no Indian right could be purchased, except by
license from the English proprietors. Thus, that license was required for
the Elizabethtown tract, and was given by Colonel Nicholls before, and in
ignorance of, the transfer to Berkeley and Carteret. Governor Philip Car-
teret, also, gave such licenses, but, always subject to the "Concessions,"
which required the purchaser from the Indians, to take a proper and formal
title from the general proprietors. In such case, when the Indian grant
covered more than the location of the grantee, he was entitled to contribu-
tion from all who were benefitted by it. Thus, when under his license, the
Newark settlers procured the Indian release for more lands than they had
appropriated to imported heads in 1685, they claimed, and in 1692 received,
* EUzabethtown Bill in Chancery. See ante, p. 26.
66 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
from the council of proprietors, a full indemnity, in the grant of one hundred
acres of land more than they were entitled to by the Concessions, for each
of the original settlers, at a quit-rent of six-pence sterling the hundred, instead
of four shillings and two-pence, per annum.
In the year 1G80, governor Andross, after his usurpation of authority in
New Jersey, encouraged purchases from the Indians, in derogation of the
proprietary rights. But the Duke of York, on complaint, not only disowned
the acts of his deputy, but removed him from office. Many of such pur-
chasers, afterwards, took title from the proprietors, in due form; but the
danger of the practice, induced an act of Assembly, in 1683, prohibiting all
treaties with the Indians, without license from the governor. During the
confusion resulting from the rival claims of Mr. Basse and Mr. Hamilton
to the government, from 1698 to 1702, this act was disregarded, and
purchases were made from the natives. But, in 1703, as soon as the go-
vernment was resettled, another act annulled them, and required the pos-
sessor to take a proprietary title, within six months from its passage. This
act, also, prescribed the method by which the proprietaries, themselves, in-
dividually, should obtain license to treat with the natives; and imposed a
penalty of forty shillings per acre, upon every one who should purchase
without license.
We have elsewhere spoken, particularly, of the Elizabcthtown purchase.*
Many of the claimants under the Indian title, took patents from the proprie-
tors; but others have steadfastly relied upon it, resisting all efforts of the pro-
prietors to recover quit-rent, or locate warrants, and have repeatedly disturbed
the public peace by their violence. This pertinacity has been maintained,
notwithstanding the only plausible pretence of title, was in the sanction of
Governor Nicholls, as the deputy of the Duke of York, given after the right
had passed from the Duke to his grantees, and notwithstanding such sanction
was formally disavowed by the Duke, 25lh November, 1672. This claim
purchased for a ihw pounds, the very payment of which is uncertain, covered
400,000 acres, between the Raritan and Passaic Rivers. Irregular Indian
titles were also set up in Middletown and Shrewsbury townships, but were
early abandoned ; the claimants taking patents from the proprietors, and re-
ceiving an indemnity for their expenditure in the grant of 500 acres of land,
each. Some of the inhabitants of Newark, also pertinaciously claimed an
exclusive right under the Indian grant, refusing to pay quit rents, and play-
ing a conspicuous part in the riots which were, from time to time, excited by
efforts to enforce proi)rietary rights. The adverse claims of the Newark peo-
ple, were, probably, settled by arbitration and acquiescence. f But although
many suits have been brought at law, and a most ably drawn bill, containing
the whole case has been filed in chancery, the proprietaries have been unable
to obtain an effectual determination of the question arising out of the Eliza-
bcthtown pretension. The quit rents throughout East Jersey, are due and
demandable; but the lapse of time, and the division of tracts and interests
render it impossible to collect them. In one instance, only, that of the quit-
rent on the town of Bergen, of £15 sterling, per annum, a commutation after
suit brought, has been made between the tenants and proprietors.
For a short period after the purchase of the province, by the twenty-four
proprietaries, the grant of bounty or head lands, wris continued. The pro-
prietaries soon after their acquisition, sold )nany small shares, to persons who
transported themselves and families into the Eastern division. And they
* Sec page 27.
t Sec Appendix note O, for a copy of alctlcr from David Ogdcn, esq., 20th February,
1767, and see Phila. Lib. No. 15bb, octavo.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 67
agreed to divide part of the lands remaining in common, among themselves
in proportion to their rights. Dividends were thus made from time to time.
The first consisted of 10,000 acres to each share, or twenty-Iburth part, and
to fractions of a share in the same proportion. These dividends were to be
located in any place, not before appropriated. And to restrain ihc locations
within proper limits, a number of the proprietai-ies, resident in New Jersey,
convened from time to time with the governor, to examine the rights of the
respective claimants, in order to determine what was due to each ; and upon a
certificate of five of them, the governor issued the proper warrants of survey.
This council first met on the 13th November, 1684. In other respects, the mode
of location and of obtaining of title, was similar to that ])ursued by the first
pi-oprietaries under their Concessions, except, that in patents to the proprietors,
no quit-rents were reserved. This mode continued until after the surrender
of the government, and the arrival of the first governor appointed by Queen
Anne.
Upon the 2d of December, 1702, two further dividends having been made,
a general order was declared, that the surveyor-general should survey to
each proprietor his proportion without further particular warrant, by which
the duty of inquiry into the rights of each proprietary, and ordering warrants,
devolved upon that officer. At the same time, a former regulation was re-
newed, directing that no survey should be made to any person, whose title
was not upon record with the register ; who by means of an account opened
with each proprietai'y, could certify the true condition of his share.
The office of register, which was established by the Concessions, and was
always in the nomination of the proprietaries, was recognised by Act of As-
sembly, 21st February, 1692. Upon the surrender of the governnient to the
crown, it was agreed, that the governors to be appointed, should be instruct-
ed to procure from the assembly, such acts, whereby the right of the pro-
prietaries to the soil might be confirmed to them, together with such quit-
rents as they had reserved, and that the particular estates of all purchasers,
claiming under the general proprietaries, should be also confirmed and settled ;
and he was required not to permit any person, other than such proprietors
and their agents, to purchase lands from the Indians. These instructions were
regularly continued to the respective governors.
In 1719, the act for running, and ascertaining the division line between
East and West Jersey, and other purposes, required, that the surveyor-gene-
ral of the respective divisions, should keep by themselves, or deputies, a public
office in the cities of Perth Amboy and Burlington, respectively, in which
should be, carefully, entered and kept, the surveys of all lands, thereafler, made,
which should be of record, and pleadable in the courts. Authority was also
given to such officers, respectively, to collect, and preserve all muniments of
title, which might be of general use for proving the rights of the proprietaries,
or persons claiming under them ; and the officers were required to give bond
to the governor for the^ use of the proprietors, in the sum of one thousand
pounds, conditioned for the faithful performance of their duties.
As the practice which now universally prevailed, of the proprietaries or their
vendees laying their warrants wherever they could, or supposed they could,
find vacant lands, and as the surveys were not regularly recorded, many per-
sons not only surveyed lands which had been formally appropriated, but even
settled and improved them, and were afterwards ousted. For remedy of this
grievance, the same act provided, that all surveys theretofore made, the certifi-
cates of which were in the hands of any of the inhabitants of this or the neigh-
bouring province, which were not within two years, and such certificates as
were in the hands of persons living beyond seas, which were not within three
years, afler the publication of the act, duly recorded, either in the recorder's
6d HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
office, or in the surveyor-general's record of the division, in which such lands
were surveyed, should be void ; and any succeeding survey duly made and
recorded, should be as good and sufficient, as if no former survey had been
made.
After the surrender of the government, by which the governor ceased to
be an officer of the proprietaries, no more patents could be made under the
seal of the province. The proprietaries of East Jersey, observing that those
of West Jersey had never used that method for appropriating their dividends,
but had made all their divisions by warrants from thoir council of proprieta-
ries, after inspection of the right of the claimant and survey thereon made
and certified by their surveyor-general and recorded, resolved to adopt the
same form of obtaining their dividends in severalty. And this mode, since
1703, has continued to prevail in both East and West Jersey.
The council of proprietaries of East Jersey, having devolved their princi-
pal duties on the surveyor-general, they, after the surrender, ceased to meet,
unless on special occasions. But finding this inattention prejudicial to their
interests, a majority of the general proprietors, their attorneys, and agents,
by an instrument, dated the 25th day of March, 172.5, agreed, that, a cer-
tain number therein mentioned, having, in their own right, or by proxy,
eight whole proprietaries, should make a council, with power to appoint the
receiver of the quit-rents, the register, and the surveyor-general, declare
dividends, examine claims, grant warrants of survey, and, generally, to do
all things requisite for the management of proprietary affairs. The council
commonly held two stated meetings, annually, at Perth Amboy, and con-
vened, also, when specially required. From 1725, to the present period, it
has continued to administer the affairs of the proprietaries of East Jersey,
without intermission.*
The whole number of dividends, made by the proprietaries of East Jersey,
are eleven of " good right,'''' and three of " pine right;'''' the first, amounting
to thirty-eight thousand, and the second, four thousand, acres to each share.
A very great portion of these rights have been located, but the stock is not
yet exhausted. In Monmouth there is much vacant land, but it is not valua-
ble; in the northern counties, Sussex, Bergen, and Morris, there is little un-
appropriated ; but in Middlesex, Somerset, and Essex, there is none unlo-
cated.f
XI. Soon after the purcliase by the West Jersey proprietaries, they re-
solved to divide their territory into ten parts or precincts, and the whole into
one hundred shares or actions. To this end, chapter first of the Conces-
sions, provided, that the commissioners, for the time being, " should take
care for the setting forth and dividing all the lands of the province, as were
already taken up, or bv themselves shall be taken up and contracted for,
with the natives, and the said lands to divide into one hundred parts, as
occasion shall require ; that is to say, for every quantity of land that they
shall, from time to time, lay out to be planted and settled on, they shall first,
for expedition sake, divide the same into ten equal parts or shares; and, for
distinction sake, mark in the register, and upon some of the trees, belonging
to every tenth part, the letters A B, and so end at the letter K." The
* Mr. John Rutliorford is now, oi' was lately, its president, and .larnes Parker, Esq.
the register. To tlic latter gentleman I express my obligation, for the readiness and
kindness, with which he has communicated much information relative to the eastern
land office, and otiier subjects of general interest. Its first president was Lewis
Morris, afterwards governor.
t Proprietary rights of East Jersey have sold, since 1707, generally, at about one
dollar the acre, wholesale — sometimes higher, if scarce, before a dividend. The retail
price has been about one dollar and fifty cents the acre. The value in 1834, is stated
at one dollar, or seventy-five cents per the acre, in large quantities.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 69
commissioners were then instructed to give preference to certain individuals
of the county of York,* for themselves and friends, who were described, "as
a considerable number of people, who might speedily promote the planting
of the said province," in the choice of any one of such tenths. Afterwards,
any other person or persons, who should go over to inhabit, and have pur-
chased to the number of ten proprietaries, should have liberty to make
choice of any of the remaining parts: and all other proprietaries who should
go over to settle, and could make up amongst them the number of ten pro-
prietors, might elect to settle in any tenth, not before appropriated. The
commissioners were empowered to see such tenth part, so chosen, laid out
and divided into ten proprietaries, and to allot the settlers so many proprie-
taries out of the same, as they had order for. And the commissioners were
instructed to follow these I'ules, until they should receive contrary directions
from the major part of the proprietors.
To encourage the settlement of the province, the proprietaries of West
Jersey, also, adopted the plan of granting head lands, as in East Jersey, with
some modification, of the conditions. Thus — 1. To all persons, who, with
the consent of one or more of the proprietaries, should transport themselves
or servants to the province, before the 1st April, 1677, there were granted,
for his own person and for every able man servant, each, seventy acres ; and
for every weaker servant, male or female, exceeding the age of fourteen
years, fifty acres; and to every servant, when free, fifty acres in fee: 2. To
masters and able servants, arriving before the 1st of April, 1678, fifty
acres, and to such weaker servants, thirty acres ; and to servants, after the
expiration of their service, thirty acres : 3. To every freeman, arriving in
the province between the 1st of April, 1678, and the 1st of April, 1679, with
an intention to plant, forty acres ; for every able man servant the like quan-
tity, and for such weaker servant, twenty acres ; with twenty acres to eacli
servant at the expiration of service : Upon lands of the first class, there was
reserved an annual quit-rent to the proprietor, his heirs and assigns, to whom
the said lands belonged, of one penny an acre for what should be laid out in
towns, and a half-penny an acre, for what should be laid elsewhere ; the
rent to commence two years after the lands were laid out: upon lands of the
second class, one penny farthing, the acre, when in towns, and three far-
things the acre, elsewhere : and on lands of the third class, one penny half-
penny the acre, in towns, and one penny the acre, elsewhere.
Lands so granted and settled, were to be holden, on condition, that every
hundred acres should contain, at least, two able men servants, or three such
weaker servants, and so proportionately, for a lesser or greater quantity,
beside what the master or mistress should possess, as granted for his or her
own person. On failure of which, on notice to the occupant or his assigns,
three years time was given for completing the number of servants, or for
the sale of such portion of the lands, as should not be so peopled. And, if,
within such three years, the holder should fail to provide such number of
persons, (unless the General Assembly, without respect to poverty, should
judge it to have been impossible, to keep such number of servants), the
commissioners, upon verdict and judgment of a jury of the neighbourhood,
were empowered to dispose of so much land, for any term not cxceedino-
twenty years, as should not be planted with the due number of persons, to
some other, that would plant the same ; reserving to the proprietor his rents.
It was fiu-ther provided, that every proprietor, who should go over in person,
and inhabit, should maintain upon every lot he should take up, one person
* Thomas Hutchinson of Beverly, Thomas Pearson of Benwicko, Joseph Holraesly
of Great Kelke, George Hutchinson of Sheffield, and Mahlon Stacy of Hemsworth.
70 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
for every two hundred acres. " And all other proprietors, that do but* go
over in person and inhabit, should keep upon every lot of land that should
fall to them, one person at least, and if the lot exceed one hundred acres,
then, upon every hundred acres, one person. And upon neglect, the com-
missioners were empowered to dispose of the lands, as in the preceding
case. This obligation for keeping servants upon lands was to continue in
force for ten years, from the date of the Concessions ; unless where, in case
of default, the commissioners had let the lands for a longer period.
For the regular laying out of lands, the register having recorded a grant
from a proprietor, tor any quantity of acres, made out a certificate to the
surveyor, or his deputy, enjoining him, to survey such quantity, from the
share of such proprietor ; which done, the surveyor returned the survey to
the register, and such return was duly registered in a book kept for that
purpose, and an endorsement of the entry was made on the back of the
warrant.
The commissioners elected by the Assembly, in 1681, prescribed ad-
ditional rules for the settlement of lands; by which, the surveyor was
required to measure the front of the river Delaware, beginning at Assunpink
Creek, and proceeding thence, to Cape May, that the point of the compass
might be found, for running the partition line between each tenth. Each
tenth was to have its proportion of front, on the river, and to run so far back
into the woods, as to give it 64,000 acres for first settlement, and for sub-
dividing the Yorkshire and London two-tenths : Three thousand two hun-
dred acres, were allowed, where the parties concerned pleased to choose it,
within their own tenth, to be taken up in the following manner; one-eighth
part of a proprietary, and so for smaller parts, to have their full proportion
of the said land, in one place (if they pleased) ; and greater shares, not to
exceed five hundred acres, to one settlement. All lands, so taken up and
surveyed, were to be seated within six months, after being taken up; upon
penalty, that the choice and survey should become void ; in which case, they
might be taken up by any other purchaser, he seating them, within one
month after they should be taken up : No person was permitted to take up
lands on both sides of a creek, for one settlement, unless for special cause-
Nor to have more than forty perches front, to the river or navigable creek,
for every hundred acres, except it fell upon a point, so that it could not be
avoided — when the commissioners might exercise their discretion: All lands
were to be laid out, on straight linos, that no vacancies should be left between
tracts, except in special cases, to be determined by the commissioners: All
persons were allowed their just proportion of meadow, at the discretion of
the same officers : Persons already settled, were at liberty to make their set-
tlements their choice, following the rules prescribed : Every proprietor was
allowed four hundred acres to his proprietary, and proportionably to lesser
quantities, for town lot; over the ^200 above mentioned, which might be
taken any where within his own tenth, either within or without the town
bounds: No person having taken up a town lot, was i)ermilted to leave it,
and take a lot elsewhere; nor could any one take up more land within the
town bounds, than belonged to his town lot, by virtue of his purchase: No
person, not a purchaser, to whom town lot, or lots, were given, was permit-
ted to sell his lot of land, separate from his house, on penalty of the sale
being void, and the lot forfeited to the town of Burlington, to be disposed of
therein, at the discretion of th(! commissioners : No person, thenceforth, was
.permitted, to take up any land without s})ccial order, from two or more
* The word btU ]i(;re is found in T^caming and Sjiiccr's Collection, and in Smith's
History. Sed quere whctlicr tlie word ^'not" ouglit not to he substituted.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 71
commissioners for the time being : All settlements were to be modified con-
formably with the precedmg rules : The proprietors in England, were to be
notified, that it was necessary lor the speedy settlement of the province, and
all concerned therein, that there should be allowed to each proprietary 3200
acres, for the first choice {first dividend); and in case of the arrival of
many adventurers, who purchased no land in England, the commissioners
reserved the liberty to take up as much more land, as should give to every
proprietor, a quantity not exceeding 5200 acres, which had been allowed
for the first settlement (dividend). But that no one should take up any such
portion of land, but as they sliould settle it ; and after the 3200 should have
been settled : All public high- ways were to be laid out at the discretion of
the commissioners, through any lands, allowing the owners reasonable satis-
faction: All persons having taken up lands within the first and second tenth,
were required to present their muniments of title, to certain of the commis-
sioners, for mspection ; and persons thereafter taking up lands, within such
tenth, were required to declare, before such commissioners, upon the pains of
perjury, that the quantity specified in their respective deeds, did really, and
in good conscience, belong to them ; upon which such commissioners might
grant a warrant to the surveyor, enjoining him to return such warrant and
survey, at the next court, after survey, that the same might be registered by
order of the court: The proprietors and purchasers, within the first and
second tenths, had liberty to take their full proportions, as before, within
mentioned, of the first and second choice, provided they did not, respectively,
take up more than five hundred acres, in one settlement.
By the subdivision of the proprietys, it soon became dilHcult to ascei'tain
the sense of those interested; and great detriment arising to the business of
the province, it was resolved by the proprietors, on the 14th of February,
1687, to constitute a proprietary council, consisting of eleven commissioners,
to be annually elected, from among themselves; which number was in the
subsequent year reduced to nine. These commissioners were empowered to
act and plead in all such afiairs, as should concern the body of the proprie-
tors, as fully and effectually as if every proprietor were present; and two
shillings per day were allowed them as a compensation. In November,
1688, the commissioners gave the following instructions relative to the ex-
amination of deeds, and granting of warrants, for taking up of lands. 1.
That no warrants should be granted, but upon the production of good deeds,
authentic copies, or an extract of the record of such deed, under the regis-
ter's hand. 2. That the deeds signed by Edward By Hinge, only, before the
year 1682, were insufficient to sustain warrants. 3. That there should be a
particular warrant, for every separate deed or particular j)urchase. 4. That
the president of the council should, from time to time, grant warrants for the
commissioners for the taking up their own lands. 5. That wai-rants, for lay-
ing out the lands of the surveyor-general, should not be directed to him, but
to some other person, at the discretion of the commissioner, issuing the war-
rant. 0. That every proprietor demanding a warrant, should engage to pay
his proportionate share of expense of the management of the proprietary affairs.
Under this council, the land affairs of West Jersey have been administer-
ed, to the present day. The right to head lands, as we have seen, ceased
after the first of April, 1678. From that period, all titles were derived from
individual proprietors. Dividends were declared from time to time, and
carried to the credit of each proprietor, who was then at liberty to locate, or
to sell unlocated, the quantity appropriated to his share, wherever it could be
found unsurveyed.
XII. The boundary between East and West Jersey, though of no political
importance, was long a vexed, and still continues an unsettled question. The
72 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
line of partition was geographically fixed by the quintipartite deed, between
the proprietors, of the first of July, 1676, confirmed by Act of Assembly, 27th
March, 1719. But some difficulties occurred, subsequently, in making the
partition, to the understanding of which, we must take a review of the titles of
the respective proprietors.
The patent from Charles I. to the Duke of York, conveyed all the country
now within the states of New York and New Jersey. The deed from the
Duke to Berkeley and Carteret, extended New Jersey, " northward as far as
the northernmost branch of the bay, or river Delaware, which is in 41° 40'
of latitude, and from thence in a straight line to Hudson's river in 41° of lati-
tude." Loi-d Berkeley conveyed his undivided moiety in fee to Fenwicke, in
trust for Byllinge, and Fenwicke conveyed such moiety to Penn, Lawrie and
Lucas, reserving a tenth to himself, which tenth he subsequently assigned to
Eldridge and Warner, who conveyed it to Penn, Lawrie, and Lucas, the better
to enable them, in conjunction with Byllinge, to make partition of the entire
province with Sir George Carteret. These parties by the quintipartite deed,
after expressly declaring, that, the province extended northward, as far as the
northernmost branch of the river Delaware, which is in 41° 40' latitude, de-
termine that the line of partition shall be a straight line drawn from the most
northerly point or boundary on the Delaware, to the most southerly point of
the East side of Little Egg Harbour. The confirmation of the Duke of York,
(6th August, 1680,) to the West Jersey proprietor, and his confirmation,
(14th March, 1682), to the twenty-four East Jersey proprietors, recognise
the northern boundary as above described, and referring to the quintipartite
deed, give the limits accordingly.
As the country became populous, much uneasiness was excited by sundry
fruitless attempts for running the partition line, and the uncertainty relative to
the point at which the designated latitude would fall. For remedy whereof,
the Act of Assembly of 1719 was passed. This, after recognizing the quin-
tipartite deed, and prescribing that a straight and direct line from the most
northerly point of New Jersey, on the northernmost branch of the river Dela-
ware, to the most southerly point of a beach on Egg Harbour, should be the
division line, appoints commissioners to run the line and provides, that, which
ever board of proprietors had appropriated lands of the other, should give an
equivalent of lands, in satisfaction, and that the then settlers should be quieted.
Pursuant to this act, and another for establishing the boundary line with
the province of New York, Governor Hunter commissioned John Johnstone,
and George Willocks of the eastern division, Joseph Kirkbride, and John
Reading of the western division, and James Alexander, surveyor-general of
both divisions, in conjunction with commissiouers from New York, to discover
and determine which of the streams of Delaware is the northernmost branch
thereof, and also the place on such branch that lies in latitude 41° 40'.
These commissioners together with Robert Walter and Isaac Hicks commis-
sioners, and Allain Jarrat surveyor on the part of New York, after designa-
ting the Fishkill branch, and fixing the point of latitude in the low land, in
the Indian town called Coshcghton, on the cast side of the river, executed an
indenture tripartite, certifying the above result of their labours. After which,
the West Jersey commissioners retired, protesting that their business was
completed.
The northern station point thus fixed, appears to have been recognised and
acquiesced in by both parties; yet the division line was not run for many
years. But random linos were made along the whole distance of the extreme
points, that the true line might be marked with the greater certainty and ease;
and such lines served to regulate liiturc surveys.
The assigns of Carteret and Berkeley were respectively entitled to a
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 73
moiety of the province, and unacquainted with the true geography of the
country, they imagined that the Hne given in the quintipartite deed, would
nearly efTect their intentions; and the idea of equality of partition seems to
have prevailed, until about the year 1687, when its propriety was questioned
by Dr. Daniel Coxe. Under this idea, in the year 1686 an agreement was
made between Robert Barclay, and the proprietors of East Jersey, and Ed-
ward Byllinge, and the proprietors of West Jersey, for running the partition
line, so as to give " as equal a division of the province" as was practicable.
Pursuant to which. Lord Neil Campbell, Governor, and captain Andrew Ham-
ilton, and John Campbell of East Jersey, and John Skene, deputy governor,
and Samuel Jennings and others of West Jersey, all of whom were proprie-
tors of their respective divisions, entered into bonds, to stand to the award of
John Reed and William Emley, who were appointed to determine the line,
and who directed that it should run from Little Egg Harbour, N. N. W. and
fifty minutes more westerly, which was more than twelve degrees westward
of the quintipartite line ; and was so altered, because the umpires as well as
the parties to the bonds, were better acquainted with the quantity of land in
each division, than the parties to the quintipartite deed. The line so award-
ed, was actually run in the year 1687, by George Keith, surveyor-general
of East Jersey, from the south station point, to the south branch of the Rari-
tan; and now forms the straight line, which in part, bounds the counties of
Burlington, Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, and Hunterdon. This line
was deemed by the West Jersey proprietors to be too far west, and was not
continued.
On September 5, 1688, Governors Coxe and Barclay, entered into an
agreement for terminating all differences concerning the deed of partition ;
stipulating that the line run by Keith, to the south branch of the Raritan,
should be the bounds, so far, between the provinces, and directing the route
by which that line should be continued for perfecting the division.* But this
agreement was never carried into effect. *
Subsequent to the determination of the north station point, in 1719, several
ineffectual attempts were made by the parties to ascertain the line. At length,
John Hamilton, and Andrew Johnstone, commissioners under the Act of 1719,
(the latter named in 1740), at the request of the eastern proprietors, in the
year 1743, appointed John Lawrence to run the line, pursuant to the act of
Assembly ; which was, accordingly, done in September and October of that
year. And this line, the East Jersey proprietors allege, has been frequently
recognised by the West Jersey proprietors, particularly, by the issue of war-
rants of relocation from the year 1745, to 1765, for lands which were found
to be east of this line ; by directions given to survey and return for the use
of the proprietors of the fifth dividend, the gore, or angle formed by Keith's
and Lawrence's lines ; by numerous surveys inspected, approved and ordered
to be recorded, which are bounded by Lawrence's line; and by other acts of
acquiescence, entered upon their minutes. To this line of Lawrence, the
East Jersey proprietors still firmly adhere.
The division line between the provinces of New York and New Jersey, re-
mained long unsettled, by reason that the latitude of forty-one degrees on
Hudson's river, was not ascertained. From the zealous and violent preten-
sions of the border inhabitants in the respective provinces, such disorders
arose, as to demand the interposition of their respective Legislatures ; and in
1764, acts were passed in both provinces, referring the subject to the King.
His Majesty appointed seven commissioners, who, meeting at New York
on the 18th July, 1769, determined that, the boimdary should be a straight
* See Smith's Hist. N. J. pp. 197, 198.
K
74 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and direct line, not from the station point in latitude 41° 40', as fixed by the
commission of 1719, hitt from the mouth of the MackhacJcamack, at its
junction with the Delmvare, in latitude 41° 21' 37", to the latitude of 41° on
Hudson's river. The controversy with New York, then, and subsequently
to the year 1719, was deemed, only, to affect the property of the proprietors
of East Jersey, — the Legislature rejecting their application to defray any
portion of the expense of settling the boundary line ; and the West Jersey
proprietors refusing to join in their request; alleging that their stations were
akeady fixed, and must remain.
The alteration of the boundary on the Delaware is supposed to have
been produced by corrupt influence over the commissioners ; who were all
crown officers, and by the change, took from the proprietary government of
New Jersey, and gave to the royal government of New York, large tracts
of land, to be granted at its pleasure. The effect of the change was to take
from the East Jersey proprietors, near two hundred thousand acres, and to
produce a new discussion relative to the partition between East and West
Jersey.
The new station point, at the'conflueace of the Mackhackamack with the
Delaware, now the most northerly point or boundary of the province, on the
northernmost branch of the river Delaware, with a line thence to the
station point, at Little Egg Harbour, would make a gore or angle with Law-
rence's line, near ten miles wide in the northern part, narrowing in propor-
tion as it approached the point of contact, and containing about four hundred
thousand acres. On the 25th of January, 1775, the West Jersey proprietors
assuming, that, the new northern station point, was the true northerly boun-
dary of the province, from which the partition line should commence, and
altogether losing sight of the words of the quintipartitc deed and its depen-
dencies, which assigned the point on the river, in latitude 41° 40' as the
station point, petitioned the legislature to pass a law for the final settlement
of the said line, either in aid of the act of 1719, or by the appointment of
commissioners, out of the neighbouring province, for that purpose. This
petition was referred to the succeeding Legislature. On the first of December
following, Daniel Coxe, president of the board of western proprietors, re-
quested leave, on their behalf, to bring in a bill for the appointment of com-
missioners for the same purpose, suggesting the acquiescence of the eastern
proprietors to the mode proposed, (which acquiescence the eastern proprie-
tors deny). Leave was granted ; but the public commotions, which soon
after took place, prevented the execution of the measure. In October, 1782,
the application to the Legislature was renewed ,stating the object of the west-
ern proprietors to be, " a recompense in value of lands, from the general
stock of the eastern proprietors: for which purpose," they say, "they un-
derstand and believe, it is generally known, that, certain lands, called Rama-
poch, belonging to the general stock of the eastern proprietors, and specially
excepted in all the warrants of the eastern proprietors, were particularly
allotted as an equivalent, in case the event should take place, which hath
since happened, of the station point being fixed farther eastward than was
formerly expected." This allegation respecting the; Ramapoch lands, the
eastern proprietors, scouted as too void of truth and foundation to need com-
ment; and r(>sisting the application to the Assembly, contended, that the sub-
ject was a private dispute between individuals, which should be decided by
the courts of law or ecpiity. The application of the western proprietors was
rejected by th(.' Assembly, on a vote of twenty-one to eleven.
Lawrence's line is now acquiesced in, by the greater part of northern
Jersey; but is yet disputed in Monmouth county, and in the region of the
pines, wliere, under West Jersey rights, great destruction of timber is com-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 75
mitted. These rights are sought ; having, hitherto, been sold at a much less
price than those of East Jersey. The line run by Lawrence, in Sussex
county, forms the boundary between Byram and Greene, Newton and
Greene, and Stillwater, and between Walpack and Sandistone townships;
crossing the Delaware into Pennsylvania, about fifteen miles below the pre-
sent northernmost point of the state, it strikes the Delaware again, in the
state of New York, near thirty miles north of the mouth of the Mackhacka-
mack.*
* The authorities on which tlie foregoing statement is made, are — 1. The several
deeds cited : — 2. The Act of Assembly, 1719: — 3. The petitions of the respective parties
in 1782: — 4. The minutes in the land offices of East and West Jersey: — 5. Smith's
History; and — 6. Circular of West Jersey proprietors, in 1795. The following statis-
tical view is appended to the petition of the East Jersey proprietors, 17S2.
1. The angle or gore of land which East Jersey lost in the controversy with New
York, amounts to about 210,000 acres. The remaining quantity of land in New
Jersey, being the whole amount of the state, is about 4,375,970 acres.
2. Therefore supposing a line was drawn, dividing the state into two equal half
parts, and which would be the line of partition between East and West Jersey, each
division would then contain about 2,187,985 acres.
3. Supposing Keith's line extended to Delaware river, to bo the line of partition
between East and West Jersey, the quantity of land in East Jersey would, then, be
about 2,214,930 acres : the quantity in West Jersey 2,161,040 acres. And East Jersey
would, then, contain 53,890 acres more than West Jersey.
4. Supposing Lawrence's line to be the line of partition, the quantity of land in
West Jersey would, then, be about 2,689,680 acres : the quantity in East Jersey,
1,686,290 acres. And West Jersey would, then, contain 1,003,390 acres more than
East Jersey.
5. Supposing a line to be drawn from the Mackhackamack, to the line of partition,
the quantity of land in West Jersey would, then, be about 3,119,260 acres: the quan-
tity in East Jersey, 1,256,710 acres. And West Jersey would, tlien, contain 1,862,550
acres more than East Jersey.
6. The angle or gore of land, between Keith's and Lawrence's line, contains about
528,640 acres. The angle or gore between Lawrence's line, and a line to be drawn
from the Mackhackamack would contain about 429,580 acres.
76 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER V.
Comprising the Administration of Lord Cornbury. I. Arrival of Lord Cornbury —
Demands a large and permanent Salary — being refused, dissolves the House. —
II. A new Assembly chosen — Part of its Members arbitrarily excluded — Mea-
sures of the Governor. — III. Third Assembly convened — Determines to Petition
the Queen, and to Remonstrate with the Governor — Public Grievances — De-
livery of the Remonstrance, by Samuel Jennings. — IV. Reply of the Governor. —
V. Dispute on the Treasurer's Accounts. — VI. The Governor refuses the Mes-
sage of the Assembly, which they enter upon their Minutes. — VII. The West
Jersey Proprietors, in England, address a Memorial to the Commissioners of
Trade and Plantations, aganist Cornbury — Address of the Lieutenant-Governor,
and Provincial Council, to the Queen. — VIII. The Governor unable to obtain
the gratification of his wishes, by the Assembly, first prorogues, and then
dissolves them. — IX. Offensive Conduct of Lord Cornbury, in his Government
of New York — His Character. — X. Is reluctantly removed by Queen Anne —
Imprisoned by his Creditors.
I. Lord Cornbury arrived in New Jersey, in August, 1703, and met the
General Assembly, at Amboy, on the 10th of the succeeding November.
The House prepared several bills, but passed, at this session, only, the act
prohibiting the purchase of land from the Indians, by any person except the
proprietaries. At the next session, holden at Burlington, in September, 1704,
his lordship recommended to the Legislature, to ascertain by law, the rights
of the general proprietors to the soil, and to establish some permanent fund,
for the support of the government. A French privateer having committed
depredations about Sandy Hook, he, thence, took occasion, also, to require a
mihtia law, and the erection of a watch-tower, on the Nevisink Hills. All
these measures were beset with difficulties. The people had been accus-
tomed to pay, as they still are, small salaries to their officers, and were little
disposed to gratify the wishes of his lordship, in this respect. Those who
claimed lands under Indian grants, and held adversely to the proprietaries,
resisted the attempt of the latter to confirm their rights. And every military
eifort was repugnant to the consciences of a large portion of the inhabitants.
After a dilatory discussion of these embari'assing topics, the House proposed
a revenue of thirteen hundred pounds, per annum, to endure for three years.
But this sum, being far short of the governor's expectation, he requiring two
thousand pounds, per annum, for a term of twenty years, was indignantly
rejected ; and in the hope of procuring an Assembly, more complaisant,
he dissolved the present, and hastily commanded the election of another
House.
II. The people, who, in the very wantonness of freedom, had involved
themselves in contentious strife, discovered that they had exchanged king
Log for king Stork. The precipitate and arbitrary measure of the governor
was executed in the spirit with which it was conceived. By corrupt efforts,
a House was obtained, with a largo proportion, but not a majority, of the
members devoted to tlie governor. To obtain the entire control of this
body, his lordship resolved, by the advice of his counsellors, to exclude a
portion of its members, under the false pretence, that they were not qualified
by the requisite quantity of estate. As the representatives appeared before
the governor to take the prescribed oaths, without which, they could not
exercise their offices, he refused to administer them to Thomas Gardiner,
Thomas Lambert, and Joshua Wright, distinguished delegates from West
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 77
Jersey, by whose exclusion, he obtained a majority of one, in the House.
John Fretvvell, of BurHngton, was chosen speaker, by the casting vote of the
clerk, who, though nominated by the governor, was admitted by the Assem-
bly, to use the faculty of a member.
The House, thus constituted, complimented his excellency, on conducting
the affairs of his government, " with great diligence, and exquisite manage-
ment, to the admiration of his friends, and the envy of his enemies ;" and
granted him a revenue for the support of government, of two thousand
pounds, for two years ; six hundred of which, were given to the lieutenant-
governor, Colonel Ingoldsby. Several other acts were passed, among which,
we find one of amnesty, for offences during the late unsettled state of the
province, and another establishing a militia, which, by its unnecessary seve-
rity, gave much disquiet to the Quakers ; but no effort was made to confirm
the pi'opi-ietary estates. Having obtained all that he immediately required,
the governor adjourned the House, in December, to the succeeding year,
with many encomiums on its conduct.
At the next session, however, his power over it had ceased. The rejected
members, after eleven month's exclusion, were admitted to their seats ; the
governor having been forced, by very shame, to recognise their qualification ;
which the title deeds of their estates had long before confirmed, to every dis-
passionate inquirer. But the most interesting object of his lordship, had
been obtained by the settlement of the revenue, and he was content that the
existing House should continue, though he could entertain little hope of
service from it, either to himself or the province. It convened again in No-
vember, 1705, and October, 1706, but did no business at either session-*
III. When the term of the revenue had expired, the convocation of the
Assembly was indispensable for its renewal; but it was impracticable, by
any means, to procure another House like to the last. Few of the members
of that, which met at Burlington on the .5th of April, 1707, were favourably
disposed to the governor. Its most active leaders, Samuel Jennings, the
speaker, and Lewis Morris, who had been twice expelled the council, for his
resistance to the governor's measures, wei-e among the most respectable
and influential inhabitants of the province, intimately acquainted with its
interests, and altogether adequate to sustain them. The House, therefore,
soon after it met, resolved itself into a committee of the whole, with a clerk
of its own appointment, to consider of the public grievances; of which it de-
termined to complain, by petition to the Queen, and remonstrance to the
governor.*
In the latter, prepared, most probably, by Morris, they express their regret,
that, instead of granting to the governor the revenue required from them, it
became their duty, to lay before him the unhappy circumstances of the pro-
vince, which they attributed, in some measure, to his long and frequent
absence from his government. They then proceeded to allege — That, he
had obstructed the course of justice, by suspending, for years, the execution
of the sentence of death, pronounced against some women, convicted of
murder ; and that this delay " was not only a very great charge, but that
the blood of the innocents cried aloud for vengeance — and just heaven would
not fail to pour it down upon their already miserable country, if the guilty
were not made to suffer according to their demerits : That, in criminal cases,
the accused were condemned to the payment of costs, even when no bill was
found : That, the sole office for the probate of wills, together with the secre-
tary's office, were holden at Burlington, to the great inconvenience of the
inhabitants, who dwelt in the remoter parts of the province : That patents
* Smith's New Jersey, 284. See Appendix, P.
78 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
for the exclusive carriage of goods, on the road from Burlington to Am-
boy, had been granted for a term of years, contrary to the statute of 21
Jac. 1, against monopolies: That fees had been established without the au-
thority of the General Assembly : And that the governor had put the re-
cords of the eastern division of the province into the hands of one, the pre-
tended agent of the proprietors,* who did not reside in the province. Some
of these grievances were certainly of a character to rouse public indignation,
whilst others were, probably, more the result of circumstances, which would
have been removed by the Legislative power, as they were olfered for con-
sideration.
But there were other grievances, which the Assembly deemed of higher
nature, and attended with worse consequences. Such were — the prohibition
to the council of proprietors, to issue warrants for land in West Jersey,
and other unauthorised interferences with proprietary rights — the exclusion of
the three members from the last House — and the corruption of the governor
in receiving large sums of money for the dissolution of the first Assembly, in
order that no act should be passed to compel the payment of proprietary quit-
rents, and to obtain such officers as the contributors should approve. " This
House," continues the remonstrance, " has great reason to believe, that the
money so gathered, was given to Lord Cornbury, and did induce him to dis-
solve the then Assembly, and by his own authority to keep three members
out of the next Assembly, and put so many mean and mercenary men in
office; by which corrupt practice, men of the best estates are severely ha-
rassed, her Majesty's good subjects in this province, so impoverished, that
they are not able to give that support to her Majesty's government, as is de-
sired, or as they would be otherwise inclined to : — And we cannot but be
very uneasy, when we find by these new methods of government, our liber-
ties and properties so much shaken, that no man can say he is master of
either, but holds as tenant by courtesy and at will, and may be stripped of
them at pleasure. Liberty is too valuable a thing to be easily parted with,
and when such mean inducements procure such violent endeavours to tear it
from us, we must take leave to say, they have neither heads, hearts, nor
souls, that are not moved by the miseries of their country, and are not for-
ward with their utmost power, lawfully to redress them."
" We conclude by advising the governor to consider what it is, that princi-
pally engages the affections of a people, and he will find no other ai-tifice need-
ful, than to let them be unmolested in the enjoyment of what belongs to them
of right ; and a wise man that despiseth not his own happiness, will earnestly
labour to regain their love."
This free and unceremonious remonstrance lost nothing of its force, in the
delivery by speaker Jennings. In vain did his lordship attempt to aAve his
constant and spirited temper, by assumed airs of ga-eatness, and by repeated
interruption, with the cry of stop! jvhafs that? as the most offensive
passages were read to him. Jennings, with an affectation of deep humility,
whenever interrupted, calmly desired leave to read the passages again; to all
of which, he gave additional emphasis, so that the second reading was greatly
more offensive than the first."]"
IV. The indignation of the governor, at this remonstrance, is strongly pour-
trayed, in a long circumstantial, but not very successful, reply; in which he
denied the truth of some of its charges, and sought to justify the others. On
the dread, expressed by the house,of divine vengeance for punishments delayed,
* Peter Sonmans.
t When the House had retired, Cornbury, with some emotion, says the historian
Smith, told those with liim, that Jennings liad impudence enough to face the devil.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 79
he remarked; " I am of opinion, that nothmg has hindered the vengeance of
just heaven, from falling upon this province long ago, but the infinite mercy,
goodness, long-suffering, and forbearance of Almighty God, who has been
abundantly provoked by the repeated crying sins of a perverse generation
among us ; and more especially, by the dangerous and abominable doctrines,
and the wicked lives and practices of a number of people ; some of whom,
under the pretended name of Christians, have dared to deny the very es-
sence and being of the Saviour of the world." The practice of extorting fees
from the accused against whom no bill was found, he defended on the ground
of established custom ; admitting, however, that if the juries of the country
were such as they ought to be, a diflerent rule might be proper.
" But," he continues, " we find from woeful experience, that there ai-e
many men, who have been admitted to serve upon grand and special juries,
who have convinced the world, that they have no regard for the oaths they
take; especially among a sort of people, who, under a pretence of conscience,
refuse to take an oath: and yet, who, under the cloak of a very solemn athrm-
ation, dare to commit the greatest enormities, especially, if it be to serve a
" friend," as they call him ; these are the designing men, and the vindictive
tempers of which all the Queen's good subjects ought to beware, and be pro-
tected from ; and these arc the crying sins which will undoubtedly draw down
the vengeance of just heaven upon this province and people, if not timely and
seriously repented of."
In considering the more heinous charge of corruption, the truth of which
he peremptorily denies, his lordship demands; "who would not, after such
assertions, expect to see the governor proved guilty, either of treason or be-
traying the trust reposed in him, by the Queen, by depriving the subjects of
their lives, their estates, or their properties ; or, at least, denying them justice,
and pervei'ting the laws to their oppression? These, or the like crimes,
manifestly proved, are the only things that can justify men in the accusing a
governor of corrupt practice, and of shaking the libei'tics and properties of
the people. But if none of these things can be proven, but on the contrary,
it does appear plainly, that no one act of severity, much less of injustice or
oppression, has been done, since the government of this province come under
the Queen, but there has been an impartial, just, and equal administration of
justice observed throughout the whole course of my government, and that
many acts of mercy have been extended to persons who deserved to be se-
verely punished ; then what sort of creatures must these bold accusers appear
to be, in the eyes of all impartial and judicious men? That these are truths
beyond all contradiction, and which all the people of this province know, I
do challenge you, and every one of you, to prove to the contrary. And
though, I know very well, that there are several unquiet spirits, in the pro-
vince, who will never be content to live quiet, under any government, but
their own ; and not long under that neither, as appears by their methods of
proceeding, when the government was in the hands of the proprietaries,
when many of these very men, who are now the remonstrancers, were in
authority, and used the most arbitrary and illegal methods of proceeding,
over their fellow subjects, that were ever heard of; yet, I am satisfied, there
are very few men in the province, except Samuel Jennings and Lewis Morris,
men known, neither to have good principles, nor good morals, who have
ventured to accuse a governor of such crimes, without any proof to make
out their accusation; but they are capable of any thing but good."
V. New fuel was added to this flame, already unextinguishable, by a dispute
relative to the accounts of Peter Fauconier, the provincial treasurer. In the
examination of which the House found several objectionable items, paid upon
the governor's order, merely, and without vouchers, which the treasurer re-
80 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
fused to render without the governor's commands. Upon application for
these, his lordship replied, that, he had already ordered them; therein ex-
ceeding his powers ; inasmuch as the Lord High Treasurer had appointed an
auditor-general, for the province, who had deputed one to settle the accounts
of the provincial treasurer; he being responsible only to the Lord High
Treasurer. His lordship proffered to explain any articles with which the
Assembly were dissatisfied; but this, they very properly, dechned, as they
would have sanctioned the preposterous claim of irresponsibility of the pro-
vincial treasurer to a provincial Assembly, for the funds of the province,
and would have placed them still more at the mercy of their extortionate
rulers.
VL In the temper which now prevailed among the officers of the state,
there was no prospect of joint and beneficial labours ; and the governor,
probably, dreading a caustic rejoinder to his reply, prorogued the House on
the 16th, to meet in the following September, at Amboy. A subsequent
order convened them in October, when they resolved to answer the go-
vernor's replication, and to raise no money unless their grievances were
redressed ; in which case, they proposed to grant, for the support of govern-
ment, fifteen hundred pounds. On the 28th, they informed the governor,
that having seen his reply m print, they were disposed to answer it, and
requested to know, when they might present their rejoinder. He promised
to receive them in due time; but having waited for his message until next
day, and then concluding that he purposed to elude their request, they sent
a committee with their message, which, he refusing to receive, they caused
to be entered on their journal.
In this address the House reiterated and amplified their former complaints,
and spared no opportunity to give to his excellency the retort couileous.
From the following examples, the reader will, probably, agree with us, that,
their shafts were keen, if not polished. " It is," say they, " the General
Assembly of the province of New Jersey, that complains, and not the Qua-
kers, with whose persons (considered as Quakers) or meetings we have
nothing to do ; nor are we concerned in what your excellency says against
them; they, perhaps, will think themselves obliged to vindicate their meet-
ings, from the aspersions which your excellency, so liberally, bestows upon
them, and evince to the world how void of rashness and inconsideration your
excellency's expressions are, and how becoming it is, for the governor of a
province, to enter the lists of controversy, with a people who thought them-
selves entitled to his protection, in the enjoyment of their religious liberties ;
those of them who arc members of this House have begged leave, in behalf
of themselves and their friends, to tell the governor they must answer him in
the words of Nehemiah to Sanballat, contained in the eighth verse of the
sixth chapter of Nehemiah; viz. There is no .such things done as thou sayest,
bvt thou feignest them out of thijie oum hearth
In reply to the governor's boast, of the purity of his administration, they
ask, " are not his Majesty's loyal subjects hauled to gaols, and there lie
without being admitted to bail ? And those that are," they continue, " is not
the condition of the recognizances, that, if your excellency approves not of
their being bailed, they shall return to their prisons? Are not several of her
Majesty's good subjects forced to abscond, and leave their habitations, being
threatened with imprisonment, and having no hopes of receiving the benefit of
the law, when your excellency's absolute will is the sole measure of it? Has
not one minister of the Church of England, been dragged by a sheriff, from
Burlington to Amboy, and there kept in custody, without assigning any rea-
son for it, and at last hauled by force into a boat, by your excellency, and
transported, Kkc a malefactor, into another government, and there kept in a
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 81
garrison, a prisoner ; and no reason assigned for it, but your excellency's
pleasure? Has not another minister of the Church of England been laid
under the necessity of leaving the province, from the reasonable apprehen-
sion of the same treatment '? Is any order of men, either sacrod or civil,
secure in their lives, their liberties, or estates? Where these procedures will
end, God only knows."
" If these, and what we have named before, be acts of mercy, gentleness,
and good nature — if this be the administering laws, for the protection and
preservation of her majesty's subjects, then have we been the most mistaken
men in the world, and have had the falsest notion of things ; — calling that
cruelty, oppression and injustice, which is their direct opposite, and those
things, slavery, imprisonments, and hardships, which are freedom, liberty,
and ease; and must hencefoi-th take France, Denmark, the Muscovian,
Ottoman, and Eastern empires, to be the best models of gentle and happy
government."
VII. Beside these measures of resistance, in the province, to the usurped
authority and irregular proceedings of the governor, the West Jersey pi'o-
prietors, residing in England, addressed a memorial condemnatory of his
conduct, to the lords commissioners of trade and plantations; in which, they
exposed at length, the evils resulting from his interference with their lands.
The governor sought to repel these attacks, by an address, from the lieuten-
ant-governor, and his council, to the Queen. After partially stating the
dissentions in the province, they added, " We ai'e now obliged humbly to
represent to your majesty, the true cause ; which, we conceive, may lead to
the remedy of these confusions."
" The first, is owing to the turbulent, factious, uneasy, and disloyal prin-
ciples of two men in the Assembly, Mr. Lewis Morris, and Samuel Jennings,
a Quaker; men notoriously known to be uneasy under all government —
men never known to be consistent with themselves — men to whom all the
factions and confusions in the government of New Jersey and Pennsylvania,
for many years, are wholly owing — men that have had the confidence to
declare, in open council, that your majesty's instructions to your governors,
in these provinces, shall not oblige or bind them, nor will they be concluded
by them, further than they arc warranted by the law, of which, also, they
will be the judges; and this is done by them, (as we have all the reason in
the world to believe,) to encourage, not only this government, but also the
rest of your governments in America, to throw oft' your majesty's royal pre-
rogative, and, consequently, to involve all your dominions, in this part of the
world, and the honest, good, and well-meaning people in them, in confusion;
hoping, thereby, to obtain their wicked purposes.
" The remedy for all these evils, we most humbly purpose, is — that your
majesty will most graciously please to discountenance those wicked, design-
ing men, and show some dislike to this Assembly's proceedings; who are
resolved, neither to support this your majesty's government, by a revenue,
nor take care to defend it, by settling a militia. The last hbel, called 'The
Reply, &c.' came out so suddenly, that as yet, we have not had time to
answer it in all its particulars ; but do assure your majesty, it is (or the most
part, false in fact ; and in that part of it which cari'ies any face of truth, they
have been malicious and unjust in not mentioning the \\hole truth ; which
would have fully justified my Lord Cornbury's just conduct."*
It might be questionable at the present day, whether the lieutenant-
governor, and his council, did not design to betray the cause they seemed to
defend, when they charged it as a crime upon the citizens of a government
■ See Appendix, Q., for names of Council
82 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
of laws, that they preferred the laws, as they understood them, to the in-
structions of the Queen, and would obey the latter, so far only, as they were
consistent with the former. But we have, here, only, an additional instance
of the subserviency, which the love of power and place, every where pro-
duces. It is the law of society, if not of nature, that men should strengthen
the hand that feeds them. And ordinary men, like the beast of the stall,
lick the hand that fattens them, even for the shambles. The dispenser of
official favours, whether he be a prince or a president, will always find
minions, ever ready to maintain his prerogative above the law, and we are,
therefore, not surprised, that such hoped for protection, from a daughter of
James the Second.
VJII. Two days after Lord Cornbury had refused to receive the Address
of the Assembly, he prorogued that body, to the spring of the ensuing year;
and thus avoided the necessity of a defence, which he found difficult to sustain.
The house met in Burlington, on the 5th of May, 1708 ; and in the illness of
Jennings, their former speaker, named Thomas Gordon to that office.* The
governor addressed them with the customary speech ; to which, they replied,
by repetition of former grievances, and recounting of new ones. Perceiving
that nothing could be obtained, without the abandonment of the ground he
had taken, he adjourned them, until September, to meet at Amboy ; and in
the interval, dissolved them.
IX. In his government of New York, the conduct of Lord Cornbury
was, if possible, more oflcnsive to the people, than in New Jersey ; and had
been productive of like results, universal dissatisfaction of the people, and
entire suspension of legislative action. His character is described as a com-
pound of bigotry and intolerance, rapacity and prodigality, voluptuousness,
and cruelty, and the loftiest arrogance, with the meanest chicane. Whether
from real ditferencc in sentiment, or from a policy, which in those days was
not uncommon, whilst his father adhered to James, the son attached himself
to king William, and was among the first officers who deserted to him, on
his landing at Tor bay. Having dissipated his substance in riot and de-
bauchery, and being obliged to fly from his creditors, in England, he obtain-
ed from his patron, the government of New York, which was confirmed by
his kinswoman. Queen Anne, who added the government of New Jersey.
He first excited the odium of the people of the former province, by the into-
lerance he exercised against the Presbyterians, and every other religious
sect, except the protcstant Episcopalians. Though the great body of the in-
habitants, including the principal families of the province, were of the former
persuasion, he prohibited their ministers from preaching without a license
from himself; implying, that they officiated not of right, but by his indulgence.
He, in one instance, fraudulently seized upon their church property, and
delivered it to the Episcopal party; in another, he indicted two ministers
from Virginia, who preached without license, for a misdemeanor; but his
malice was defeated, by the independence of the jury, who refused to con-
vict. In every part of the province, he tendered his assistance to the Epis-
copalians, to possess them of the churches, which other sects had built.
Happily, his conduct in other departments of his government, by uniting all
parties against him, soon deprived him of the power of instigating one por-
tion of society to harass or op])ress the rest. Not content with the liberal
grants which the Assembly had niade liim, for his private use, he embezzled
large sums ai^proprifited to the erection of public works, and unable to sub-
sist on his lawful emoluments, even with the addition of enormous pillage,
he contracted debts, with every tradesman who would trust him, and set his
" Sue Appendix, R
HISTORY OF NE:W JERSEY. 88
creditors at defiance, by means of his official station. The Assembly
proposed, in vain, to establish a body of functionaries, to control the public
expenditure, and to account to tliemseives; and, with as little success, did
they transmit remonstrances, against him, to the Queen.* The only imme-
diate result of the latter, was some private instructions to the governor. The
proposition, to control the public disl)ursements, was rejected; and, when
they insisted on a scrutiny of his accounts, he warned them not to provoke
him, to exert " certain powers entrusted to him by the Queen, and to trouble
him less about the rights of the House ; as the House possessed no rights,
other than the grace and good pleasure of her Majesty, suffered it to enjoy."
By such declai-ation, and a line of policy strictly conformable therewith, he
alienated all his adherents; and when he dissolved one Assembly, for its at-
tention to the public interest, he was unable to convoke another of different
character. At length the zVssemblics refused to vote the smallest supply for
the public service, until he should account for all his past receipts and appli-
cations of public money, and perform the impossible condition of refunding
the sums he had embezzled. His dissolute habits and ignoble tastes and
manners, completed and embittered the disgust with which he was, now, uni-
versally regarded ; and when lie was seen rambling abroad in the dress of a
woman, the people beheld with indignation and shame, the representative of
their sovereign and ruler of their country. f
X. At length Queen Anne was compelled, in the year 1709, by the reite-
rated and unanimous complaints of New York and New Jersey, to supersede
his commission. No sooner was he deprived of office than his creditors
threw him into prison. And thus degraded from an honourable station, by
his public crimes, and deprived of liberty by his private vice and dishonesty,
this kinsman of his Queen, remained a prisoner, for debt, in the province he
had governed, till the death of his father, elevating him to the peerage, enti-
tled him to liberation. He then returned to Europe, and died in the year
1723.:|:
* See Appendix, S., for resolutions of the Assembly of New York,
t Grahaine's Cof. Hist. vol. ii. 302. Sniilli's New Yorft.
t Smith's New Yorlt, 144, 145, 14G, KM. Grahame's Col. Hist. 30G. Biograph.
Brit.
84 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER VI.
Comprising Events from the Removal of Lord Cornbury to the Close of the Administra-
tion of Governor Hunter — 17011-171!). — I. Lord Cornbury succeeded by Lord
Lovelace — His conciliatory Address to the Assembly. — II. Ready disposition of the
House to provide for the Support of Government — Change in the Constitution of
the Assembly — Assembly obtain a Copy of the Address of the Lieutenant Governor
and Council, to the Queen, in favour of Lord Cornbury — Demand a hearing for
their Defence before the Governor. — III. Death of Lord Lovelace and Accession
of Lieutenant Governor Ingoldsby. — IV. Promptitude of the Province to aid in
reducing the French Possessions in North America. — V. Failure of the Expedi-
tion, and renewed Elibrts of the Colonists to revive it — Visit of the Chiefs of the
Five Nations to England. — VI. Capture of Port Royal, &c. by Colonel Nicholson
and the American Forces. — VII. Governor Ingoldsby removed — Government
adininistered by William Pinhorne as President of Council — succeeded by Go-
vernor Hunter. — VIII. Biographical Notice of Governor Hunter. — IX. Meets
the Assembly, which prefers Charges against Members of Council. — X. Expul-
sion of a Member of the House for his Conduct in Council — Address to the
Queen. — XI. Bills proposed for the relief of the Quakers defeated by the Coun-
cil.— XII. New Efforts for the Conquest of the French Provinces — Unfortunate
Result. — XIII. Continued quiet of the Province. — XIV. Division of the Assem-
bly.— XV. Governor Hunter returns to Europe — Testimonials in his favour by
New Jersey and New York — Exchanges his Commission with WiUiara Burnet.
I. Lord Cornbury was succeeded in his governments of New Y'ork and
New Jersey, by John, Lord Lovelace, Baron of Hurley, who met the council
of the latter province, at Bergen, December 20th, 1708, and a new Assem-
bly, at Perth Amboy, in the following spring.
The principles which directed his administration, were the converse of
those of his predecessor. He had more confidence in the melting power of
kindness and respect, than in that of haughtiness and resei-ve ; in the influ-
ence of justice and frankness, than in force and fraud, to bend the people to
his wishes. His address to the Flouse was full of conciliation. He assured
them, " that he would not give them any just cause of uneasiness under his
administration, and hoped they would bear with one another ; and that past
differences and animosities would be buried in oblivion, and the peace and
welfare of the country, only, would be pursued by each individual." On
the subject of the support of government and the establishment of a militia,
the contrast is striking between his course and that of the inihtuated Corn-
bury. Instead of peremptorily demanding a large and fixed annual sum,
payable for a long period; he observed, that "her Majesty would not be bur-
den.some to her people ; but there being an absolute necessity, that govern-
ment be sujiported, he was directed to recommend that matter to their consi-
deration ; that they knew best what the province could conveniently raise
for its support, and the easiest methods of raising it; that the making a law
for putting the militia on a better footing than it at present stood, with as
much ease to the people as possible, required their consideration ; that he
should always be ready to give his assent to whatever laws they found ne-
cessary for promoting religion and virtue, for the encouragement of trade
and industry, and discouragement of vice and profanoness, and for any other
matter or thing, relating to the good of the province."
II. These liberal and fiivourablc sentiments were reciprocated by tin;
House; they passed a bill, appropriating a sum exceeding seventeen hun-
dred pounds, for the support of government; an act for settling the mi-
litia of the province; an act for the encouragement of the post-office; and
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 85
an act tor explaining grants and patents, for land, in the eastern division of
the province. They, also, availed themselves of the present opportunity of
changing the constitution of the General Assembly, giving to it a more aris-
tocratical essence^, than it received from the royal instructions. The latter
required, that, the House should consist of two members elected by the
householders and inhabitants of the towns of Amboy, Burlington, and
Salem, respectively, and five members, chosen by the freeholders of the re-
spective counties. The Assembly now directed that the electors, in all cases,
should be freeholders, and that two members should be chosen for each of
the above mentioned towns, and two for each county, and that the members
should be freeholders of that division, for which they were, respectively,
elected. The freehold required for the elector and representative, was that
specified in the instructions, and the Flouse was made the judge of the quali-
fication of its members. This change was induced by the proprietaries; to
whom it was a matter of obvious and deep interest, that, every inhabitant
should be an owner of land.
The Assembly obtained from the governor, a copy of the address which
the lieutenant governor and council had made to the Queen in favour of
Lord Cornbury; and engaged him to hear their defence of the charges
against them, in presence of the addressers, but the latter contrived, for a
season, to elude the inquiry.
III. The prospect which the province now had of a happy administration,
in which the interests of the people were duly consulted, and the officers of
government, liberally and satisfactorily maintained, were content with the
emoluments the law conferred, was unhappily obscured by the sudden death
of their popular governor, in a few days after the passage of the above-men-
tioned laws, and the devolvement of his power upon the lieutenant governor
Ingoldsby.
IV. This officer, pursuant to his instruction from the ministers of the Queen,
laid before the Assembly their demand for aid, in an attack upon the French
provinces in North America. The French had actively prosecuted the war
declared against them by England, on the 4th May, 1702, and the northern
English provinces of America, had suffered greatly from their incursions. In
the preceding year, they had penetrated to Haverhill, on the Merrimack river,
and reduced the town to ashes. Upon the entreaty of the inhabitants of
New England, the ministry adopted a plan proposed by Col. Vetch, for the
conquest of Arcadia, Canada, and Newfoundland. An attack upon Quebec
was to be made, by a squadron of ships carrying five regiments of regular
troops from England, and twelve hundred provincials, furnished by the zeal
of Massachusetts and Rhode Island; whilst an army of fifteen hundred men
from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, conducted by
Colonels Nicholson and Vetch, should attempt Montreal, by way of the
lakes. The enterprise, however, was never prosecuted; the exigencies of
the war in Europe requiring all the forces of the allies. The quota of troops
required from New Jersey, was two hundred. The Assembly entered spi-
ritedly into the views of the ministry; passed one act appropriating three
thousand pounds to aid the expedition, to be raised by the issue of bills of
credit; another, for enforcing their currency, and a third for the encourage-
ment of volunteers. The few Indian chiefs who were in the province, were
summoned before the council, and incited to engage in the enterprise; and
Col. Schuyler was commissioned by the governors of Connecticut, New York
and Pennsylvania, to direct the efforts of these and of the Five Nations.
V. Upon failure of the expedition, Col. Nicholson returned to England to
solicit further assistance, taking with him, five of the Indian sachems of
the Five Nations, together with Col. Schuyler, whose infiuence over these
86 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
warlike savages was ajhiiost unbounded. It suited the ministry to make art
exhibition of these sons of the forest. The court being then in mourning
for the death of the prince of Denmark, the American kings were dressed
in black under clothes, and their coarse and filthy blankets viere exchanged for
rich scarlet cloth mantles, trimmed with gold. A more than ordinary solemnity
attended the audience they had of her Majesty; Sir Charles Cotteral con-
ducted them in coaches to St. James's; and the Lord Chamberlain introduced
them into the royal presence, where the chiet' warrior and orator addressed
a speech, with the customary belts of wampum, to her Majesty.
VI. To tlic solicitations of Colonels Nicholson and Schuyler, the ministry
returned the most favourable promises; but their execution was so long de-
layed, that Nicholson resolved to attack Port Royal, with the means at his
disposal in the colonies. With twelve ships of war and twenty transports,
having on board one regiment of marines, and four of infantry, raised in
New England, he assailed and captured the place, and obtained full posses-
sion of Nova Scotia, on the 5th of October 1710.
VII. Lieutenant Governor Ingoldsby was, as we have seen, justly obnox-
ious to the people of New York and New Jersey, and their remonstrances,
also, procured his removal soon after the dismission of Cornbury. But
before the arrival of another governor appointed by the crown, the executive
powers were exercised in New Jersey, by Mr. William Pinhorne, one of the
most unpopular of the council. He was, however, very soon superseded by
the arrival of Brigadier General Hunter, on the 14th June, 1710, with the com-
mission of governor general of the provinces of New York and New Jersey.
VIII. Governor Hunter was a native of Scotland, and when a boy, was
put apprentice to an apothecary. But he deserted his master and entered the
ai-my, and being a man of wit and personal beauty, acquired the affections of
Lady Hay, whom he afterwards married. Pie had been nominated in the
year 1707, lieutenant governor of Virginia, under George, Earl of Orkney;
but having been captured by the French, in his voyage to that colony, was
carried into France. Upon his release, he was appointed to succeed Lord
Lovelace. He was, unquestionably, a man of merit, since he enjoyed the
intimacy of Swift, Addison, and others, distinguished for sense and learning;
by whose interest, it is supposed, he obtained this profitable place. He min-
gled freely with the world, and was somewhat tainted by its follies; had en-
gaging manners, blended perhaps, not unhappily, for his success in the pro-
vince, with a dash of original vulgarity. His administration of ten years'
duration, ^yas one of almost unbroken harmony, and consequently productive
of scarcely aught else, worthy of historical notice.'
IX. He met the Assembly oC New Jersey on the 6th of December, 1710;
to whom he delivered a frank, soldierly, and acceptable speech, much in the
spirit of his predecessor Lovelace. The session continued more than two
months, during which the joint labours of the governor and House of Repre-
sentatives wei'o unimpeded, save by the occasional refractoriness of the ob-
noxious council. This led the House, nothing loth, to the consideration of
the charges which a majority of the present council had made to the Queen,
against a former Assembly, whose vindication the present House assumed
not the less eagerly, that it was composed, almost wholly, of other indi-
viduals.*
They presented to governor Hunter a long memorial, in which, these
members of council were certainly not spared. And if we may judge of
their characters, from their sycojjhancy, no terms of reprobation could
have been too strong. It was scarce possible for the minions of the most
despotic and profligate court, to flatter a monarch, more than the council
* Smith's N. Y. Smith's N. J. See note T.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 87
of New Jersey did the good Lord Lovelace, in an address, " which," say the
Assembly, " for the peculiarity of the language, (and we might add, the un-
intelligibleness of the terms), ought never to be forgotten." The address
commenced thus : " Your lordship has not one virtue or more, but a com-
plete accomplishment of all perfections,^'' &c. &c. The address to the Queen,
purporting to be an act of the council, it appears had never beSn formally
considered before that body, but had been prepared at the instance of Lord
Cornbury, and was signed by the counsellors at different times and places; and
many of them, afterwards, becoming ashamed of its contents, alleged that they
had signed it without having read it.
In their defence, the Assembly chai-ge upon the council an attempt to de-
feat their endeavours, to aid the expedition against Canada, by conspiriu"- to
negative the acts which they proposed for that purpose. And they allege
such misdeeds against most of the counsellors, that we are driven to believe,
that party spirit must have aided much in Ibrming the accusation. Thus
Mr. Hall is accused of extortion, of imprisoning and selling the queen's sub-
jects, and "of taking up adrift several casks of flour, denying them to the
owner, and selling them." — Mr. Sonmans of being indicted for perjury, " from
^vhich, by a pack'd jury he was cleared, there being too much reason to be-
lieve he was justly accused, and of being a bankrupt," who at this time, and
for some years past, has lived in open and avowed aduhery in contempt of the
laws. They allege also, that the courts of law, in which the gentlemen of
the council were judges, instead of being a protection and security to her Ma-
jesty's subjects, became their chief invaders and destroyers — That thouoh the
courts were holden, alternately, at Amboy and Burlington, " yet the causes
of one division were tried in the other, and juries and evidences can-ied for
that end ;" that " the writ of habeas corpus, the undoubted right, as well as
the great privilege of the subject, was by William Pinhorne, Esq. second
Judge of the Supreme Court, denied to Thomas Cordon, Esq. then speaker
of the Assembly ; and, notwithstanding the station he was in, he was kept
fifteen hours a prisoner, until he applied by the said Pinhorne's son, an attor-
ney at law ; and then, not before, he was admitted to bail : that, many per-
sons prosecuted upon informations, had been, at their excessive charo-e,
forced to attend, court after court, and not brought to trial, when there was
no evidence to ground such information on : that, the people called Quakers,
who are by her Majesty, admitted to places of the most considerable trust
within this province, are sometimes admitted to be evidences, as in a capital
case, at a Court of Oyer and Terminer, holden by Chief Justice Mompesson,
Colonel Daniel Coxe, Colonel Huddy and others, on which evidence the pri-
soner was condemned to be executed ; and sometimes, they are refused to
be jurors or evidences, either in civil or criminal cases ; so that their safety
or receiving the benefit of her Majesty's favour, seems not to depend upon
the laws or her directions, but the humours and caprices of the gentlemen
who were judges of the court: all persons not friends to the gentlemen
of the council, or some of them, were sure in any trial at law to suffer •
every thing was done in favour of those that were: justice was banish-
ed, and trick and partiality substituted in its place: no man was secure
in his liberty or estate; but, both, subjected to the caprices of an incon-
siderate party of men, in power, who seemed to study nothing more than
to make them as precarious as possible :" — that " all the original copies of
the laws, passed in the time of the just Lord Lovelace, are somehow or
other made away with : Basse* offers to purge himself by his oath, that, he
* Mr. JeremiaJi Basse, once deputy governor under the proprietaries of East Jersey,
at tills time, secretary of atato, clerk of council, and prothonotary of the Supreme
Court.
88 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
has them not, nor knows any thing of them ; and it may be so, for aught
we know ; but in this province, where he is known, it is also known, that,
few men ever believed his common conversation, and several juries have
refused to credit his oaths. It is certain, that the secretary's office is the
place these laws should have been." " It docs appear to have been the inte-
rest of the lieutenant governor and his friends, to destroy it, (the law appro-
priating eight hundred pounds to Lord Lovelace) for they had got an act
passed, which took from the Lord Lovelace three hundred and thirty pounds
of that money, and gave it to the lieutenant governor ; and two hundred and
twenty pounds more of it was given to him for the support of the govern-
ment. Had he sent the act, made in favour of the Lord Lovelace, to the
Queen, for her approbation or disallowance, it would not have served him,
had her JMajesty approved of it, as, in all probability, she would have done;
but had the other gone home first, there was an expectation it might pass,
the Queen knowing no more about the first act, than that a vote had passed
in favour of the Lord Lovelace."
" We are concerned," say the Assembly in conclusion, " we have so
much reason to expose a number of persons combined to do New Jersey all
the hurt that lies in their power. Her Majesty has been graciously pleased
to remove Colonel Richard Ingoldsby, from being lieutenant governor, and
we cannot, sufficiently, express our gratitude for so singular a favour, and,
especially, for appointing, your excellency, our governor : we have all the
reason in the world to be well assured, you will not forget that you are her
subject; but will take care, that justice be duly administered to the rest of
her subjects here; which can never be done while William Pinhorne, Roger
Mompesson, Daniel Coxe, Richard Townley, Peter Sonmans, Hugh Huddy,
William Hall, or Jeremiah Basse, Esquires, continue in places of trust, within
this province ; nor can we think our persons or properties safe, while they
do; but if they are continued, must, with our families, desert this province,
and seek some safer place of abode."
These representations are, without doubt, highly coloured ; but there must
have been great cause for them ; since sustained by the governor, they were
attended with the desired effect; all the obnoxious counsellors being removed
by the Queen.
X. Major Sandford, one of the unfortunate counsellors, who had now been
elected a member of the Assembly, fi'om Bergen county, was expelled the
House; it having resolved, "that any one who had signed the false and
scandalous representation of the representative body of the province, was unfit
to sit in the House, unless he acknowledged his fault," which the oflending
member refused to do. An address to the Queen was, also, prepared, and
immediately despatched.
XI. Since the surrender of the government, by the proprietaries, the ad-
ministration of the province had been greatly embarrassed by the obstacles
created by the requisition of oaths from the Quaker inhabitants, who were,
thereby, precluded from sitting on juries, and from exercising other offices.
This gri^ivanf^e had been foreseen, and, in some degree, provided for, by the
instruction of the; ministers to Lord Cornbury, directing that he should unite
with the Assembly in passing an act, to the like effect as that of the seventh
and eighth of King William, entitled, " An act, that the solemn affirmation
and declaration of the people, called Quakers, shall be accepted, instead of
oath, in the usual form." The disregard of this just and prudent provision,
enabled the governor, Cornbury, at will, to admit or reject, the services of
Quakers, and became one ol" the means by which he oppressed the people.
The House proposed to provide against similar abuses, in future, by two
bills; one for ascertaining the qualification of jurors, and the other for sub-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 89
stituting affirmations, for oaths, where a party was conscientiously scrupu-
lous in taking them. But though laws, for these purposes, were subsequently
enacted, the opposition of the council, at this time, defeated the efforts of the
Assembly. And a bill for explaining the militia law, and relieving persons
aggrieved thereby, met a like fate.
XII. Animated by his successes in Newfoundland, Colonel Nicholson
again urged upon the ministry, the reduction of Canada, which had been
strongly recommended by the Indian chiefs, as the only effectual means of
securing the northern colonies. The attempt having been resolved upon,
circulars were addressed to the governors of the northern and middle colo-
nies, requiring them to meet and confer with Nicholson, and to prepare their
respective quotas of men and provisions. Governor Hunter summoned the
Assembly of New Jersey in July, 1711; and informing them that the fleet
and army destined for this service, had arrived at Boston, demanded that
they should provide three hundred and sixty effective men beside officers,
together with the means for their subsistence and pay. The service was
one which this, together with the northern provinces, looked upon with
great favour. The House, therefore, promptly resolved to aid it, by appro-
priating twelve thousand five hundred ounces of plate (dollars) in bills of
credit, to be sunk, together with the three thousand pounds formerly appro-
priated, by a subsequent tax ; and by measures for raising and supporting the
requisite ti-oops.
But the expedition proved most disastrous. Colonel Nicholson, under
whom served Colonels Schuyler, Whiting, and Ingoldsby, mustered, at Al-
bany, two thousand colonists, one thousand Germans from the Palatinate,
and one thousand of the Five Nation Indians, who commenced their march
towards Canada, on the 28th of August. The troops from Boston, consisted
of several veteran regiments of the Duke of Marlborough's army, one bat-
talion of marines, and two provincial regiments ; amounting to six thousand
four hundred men, commanded by Brigadier General Hill, the brother of the
Queen's favourite, Mrs. Masham. They sailed on board of sixty-eight vessels,
under convoy of Sir Hoveden Walker, the 30th of July, and arrived off the
St. Lawrence, on the 14th of August. In ascending the river, the fleet, by the
unskilfulness of the pilots, or the obstinacy and distrust of the admiral, was
entangled amid rocks and islands, on the northern shore, and ran imminent
hazard of total destruction. Eight transports, with eight hundred men, pe-
rished. Upon this disaster, the squadron bore away for Cape Breton; and the
expedition, by the advice of a council of naval and military officers, was
abandoned, on the ground of want of provisions, and the impossibility of pro-
curing a seasonable supply. The admiral sailed directly for England, and
the colonial forces for New England ; whilst Colonel Nicholson, thus de-
serted, was compelled to retreat from Fort George. The want of skill and
fortitude, were eminently conspicuous in the British commanders of this en-
tei-prise.*
* The ministry were, generally, censured by the Wliigs for the project of this en-
terprise, and for the measures taken for its execution. It was never laid before Par-
liament, though then in session; on account, as it was said, of the greater secrecy;
and for the same reason the fleet was not victualled at home. They relied on New
England for supplies, and this defeated the design; for the ships tarried at Boston,
until the season for attack was past. According to Lord Harlcy's account, the whole
was a contrivance of Bolingbroke, Moore, and the Lord Chancellor Harcourt,to cheat
the public of £20,000. The latter of these, was pleased to say, " No government was
worth serving, that would not admit of such advantageous jobs.'' — Svutlis Kew York,
131. From the manner in which this and otiier enterprises against the possessions of
France, in America, were conducted, we are almost prepared to agree in opinion with
M
90 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
XIII. During five years, nothing worthy of historical notice, occurred in
the province. The Assembly was occasionally convened, and passed such
laws as were required. These were kw and simple, relating solely to the
internal policy of the colony; the peace of Utrecht, 31st of March, 1713,
having put an end to hostilities between Greot Britain and France, and termi-
nated a merciless war upon the American continent. Some leaven of the
political spirit, which had been engendered during the administration of Corn-
bury, still worked, at times, among the people, and in the Assembly. Gersham
Mott, and Elisha Lawrence, members from Bergen, who had been of Corn-
bury 's party, having entered on the minutes of council, reasons for voting
against aiding the expedition to Canada, were severally expelled the House
of which tlic)'- had become members, "for having arraigned the honour
of the representative body of the province." This would seem to have
been a party vote, scarce warranted by circumstances. In the interval, we
have mentioned, one Assembly had been dissolved, by the demise of Queen
Anne, on the 1st of August, 1714; another, by the arrival of a new com-
mission to the governor, from her successor George I.; and a third, by some
cause which is not apj)arent. A new Assembly was convened at Amboy,
on the 4th of April, 1716, in which there was a temporary majority,
against the late ruling party; and the party which had suffered for ad-
hesion to Cornbury, seemed about to regain its ascendency. Col. Daniel
Coxe was chosen Speaker, and several of the most odious members of
Cornbury's council, were members of the House. They contrived to delay
the business of the session, until the governor, wearied by their procrastina-
tion, prorogued them.
XIV. He summoned the House again, on the 14th of May, when nine, only,
out of twenty-four members appeared. These adjourned from day to day, for
five days, receiving no accession to their numbers. When it became appa-
rent, that the absentees, intended by desertion to prevent the exercise of the
legislative authority, now indispensable to renew the supplies for the support
of government, and to provide for the re-emission of the bills of credit, the
nine applied to the governor to enforce, by some means, the attendance of the
absent members. He issued writs to several of them, commanding their pre-
sence, as they would answer the contrary at their peril. Four immediately
appeared, making a majority of the House, to whom he recommended the
choice of a new Speaker, (Col. Coxe being of the absentees), that they might
despatch their sergeant-at-arms to enforce the attendance of others. Mr. John
Kinsey of Middlesex, was placed in the chair, and the Assembly proceeded
with its usual business. They also entered upon an examination of the
conduct of the Speaker and his associates, all of whom they expelled, for
contempt of authority and neglect of the service of their country ; and re-
solved that they should not sit, if returned on a new election, during the then
session. Several of such members, however, were returned; but being re-
jected, the electors were compelled to choose again.
A subsequent session of the same House, was holden at Crosswicks,* in
conscqurnce of the small pox being at Burlington, at which sixteen public and
private bills were enacted. The next session commenced on the 8th of April,
1718, but continued a few days only; being adjourned by the governor, at
the request of the House, to the following January, a less inconvenient season
of the year; when, also, many acts were passed; among which were, one
for ascertaining the division line betwixt New Jersey and New York, and
the Swedish traveller, Kalni, that Great Britain " was not earnestly disposed to drive
that power from tlic continent, jjrcferring to retain it as a ciicck upon the colonists,
whom, they feared, would otherwise become powerful and independent."
* October 3d, 1710.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 91
another for running the Hne between East and West Jersey. The commis-
sioners under tlie first act, fixed the nortliern station point, on the 25th July,
1719, in latitude 41° 40', in tlie manner we have already stated. But
nothing was done under the act for determining the line between the East
and West Jersey proprietors.
XV. This was the last session of the Assembly during Governor Hunter's
administration. He had grown tired of his residence in America, or was
called, thence, by his affairs in Europe; expressing his intention, however,
with his Majesty's permission, to return. He left New York on the 13th of
July, 1719, and on his arrival at London, exchanged his government with
W^illiam Burnet, Esq., son of the celebrated bishop of that name, for his
otfice of comptroller of the customs. Perhaps none of the colonial governors
have earned a more excellent or more merited reputation than Brigadier
Hunter. Preserving all the firmness which the dignity of his station re-
quired, and maintaining the royal authority in full vigour, lie conciliated
the people of both provinces, in a very remarkable degree, and obtained
from both, in the form of legislative resolves, the most enviable testimo-
nials.
The last New Jersey Assembly declared to him in their Address, " Your
administi-ation has been a continued series of justice and moderation, and
from your past conduct, we dare assure ourselves of a continuation of it;
and we will not be wanting in our endeavours to make suitable returns, both
in providing a handsome support of the government, and of such a con-
tinuation as may demonsti-ate to you and the world, the sense we have
of our duty and your worth." The Legislature of New York addressed
liim thus —
" Sir, when we reflect upon your past conduct, your just, mild, and tender
administration, it heightens the concern we have for your departure, and
makes our grief such as words cannot truly express. You have governed
well, and wisely; like a prudent magistrate — like an affectionate parent; —
and wherever you . go, and whatever station the divine Providence may
please to assign you, our sincere desires and prayers for the happiness of
you and yours, shall always attend you. We have seen many governors,
and may see more; and as none of those who had the honour to serve in
your station, were ever so justly fixed in the affections of the governed, so
those to come will acquire no mean reputation, when it can be said of them,
their conduct has been like yours. We thankfully accept the honour you
do us, in calling yourself our countryman; give us leave, then, to desire,
that you will not forget this as your country, and if you can, make haste to
return to it. But, if the service of our sovereign will not admit of what we
so earnestly desire, and his commands deny us that happiness, permit us to
address you as our friend, and give us your assistance, when we are oppress-
ed with an administration the reverse of yours."
Like all other men, who have been in any way remarkable for political
success. Governor Hunter selected his associates and agents, with much
judgment; and instead of forcibly opposing the public will, sought, suc-
cessfully, by gentle means, to guide it. In New Jersey, Colonel Lewis
Morris, a popular favourite, and chief justice, was his principal adviser ; and
in New York, he was sustained by that gentleman, and by Messrs. Robert
Livingston, De Lancy, and others, of high character, and influence. The
province of New Jersey gave him a salary of £600, per annum; com-
monly, by acts limited to two years. The whole expense of the govern-
ment, about £1000, per annum, was raised by a levy upon real and per-
sonal estate, by an excise on wines and spirituous liquors, and a duty on
92 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the importation of Nogro and Mulatto slaves — the last, laid, probably, as
much with design to prohibit the traffic, as for the sake of revenue. The
extraordinary expenses, such as those for the military expeditions, were met
by bills of credit, or loans, payable from the surplus of the ordinary reve-
nue. The debt of the province at this time, amounted to eight thousand
pounds.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 93
CHAPTER VII.
Containing Events from the arrival of Governor Barnet, to the Death of Governor
Morris, 1719-1746. — I. Governor Burnet — Notice of his Character. — II. Meets
the Assembly — Proceedings. — III. Paper Currency — an Account of its Rise and
Progress. — IV. Bill proposed against denying the Trinity, &c. — V. Governor
Bernard removed to Massachusetts. — VI. Is succeeded by John Montgomery —
His Administration. — VII. Death of Colonel Montgomery, and Presidency of
Colonel Lewis Morris — Arrival of Governor Cosby — Harmony of the Province
during his Administration — His Death. — VIII. Presidencies of John Anderson,
and John Hamilton, Esquires. — IX. Lewis Morris, Governor of the Province of
New Jersey, it being separated from New York — Gratification of the Province. —
X. He ceases to meet the Council, in Legislation. — XI. Salaries of Officers. —
XII. Unpopular Conduct of Governor Morris. — XIII. War with Spain — Aid
required by Great Britain, from the Colonies — promptly affijrded by New Jersey
— Further disputes between the Governor and Assembly. — XIV. Disingenuous
Conduct of the Governor, relative to the Fee Bill. — XV. Opposes the views of
the House, on the Bill relative to the Paper Currency — on that, circumscribing
the Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. — XVI. Assembly refuse to provide for the
Salaries of the Public Officers. — XVII. Effiarts at Accommodation — defeated by
the discovery of the duplicity of the Governor — Death of Governor Morris —
John Hamilton, Esq., President. — XVIII. Biographical Notice of Governor Mor-
ris.— XIX. Application made by his Widow, for arrears of Salary — refused.
I. Governor Burnet, a.s we have already observed, was a son of the cele-
brated Bishop Burnet, whose piety and erudition, but more especially, whose
zeal and activity, for the revolution and protestant succession, in Great
Britain, has rendered his name illustrious in English .story. The son was a
man of sense and breeding, a well read scholar, and possessed a sprightly
and social disposition, which his devotion to study restrained from excess.
He cherished, successfully, the arts of popularity — had none of the moroseness
of the scholar, but was gay and affable, avoiding all affectation of pomp, and
mingled freely with the reputable families of his government, p<iying great
attention to the ladies, by whom he was much admired. His fortune was
very inconsiderable, and had been impaired by adventuring in the South
Sea scheme; yet, he was not avaricious, nor importunate, as most colonial
governors were, with the people, for a permanent salary.* His intimacy
with Mr. Hunter, enabled him, before his arrival, properly to appreciate
both persons and things in the province, and thus to obtain many of the ad-
vantages of experience. He connected himself closely with Mr. Lewis
Morris, and with Dr. Golden, and Mr. Alexander, men of learning, good
morals, and sound judgment. Mr. Hunter had recommended to him all his
former friends; and few changes, consequently, were made in the colonial
offices.
II. Governor Burnet met the Assembly of New Jersey, soon after his
arrival. The session was short, little business was done, and the House
being soon after dissolved, writs were issued for a new election. In this
respect, the governor's policy, in New Jersey, differed from that which he
* "Whether an alteration in sentiment, or instruction, or both, was the cause,
must be left to conjecture ; but wliilo governor of Massachusetts Bay, his conduct
was different; there he insisted for several years with the greatest firmness, for an in-
definite support, and pursued it tiirougii the plantation board, and privy council, to
the Parliament, when his death prevented its coming to a conclusion." — Smith's New
Jersey.
94 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
pursued in New York ; where he continued the Assembly, which he found
existing at his ai'rival, until the people, apprehensive that their representa-
tives might be corrupted, by executive favour, clamorously demanded a
dissolution.
The new Assembly met early in the spring of 1721, and chose Dr. John
Johnson, of Amboy, their Speaker. The House continued in being, during
the whole of the administration of Governor Burnet, until December, 1727 ;
changes being made only in the Speakers ; first, consequent on the illness of
Mr. Johnson, when Mr. William Trent was chosen ; and again on the death
of Mr. Trent, in 1725, when Mr. Johnson was re-elected.*
III. The most remarkable acts of this Assembly, were, that for the sup-
port of government, in which the salary of the governor was fixed for five
years, at £500 per annum; and that, authorizing the issue of £40,000, in
bills of credit, with the view, principally, of increasing the circulating
medium of the colony. The country, as the preamble to this act sets forth,
had been wholly drained of a metallic medium of exchange, and was without
any means of replenishment ; inasmuch, as the neighbouring colonies of New
York and Pennsylvania, to which its produce was exported, had no other
than paper currency ; and as this was not a legal tender, in the payment of
debts, in New Jersey, much vexation and embarrassment of trade, was pro-
duced. The payment of taxes was occasionally made, in broken plate, ear-
rings, and other jewels ; and the law authorized their payment in wheat.
The expedient of paper currency had been long since resorted to by Massa-
chusetts, New York, and South Carolina; but in these provinces, its benefits
had been decreased by the want of due provision for its redemption, and by
over issues. In Pennsylvania, the measure was introduced in 1723, by Go-
vernor Keith, with signal success. New Jersey wisely adopted in the same
year, the plan of the last, which preserved her currency from much deprecia-
tion. Yet, as from the limited nature of her trade, it was less convertible into
gold and silver coin, than that of the adjacent colonies, it was, at times, at a
discount in Philadelphia and New York. Small amounts had already been
issued to meet the expenses of the Canadian expedition, but the bills on these
occasions, were in form, treasury notes, based on the faith of the state, and
redeemable by taxation only.
Forty thousand pounds in such bills, in value from one shilling, to three
pounds, were issued by the goveiTiment to borrowers, on the pledge of plate,
or real estate, at 5 per cent per annum. Loans on plate were made for one
year, and on lands, lots, houses or other valuable improvements, for twelve
years; the applicant deposing that the estate ofi^ored, was held in his own
right, and had not been conveyed to him for the purpose of raising money on
loan for others ; and that it was free from all inciunbrance. The amount
loaned to any individual was not less than twelve pounds ten shillings, nor
more than one hundred pounds, unless there remained bills in the hands
of the commissioner, six months after issue; when two hundred pounds
might be loaned, to be repaid in twelve annual instalments, with the in-
terest; or the whole, at any time, at the pleasure of the borrower. In de-
fault of payment, for thirty days after any instalment became due, the mort-
gage was to be foreclosed. All bills thus paid in, wei-e to be destroyed, or
when prematurely paid in, to be loaned to others. The whole sum was spe-
cifically apportioned to the counties, in which, loan-ofticcs were established,
under commissioners named in the act, and created a body politic. The
bills were made current for twelve years; were a legal tender in payment
of all debts and contracts, under penalty of extinction of the debt, or a fine
" See Appendix, U.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 95
for refusal, of not less than thirty shillings, nor more than fifty pounds, as
the case might be. Forgery of the bills was made felony, and punishable
with death. If, at the expiration of the term, for which they were made
current, any portion of the amount, respectively, allotted to the counties re-
mained unpaid, the county became responsible for it.
For the better credit, and sooner sinking of these bills, and for the additional
support of the government, a tax of one thousand pounds a year, was imposed
for ten years. Four thousand pounds of the product were appropriated to
the redemption of the bills of credit formerly issued ; and the interest on the
money loaned under the act was applied to the sinking of bills, thereby
issued ; and as the interest and principal of the sums loaned, when paid in,
would much more than pay the bills, the balance was devoted to the support
of the government, in such manner as the governor, council, and General As-
sembly might direct.
In 1730, another act added twenty thousand pounds to this medium,
which were made current for sixteen years; and in 1733, the act of 1723,
for the issue of forty thousand pounds was renewed; the amounts being
loaned upon the same principles as under the first act, and kept in circula-
tion by re-issues, and subsequent issues of such sums as were necessary
to supply the place of torn bills. All these issues were fully and duly
redeemed.
An additional and floating debt was subsequently contracted by the issue of
bills, from time to time, to defray the war requisitions of the British ministry,
and other exigencies. This debt bore heavily upon the province, as it was
payable solely by taxation; and the Legislature frequently sought relief by the
issue of new bills, the interest of which would supply the means of ordinary
expenditure, and was cheerfully paid by the enterprising and industrious bor-
rower, who received an adequate consideration. But the English ministry,
for many years, could not be prevailed upon to assent to this measure. At
one period, they reluctantly consented to the framing a bill for the issue of
sixty thousand pounds, with condition that it should receive the sanction of
the King ; but when the bill had passed the colonial Legislature, that sanction
was refused. The governors were uniformly instructed to pass no such act,
unless with a clause suspending its operation, until confirmed by the crown.
In 1758, a second bill for sixty thousand pounds was sent for the royal ap-
probation, which was rejected by the board of trade on three grounds, which
obstructed the passage of every other bill of this character. 1st, That the
Assembly reserved to itself, not only a participation with the governor and
council, in the disposal of the money granted by the bill for his Majesty's
service; but, also, the right to judge of the propriety of its application. 2d,
That the surplus of interest from loans, after paying a specific grant to the
crown, was appropriated to the redemption of bills before omitted, in lieu of
taxes; and 3d, That the bills of credit were made a legal tender, in payment
of all debts and contracts. Without these conditions, the inhabitants of the
province did not deem the currency worth having, and with them, it could
not be obtained ; so that no other money bills were issued for a long period,
unless based on taxes that would redeem them in five years.
Sound policy certainly required that the paper currency should be kept
within narrow bounds, lest over issues should embarrass the commerce of the
country with the parent state. But this danger could scarce be dreaded from
the small amount required by New Jersey, and we must look to other causes
for the pertinacious refusals of the crown. These we shall, probably, find in
the independence which the colony acquired by a certain and easy revenue,
which it as pertinaciously resolved to keep within its own control. Repeat-
ed attempts were made, by the colonial Legislature, to bend the will of the
96 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
King, but always without success, until the 20th of February, 1775 ; when an
act passed March 11th, 1774, near the close of the administration of Gover-
nor Franklin, authorizing the issue on loan of one hundred thousand pounds,
and divested of all the objectional features, was confirmed by the King in
council.
At one period the bills of New Jersey were at a discount of sixteen per
cent., in exchange for the bills of New York, and, consequently, all contracts,
especially, in East Jersey, were based upon the New York currency. The
Assembly, with too much disregard for justice, directed, that all such con-
tracts should be discharged, by payment of their nominal value in Jersey
bills.
IV. Among the acts proposed at the session of the Assembly, in 1721,
was one bearing the singular title, " An act against denying the Divinity
of our Savio2/r Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the blessed Trinity, the truth
of the Holy Scriptures, and spreading Atheistical books." "Assemblies
in the colonies," says Smith, " have rarely troubled themselves with these
subjects. It, probably, arose from the governor's motion, who had a turn
that way, and had, himself, wrote a book, to unfold some part of the apoca-
lypse." The bill, however, was rejected, on the second reading, in the As-
sembly.
V. After a harmonious administration, of nearly seven years. Governor
Burnet was removed, much against his will, to the government of Massa-
chusetts Bay. His marriage, in New York, had connected him with a nu-
merous family there; and, besides, an universal acquaintance, he had con-
tracted with several gentlemen, a strict intimacy and friendship. The great
merit of his administration consisted, in his effectual exertions to diminish
the trade of the French with the northern Indians, and to obtain it for
his countrymen ; and in the erection of forts, and other means, establishing
the English influence over the savages. These were benefits, however,
not immediately obvious to the public sense; and some contests with the
Assembly of New York, caused by private dissatisfaction, deprived him of
that popularity, which his general conduct merited.
" Insensible of his services, the undistinguishing multitude were taught to
consider his removal as a fortunate event; and until the ambitious designs
of the French monarch, with respect to America, awakened attention to the
general welfare, Mr. Burnet's administration was as little esteemed as the
meanest of his predecessors."*
" The excessive love of money, a disease common to most of his predeces-
sors, and to some who succeeded him, was a vice from whicli he was entirely
free. He sold no offices, nor attempted to raise a fortune by indirect means ;
for he lived generously, and carried scarce any thing away with him, but
his books. These, and the conversation of men of k-tters, were to him inex-
haustible sources of delight. His astronomical observations were useful ; but
by his comment on the apocalypse, ho exposed himself, as other learned
men have done, to the criticism of those who have not ability to write half
so well."t
VI. John Montgomery, his successor, received from him the seals of the
provinces of New York and New Jersey, on the 15th of April, 1728. Colo-
nel Montgomery was a Scotch gentleman, bred a soldier, but who, in the
latter years of his life, had been groom of the bed chamber to his Majesty,
George the Second, before his accession to the throne. This station, and a
seat in Parliament, had paved his way to preferment in America. Good
naturcd, unenterprising, and fond of his case, his short administration of
* Smith's New York, 172. i Ibid. 173.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 97
three years, is unmarked with any event of historical interest. In 1727,
before the departure of Governor Burnet, a new Assembly had been elected.
With settled salaries, and the means for support of government provided for
years, the governors had few inducements to invite frequent sessions of the
House. Nearly three years had elapsed between the rising of the last, and
the convocation of the present Assembly ; and in dread that their meetings
might be even longer dispensed with, they passed an act providing, that, a
General Assembly should be holden once in three years, at the least, alter-
nately, at Burlington and Amboy ; and lest, by long continuance in office, the
members should be improperly influenced by the executive, or cease to re-
member their responsibility to, and dependence upon, the people, it was further
directed, that, a new Assembly should be thenceforth chosen, triennially, and
that the term of the present should expire on the 25th of October, 1727. By
this act, the province gained a partial security for popular rights. And by
another, it was relieved from the monstrous grievance of the practice, under
which the courts compelled parties acquitted upon indictment, to pay costs
of prosecution.*
VII. Upon the death of Colonel Montgomery, on the 1st of July, 1731,
the government devolved on Colonel Lewis Morris, until the 1st of August,
1732,- when William Cosby, Esq. arrived, with the commission of governor
of New York and New Jersey. He held these offices until his death, in 1736.
His administx-ation in New York was signalized by long and obstinate con-
tests with the Assembly. Some ditierences, appear, also, to have arisen,
between him and the Assembly of New Jersey ; the latter complaining, that,
the council was filled with members from New York ; and the foi-mer, that,
his maintenance had not been provided for, during a long protracted session.
With this exception, the harmony, which had long prevailed, between the
governors and Assemblies of this province, was uninterrupted during his
administration.
VIII. The executive power, on the demise of Governor Cosby, devolved,
first, on the president of the council, John Anderson, Esq., and on his death,
about two weeks afterwards, upon John Hamilton, Esq., son of Andrew Ha-
milton, governor in the time of the proprietaries; who exercised it for nearly
two years, and until superseded by the appointment of Lewis Morris, by the
crown.
IX. The provinces of New York and New Jersey, although wholly inde-
pendent of each other, had, uniformly, been governed by the same officer,
since the surrender of the proprietary governments of the latter; unless for
short periods, when the government was administered by the presidents of
their respective councils. Yet, New Jersey, the smaller and less important
territory, was treated, almost, as a dependency of her greater neighbour.
The governor, attracted by the pleasures, and enchained by the business
of the city, spent a small portion of his time in New Jersey. The chief
officers of state were taken from New York, or upon their appointment,
removed thither. Thus, Mr. Alexander, the secretary of New Jersey, was a
distinguished practitioner of law of New York, and Mr. Morris held the office
of chief justice in both colonies; and hence, the executive and judicial duties,
were fulfilled with much difliculty, and frequently, with vexatious delays.
At their January session, 1728, the Assembly of New Jersey, petitioned the
King, that when he should shink proper to remove the then incumbent go-
vernor, Montgomery, he would separate the governments, and appoint a dis-
tinct governor for each colony. The application had been in the colonial
office, probably, disregarded, for several years, when Mr. Morris obtained
* See Appendix, note V, fur the names of the members of council, in 1727.
N
98 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
its consideration. The lords of trade reported favourably upon it to the
privy council, and Mr. Morris was so fortunate, as to receive for himself, the
commission of governor of New Jersey, in severalty.
This appointment was highly satisfactory to the people, as well, because
the duty of the governor would be, exclusively, confined to the colony, as
that the officer was greatly esteemed by them. To the Assembly, which
he first met, after his elevation, on the 27th of October, 1738, he addressed
a long speech, in which he took full credit for the services he had rendered
in separating the governments, and did not leave unnoticed nor unpraised,
the qualities he possessed for his station. His self-applause was echoed by
the House. " We are," said they, " more deeply sensible of our sovereign's
care of us, when we consider, how exactly he has adapted the person to
preside, to the nature and circumstances of this province : — a person who
has been long distinguished and highly preferred for his profound knowledge
of the law, and in that station has behaved, for a long tract of years, with
great candour and strict impartiality ; — a person well known to ourselves, to
be eminent for his skill in affairs of government, which we, more than once,
have had experience of; and from his knowledge of the nature and constitu-
tion of this province, and other advantages of learning, if his inclinations
and endeavours to promote our welfare bear any proportion to his abilities,
(which we have no reason to doubt) every way qualified to render us a
happy and flourishing people."
X. " And we cannot," they continue, " but observe with pleasure and
thankfulness, your excellency's candour and justice, in introducing among
us, in some measure, that noble economy so happily maintained in the Legis-
lature of our glorious mother country, by fixing the gentlemen of the council
as a separate and distinct part of the Legislature; ibr all former governors
have presided in that House, in a legislative capacity, which, not only very
much influenced their debates, but often produced very bad effects, and
greatly thwarted and obstructed the despatch of public business."
This arrangement was certainly wise on the part of the governor. By it
he relinquished no power, since his right of absolute negative upon all bills
was not impaired; but he avoided much trouble, and maintained more secure-
ly, the dignity of his office, which, in the debates of a legislative council,
must often have been in danger.
XL With such favourable sentiments, and with full reminiscence of their
professions of ability, to maintain an exclusive governor, the House pro-
ceeded, with cheerfulness, to appropriate five hundred pounds, as a compen-
sation to Mr. Morris, for his expense and labour in procuring a separation of
the governments, and one thousand pounds per annum, for three years, for
his salary ; together with sixty pounds a year for his house rent. They, at
the same time, voted one hundred and fifty pounds per annum to the chief
justice; forty pounds to the second judge; forty pounds to the treasurers of
East and West Jersey, respectively; thirty pounds to the clerk of council;
twenty pounds to each of the clerks of the circuits, and eighty pounds to their
agent in Great Britain, whom they had a short time before api)ointed.
Unhappily, this good understanding did not long continue. The governor
whose ardent, restless, and persevering temjier, when engaged on the part
of the people, had gained him great popularity, was now as little disposed to
yield his lightest opinions to their wishes, as he formerly had been, to sub-
mit to the executive will. And such was the estimate of his own merits,
that, although, he had now received double the salary allowed to former go-
vernors, and a considerable gratuity, he informed the Assembly that he
accepted their grants only as an earnest of what he expected and deserved:
and he wantonly forbade the treasurer to pay them tlieir wages, although
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 99
duly granted, and certified accoi'ding to law. Flattered by the deference,
which had hitherto been paid him, and confident in his political skill and
experience, which he held to be, incomparabh^, greater than that, of any
other person in his province, he was surprised and ofiended, at the presump-
tion of the Assembly, when it proposed measures which he did not approve,
and attained ends which he himself sought, by some unimportant variation
from the path he indicated. Passionately fond of argumentation, his addresses
to the House were, at times, political lectures, delivered with all the airs of
superiority, which he supposed his station, and greater intellect warranted ;
and at other times, revilings, alike unworthy of him and the House. He
rejected several important bills, passed by the Assembly, and to their com-
plaints of the inexpediency of this conduct, objected his power, as a consti-
tuent portion of the Legislature to exercise his veto, without question; whilst
he denied, practically, to the House, a similar right. And thus, although he
proposed no tyrannical or unlawful measures, he defeated, by his opinionated
obstinacy, several beneficial bills; harassed the Legislature by repeated ad-
journments, prorogations, and dissolutions ; and became, with the exception of
Cornbury, the most obnoxious governor who had, in this province, held a com-
mission under the crown. During the early years of his administration, few
instances of this captious temper occur. The most memorable one, was in
granting aid to a military expedition, against the Spanish West Indies.
XII. A misunderstanding had arisen, in the year 1737, between Great
Britain and Spain, on account of injuries alleged to have been done, to the
English logwood cutters at Campeachy, and salt gatherers at Tortugas.
The Spaniards, not only denied them the privileges they exercised, but
claimed, and used with insolence and cruelty, the right to search English
vessels, for contraband goods ; of which, large quantities were introduced
into their colonies. Open war was, for a while, delayed, by a convention,
extremely unpopular in England, concluded in January, 1738; but which,
not having been observed by Spain, lettei's of marque and reprisal were
issued by Great Britain, and general preparations were made for war;
which was finally declared, on the 23d of October, 1739. A fleet, under
Admiral Vernon, having on board a body of troops, under Charles, Lord
Cathcart, was despatched against the Spanish islands, and aid was required
from the several British colonies.
The pi'ovince of New Jersey showed the same alacrity, upon this, as upon
other like occasions ; promptly passing a bill for raising, transporting, and
victualling her quota of troops; but, some of its details were unsatisfactory
to Governor Morris, and he delayed his assent to the bill. Having despatch-
ed all other business before them, the House begged his excellency, to in-
form them, when he would permit them to i-eturn to their homes. To this
reasonable request, he sullenly replied, "When I think fit;" and he kept
the representatives of the people, hanging upon his will, from day to day,
from the 25th to the 31st of July, before he sanctioned their bills, and pro-
rogued them.
XIII. This treatment, justly, gave offence, which was heightened by his
refusal at subsequent sessions, to concur in several bills deemed essential to
the welfare of the province, by the House; and by his pertinacious demand
for some unwelcome modification of the existing militia law. The fees of
the vai'ious officers of the colony were not prescribed by law, but regulated
by the governor and council ; and were, frequently, exorbitant and oppres-
sive. A fee bill was, at length, proposed by the Assembly, but long resisted by
the council and governor, and finally passed, on the 21st of October, 1743,
with a clause suspending its operation, until his Majesty's pleasure in rela-
tion thereto, should be known. When the sense of the several branches
100 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
of the Legislature, had thus been obtained, the Assembly, very rationally,
inferred, that the inchoate law supplied a more satisfactory rule, than the
will of the executive ; and on the 5th of December, resolved, that, it ought to
have due weight with the judges and all others concerned, and, to govern
their practice, until the royal pleasure should be declared. This expression
of opinion, awakened the indignation of the governor, who sternly demand-
ed, " By what authority the House ordered an act, not in force, to be printed
as a rule for the government of the people? — or indeed, any act? And that,
if they had, or pretended to have, such authority, they would let him know
whence they derived it, and how they came by it, that his Majesty might be
informed of it." In reply to these queries, the House resolved, " That as
they had only given their opinion of an act, which had passed the three
branches of the Legislature here, and had not assumed to themselves, any
unwarrantable authority, they think themselves not accountable for that
opinion ; and that it is not consistent with the honour and dignity of the
House, and the trust reposed in them, to give any further answer." And
thoufrh the governor prohibited them from printing the act, it was published
with votes of the Assembly. Notwithstanding the governor had sanctioned
the law, and thereby concurred in opinion, with the Assembly, and the peo-
ple, in the adequacy of the fees which it prescribed, he, with great duplicity,
represented to the ministry, that they were so inconsiderable, that no persons
of character or reputation, cared to accept of employments, in the several
courts of judicature ; and the refusal of the royal assent to the bill, was
delayed, only, by the exertions of Richard Partridge, Esq., the provincial
agent, at court.
XIV. There were three other measures which the people were desirous to
effect. 1st. The renewal of the act, making current forty thousand pounds,
in bills of credit, which was approaching its term ; 2d. An act to oblige the
several sheriffs of the colony, to give security for the faithful performance of
their duties, which had become highly necessary, from the improvident ap-
pointments of the executive ; and, 3d. An act to prevent actions for small
amounts, in the Supreme Court. All of which, whilst productive of the
public weal, would impair the influence, and lessen the power, of the go-
vernor.
The interest on the bills of credit, loaned, as we have already observed,
supplied the treasury with ample funds, for the support of government, with-
out resort to taxation, unless upon special occasions, and rendered the As-
sembly in a measure independent of the governor. A clause in the act made
a general appropriation of the interest to the support of government, but as
special acts were, from time to time, requisite to allot to the several officers,
such portions as the Assembly deemed proper, the amount and duration of
their salaries, depended on the pleasure of the Assembly. A full treasury,
beyond the control of the executive, was reprobated as a mean of strength-
ening the people, both by the governors in America, and the ministers of the
crown; and both desired, that specific and exhausting appropriations, should
be made of the revenue, by the act which created it, which would, besides
stripping the Assembly of its power, make the executive independent of its
pleasure, for the term assigned, to the currency of the bills. In a word, the
executive department was indisposed to continue an acknowledged benefit to
the people, unless it received, in payment, what it deemed its fidl value.
Under the pretence, therefore, that the colonial bills of credit had been in-
jurious to English commerce, the royal instructions forbade the respective
governors to assent to any act, for issuing such bills, without a clause sus-
pending its eff(!ct, until the act had been approved by the King. But, this
prohibition having Ijeen disregarded, a bill was, about this time, introduced
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 101
into Parliament, making it unlawful for any governor, to assent to any act,
whereby paper bills of credit should be made, or the time limited, for the
sinking of them, protracted ; and requiring, that all subsisting bills, should
be sunk and destroyed, according to the tenor of the acts creating them.
The Assembly of New Jersey prepared their bill, with the suspending
clause, yet the governor I'efused to sanction it, or more properly speaking,
influenced the council to refuse their concun-ence ; whilst he remonstrated
with the House, on the unseasonableness of their bill, pending that before
Parliament. The true cause of his opposition, was, that the Assembly
would not fix the salaries of the officers, for a term concurrent with that of
the bills.
The refusal of the governor and council to confine the jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court, to actions in which the sum demanded exceeded fifteen
pounds, had a selfishness so naked, that they should have blushed to observe it.
The compensation of the justices was partly dependent upon fees ; hence, it
became, indeed, the part of a judge to enlarge his jurisdiction,* to protract
the pleadings, and to increase litigation. The chief justice, Robert Hunter
Morris, son of the governor, was a member of council, and his fees would,
obviously, be diminished by the limitation.
XV. Justly irritated by these scarce gauze-covered attempts, to make the
commonwealth a productive estate, regardless of the public weal, the Assem-
bly resolved, to apply for defence, to the passion that oppressed them ; and
by withholding the salaries of the officers, to make them feel, that, even in a
pecuniary point of view, concession to the popular will would be more profit-
able than resistance. Between October, 174.3, and April, 1745, three houses
had been dissolved by the governor ; each of which had given him distinctly
to undei'stand, that, they would pass no act for the support of government,
unless, concurrently, with the bills above-mentioned. In considering this
offer, the governor in his address to the House, sitting at Amboy, in April,
1745, observed —
" The kings of England have, from time to time, immemorial, refused
their assent to many bills passed by both Lords and Commons, without as-
signing any reason for their so doing ; and so have the Lords to bills passed
by the Commons, though perhaps not so often; and if it may be lawful to
compare small things with great, should the House of Commons deny to
support the government, and assign these refusals as a reason for their
denial, as is done here, and appeal to the populace upon it ; or, in an address,
propose to the King to pass their bills previous to their granting the support
of government, could it bear a milder construction, than an attempt to alter
the constitution? And is it less so here?
" I believe, with some reason, that the House was ashamed of that ridicu-
lous proposal of passing their bills, previous to their granting the support of
government; and was willing for their sakes to forget it, and let it drop into
the oblivion it deserved ; but, since the late House have thought fit to men-
tion it, on the particular occasion they have done, I shall say a few words to
it. And, first, it is known to all, and themselves, in particular; that the
money in the treasury is appointed for the support of government, and ap-
propriated for that purpose ; and all that they have to do in it is, to agree
with the council and myself, what quantity of it should be applied to that
use ; and the council could, with equal propriety, have made the same pro-
posal, to pass their bills, that is, the bills of the proposers, previous to their
granting their support. I thought, that, what I had said, when that proposal
* " Bonis est judicis ampliare jurisdictionem." — Law maxim.
102 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
was made, and the bills I then passed, left no room for a second mention of
it; but since they have done it, on the occasion, they did, and thereby seem
to insinuate to the populace, that my passing of their bills, is a condition on
my part, to be complied with, before they will agree to the support of the
government, I take leave to say, that what they call a proposal, I esteem a
most unmannerly threat, that, they would not support the government at all,
unless I passed all their bills, before they did it; and then would support it,
as they thought fit: To which, I say, that I will assent to none of the bills
passed by the Assembly, unless first assented to by the council, and I ap-
prove them: But not even then — if I think such not very necessary, unless
sufficient provision be made for the support of the government, previous to
the passing of any bill, by me. And this, gentlemen, I desire you to take
notice of, and govern yourselves accordingly."
To this assertion of the governor's determination, the House, among other
things, replied. " As we met your excellency at this time, determined, as
in duty to his Majesty, we are bound, to support his government, so we enter-
tained hopes that we might at least, have been encouraged to proceed in pre-
paring some bills we think very necessary, and much wanted by the people,
whom we represent. But, since your excellency hath been pleased to assure
us, that you will assent to none of the bills passed by the Assembly, unless
first assented to by the council, and you approve of them ; but not even then,
if you think such bill not very necessary, unless a sufficient provision be
made for the support of government, previous to the passing of any bill by
you; and this you have recommended to our particular notice, to govern our-
selves accordingly, it gives us some concern to be thus almost, peremptorily,
precluded from proposing such bills as we should think very necessary; but
we know this is a power, your excellency can make use of, to check our
proceedings. We shall, therefore, according to your prescription, defer such
bills until some more favourable opportunity, when reason and argument may
have greater influence."
Urged by the necessity, so far as it regarded the crown, of preserving, at
least, the appearance of providing for the support of government, the House
presented to the governor and council, a bill for granting less than half the
usual sums, which was of course rejected.
At length, after several adjournments, and more than a year's delay, the
Assembly declared, "that notwithstanding all the foregoing treatment, they
were still fond of an accommodation, and solicited his excellency for two or
three laws which the country have very much at heart ; and they informed
him, that they would willingly support the government with salaries as
large as had been given during his administration, on condition, that they
could obtain those acts that would enable them to do it in a manner they
could approve of; — but this could not be done. They therefore begged leave
to be plain with his excellency, and hoped that he would not take it amiss,
that they are so; they are now willing (if his excellency and council think
fit,) to pass the bills which they passed at the last meeting over again, but as
they are discouraged from giving so large a support, as they would willingly
have done, they are determined to assent to no longer applications, than what
in the late meeting they assented to, until they can have an assurance of
obtaining some acts they think they have a right to, and very necessary
to enable the colony so to do." From this determination, the House did not
depart, and the governor equally unyielding, though in very bad health,
prorogued them from time to time, twice to Trenton, that they might be near
his residence of Kingsbury; and, at length, after another year of fruitless
altercation, dissolved them.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 103
XVI. But, the appeal to the people, by the convocation of a new Assembly,
did not relieve the governor. The constituents of the former House univer-
sally approved their conduct, and the same members were re-elected, two
only excepted. The governor's infirmities increasing, the Assembly met at
Trenton, on the 26th of February, 1746. Both parties had now become
heartily weary of the unprofitable contention, and were disposed to unite by
sacrificing a part of their respective wishes. This desirable compromise was
induced partly by the war, in which the empire was engaged with France
and Spain, and the dangei's dreaded to the stale from the rebellion in England
in favour of the Pretender. These circumstances served as a pretext, if they
were not the reason, for accommodation. The leaders of the Assembly agreed
to pass the militia law, desired by his excellency, and he engaged to concur
in their bills lor the paper currency, the requiring security from sheriffs, and
curtailing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court — it being well understood,
that the support of government should be provided for, as liberally as here-
tofore. These bills were all duly approved by the Assembly, and council,
and awaited only the signature of the governor, to become laws ; but that for
the support of government, had not yet passed the House. The governor
refused his assent to those before him, until the supply bill should also be pre-
sented. Neither party had confidence in the other; and it soon became ap-
parent, that the distrust of the House was but too well founded. For at this
period, they received a communication from the provincial agent at London,
informing that the fee-bill was about to be defeated, by the repi-esentations of
the govei-nor, notwithstanding he had given it his official sanction ; and it
was subsequently disapproved by the king. No reliance therefore, could be
placed in the success of their money bill, even when approved by all the
branches of the Legislature; since the governor might, and probably would
use his endeavours, successfully, under the suspending clause to prevent the
royal approbation. The House resolved, therefore, whilst adhering to the
letter and spirit of the agreement for accommodation, and providing, as usual,
for the compensation of the other officers, to make the governor's salary de-
pend upon his good faith, and upon the final passage of their money bill, by
the King.
XVII. "With this view, a committee of the House informed him, that they
were willing, upon giving his assent to the bills now before him, to vote to the
commander-in-chief for the time being, five hundred pounds per annum, for two
years, to commence the 23d of September, 1744, and to end 23d of Septem-
ijer, 1746; which, with the other salaries, should be paid out of the money
then in the treasury. And as a grateful acknowledgment to his Majesty,
and his excellency, for the benefits they hoped the colony would receive from
such bills, they further assured him, that, provision should be made in the bill,
for the support of government, for the payment of one thousand pounds to
him or his representatives, out of the first interest money, arising from the
act making current the bills of credit, when his Majesty's assent should be
had thereto. With these conditions, the governor refused compliance and
prorogued the House until the following day. The effect of prorogation was to
put an end to all business before the House, and oblige them to recommence
their labours. It had been repeatedly tried without any good effect, and was
probably resorted to on this occasion, that the governor, whose illness daily
increased, and incapacitated him for business, might obtain a short respite from
a vexatious dispute. The House convened on the prorogation, and authorized
the speaker, and any two members, to meet and adjourn from day to day.
On the 21st of May, 1746, Governor Morris, after a severe illness, of
more than two years, died at Kingsbury, near Trenton. By his doath, the
office of governor devolved upon John Hamilton, Esq., the eldest member
104 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
of council, All the bills which had been so obnoxious to him, were passed
in February, 1748, by Governor Belcher, without hesitation. The cham-
pions of the Assembly, in their long contests with the governor appear to have
been Mr. Richard Smith, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Neville, and Mr. Eaton.
XVIII. The family of Mr. Morris, which for more than a century ex-
ercised a controlling influence over the political events of New York, and
New Jersey, was derived from Richard Morris; who, wearied with the un-
settled condition of atfairs in England, consequent on the wars of Crom-
well, in whose armies he is said to have been a distinguished leader,
turned his views to America, and came over first to the West Indies, and
shortly after to New York. He purchased an estate near Haerlem, ten miles
from the city, containing more than three thousand acres of land, which by
the original grant was endowed with manorial privileges, and called Morris-
ania. Richard died in 1673, leaving an only son, Lewis, the subject of our
story, an infant and an orphan, his mother having died a few years before
his father. Thus destitute, he became the ward of the colonial government,
which appointed a guardian to his person and estate. Soon after, however,
his uncle, Lewis Morris, arrived from Barbadoes, and settling at Morrisania,
took his nephew in charge, and finally made him heir to his fortune. The
early years of the nephew, were wild and erratic. On one occasion, having
committed some folly, or extravagance, displeasing to his uncle, he strolled
to the southern colonies, and thence to the West Indies, where he maintained
himself some time, as a scrivener. He soon tired of his vagaries, and re-
turned to his uncle, by whom he was kindly received. Ambitious, and pos-
sessed of much intellectual power, he entered, at an early age, upon a public
career; and though, indolent in the management of his private affairs, the
love of power, rendered him active in those of a political nature. In New
Jersey, he distinguished himself in the service of the proprietaries and the
Assembly; and by the latter was employed to draw up their complaint
against Lord Cornbury, and made the bearer of it, to the Queen. No man
in the colony equalled him in the knowledge of the law, and the arts of in-
trigue. He was one of the council of the colony, and judge of the Supreme
Court, in 1692. Upon the surrender of the government, to Queen Anne, in
1702, he was named as governor, before the appointment was conferred
upon Cornbury. He was several years chief justice of New York, and a
member of Assembly; — was second counsellor, named in Cornbury's in-
structions; but was suspended by him, in 1704; restored by the Queen,
and suspended a second time, in the same year. He ^vas a member of the
Assembly, in 1707, and was reappointed to the council, in 1708, from which
he was again removed, by Lieutenant-Governor Ingoldsby, in 1709, but
reappointed in 1710, where he continued, until made governor, in 1738.
The love of power was his ruling passion. Unable to gratify it, as a parti-
san of the governor, he became a leader of the people ; and as their power
was his, contended strenuously, for its preservation and enlargement; but
when that power was opposed to his will, he was not less active to control
and abridge it. There was nothing in his conduct or character, to separate
him from the herd of politicians, who throw themselves into the public arena,
lik(! gladiators, to obtain by combat, with each other, their daily bread, and
a few shouts of applause, from the si)ectators; the memory of which, en-
dures, scarce longer than their reverberation. In his early life, he rendered
some service to the colony, for which it was grateful ; and his name, borne
by one of the counties of the State, will attest, that he was, once, a popular
favourite. In private lil'e, he was highly respectable, and happy. Inherit-
ing a large estate, and free; from avarice, he was not tempted to increase it,
by indirect means. Blessed with the afTections of an amiable wife, he be-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 105
came the father of a large family of children, many of whom, he lived to see
successfully settled.*
XIX. His widow applied, soon after his death, to the Legislature, for the
payment of what she termed the arrears of his salary, at the rate of one
thousand pounds, per annum, for nearly two years; and the Assembly
having rejected her petition, she solicited the interference of the lords com-
missioners for trade and plantations. That Board instructed Governor
Belcher, in November, 1748, to recommend, in the most earnest manner, to
the Assembly, to make provision for the speedy payment of such arrears —
declaring, that they earnestly interested themselves in behalf of the petitioner,
as the salary was represented to them to have been withheld, merely on
account of his adherence to his duty, and obedience to the direction of the
board. When this subject was thus brought before the Assembly, for con-
sideration, they replied, by a long enumeration of the political sins of the
late governor ; and for those causes, trusted that Governor Belcher would
deem their conduct just and reasonable. " But," they continued, " to put
the matter beyond dispute, although Governor Morris, in his life time, did,
and his executors, now, do, insist upon payment of what some are pleased
to term arrears, yet the House have his own opinion in a similar case, to
justify their not allowing them :" — (Alluding to the case of Lord Cornbury,
in which, Mr. Morris had taken, as a member of the Legislature, the present
ground of the House.) " The subject," the Assembly further urged, " was
so universally disliked in the colony, that there is none except those who are
immediately concerned, in point of interest, or particularly, influenced by
those who are, will say one word in its favour. And it is altogether un-
likely, that, any Assembly in the colony, would look upon that to be a just
debt, or apply any money for the discharge thereof; and that they could
not conceive, that further recommendation of it, would be advantageous to
the executors."
* See AppeHdix, W.
o
106 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER VIII.
Comprehending Events from the death of Governor Morris to the death of Governor
Belcher — from 1746 to 1757. — I. War with France — Proposal of Governor Shirley
to attack the French Settlements, at Cape Breton — New Jersey votes two thou-
sand Pounds for the Service — Favourable result of the Expedition. — II. Proposed
attack on Canada — New Jersey Regiment raised and placed under the command
of Colonel Philip Schuyler — March for Albany — Threatened Mutiny. — III. Plan
of the proposed Campaign. — IV. Treaty of Peace. — V. Death of President Ha-
milton— Devolvement of the Government on President Reading — Arrival of Go-
vernor Belcher — His Character. — VI. Vexations arising from the Elizabethtown
Claims under Indian Grants — the Assembly disposed to palliate the Conduct of
the Rioters — Representation of the Council of Proprietors — their grievous Charge
acrainstthe Members of Assembly, in a Petition to the King — the House transmits
a counter Petition — Disingenuous conduct of the House. — VII. Disputes relative
to the '• Quota Bill." — VIII. Hostile proceedings of the French in America. — IX.
Difference between the French and English, in their mode of cultivating Indian
favour. — X. Efforts of the French to occupy the English Lands. — XI. Expedi-
tion of George Washington to Fort Venango. — XII. Measures of the English
Government to resist French encroacliments. — XIII. Convention of the Colo-
nies— Plan of Union proposed by Dr. Franklin — Condemned by New Jersey —
Military Expedition of Lieutenant Colonel Washington — is captured by the
French under De Villiers. — XIV. Extensive military Preparations of Great
Britain. — XV. Measures of New Jersey. — XVI. Arrival of Major General Brad-
dock. — XVII. Convention of Governors to determine the Plan of the Campaign.
XVIII. Acquisitions in Nova Scotia — Cruel treatment of the Neutrals. — XIX.
New Jersey raises a Regiment for the Northern Expedition — Mr. Philip Schuyler
named Colonel. — XX. March of General Braddock on the Western Expedition —
Fastidiousness and Presumption of the General — is attacked and defeated. —
XXI. Universal Consternation on this Defeat — Governor Belcher summons the
Legislature — Inroads and Cruelties of the Indians — the Inhabitants of New Jersey
give aid to those of Pennsylvania. — XXII. Success of the Northern Expedition. —
XXIII. Provision against tlie Attack of the French and Indians. — XXIV. Flans
proposed for the Campaign of 17.56 — Exertions of the Colonies. — XXV. War
formally declared between Great Britain and France. — XXVI. General Shirley
removed from the supreme command — General Abercrombie, and, subsequently,
Lord Loudon appointed. — XXVII. Suspension of Indian Hostilities. — XXVIII.
Sluggish military Efforts of the English — Success of the French in the North —
Capture of part of the Jersey Regiment, with Colonel Schuyler, at Oswego —
Disastrous termination of the Campaign. — XXIX. Renewal of Indian Barbari-
ties.— XXX. Military Requisitions of Lord Loudon — New Jersey refuses to raise
more than five hundred Men. — XXXI. Unsuccessful attempt of Lord Loudon on
Louisburg. — XXXII. Success of Montcalm — New Jersey prepares to raise four
thousand Men — the remainder of the Jersey Regiment captured by the Enemy. —
XXXIII. Death of Governor Belcher— Biographical Notice of— XXXIV. John
Reading, President.
I. A masked wax- had been, for some time, carried on between France
and Great T3ritain ; and hcstilities were openly declared by the former, on
the 20th, and by the latter, on the 24th of March, 1744. In the spring of
1745, Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts, having conceived the design of
attacking the French settlements at Cape Breton, and the conquest of Louis-
burg, the capital, endeavoured to enlist the other colonics in the enterprise.
The capture of this place was greatly desirable, inasmuch as it was the
largest and most commodious position of the French in America ; affording
safe harbourage for their largest vessels, and a rendezvous for tlieir nume-
rous privateers, now infesting the western shores of the Atlantic. As the
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 107
design originated with the peoi)lo of New England, and had not been sanc-
tioned by the crown, Commodore Warren, the English commandant on the
American station, dechned to join Shirley in the attack. The Legislature of
New Jersey, to whom the plan was not communicated before the expedition
had sailed, also, declined to aid it; because thei-e was not a single vessel in
the service of the province, nor a ship belonging to private owners, that was
fit for sea ; and because the expedition not having received the approbation
of the King, might disconcert the measures of the ministry. But when the
House was, soon afterwards, inlbrmed, that the siege of Louisburg was ear-
nestly prosecuted with his Majesty's consent, they unanimously voted two
thousand pounds of the interest money, then in the treasury, for his Ma-
jesty's service, to be transmitted, in provisions, to General Shirley.
The plan, when communicated to the British government, had been
warmly approved. Warren was commanded to repair to Boston, and to
render all possible aid to the views of Shirley. He did not arrive, however,
until after the provincial fleet had sailed, with six thousand men, under the
command of Mr. Pepperel, a trader of Piscataqua. The result of the enter-
prise was highly honourable to its projectors and executors. The town sur-
rendered after two months' siege, during which, the provincial forces dis-
played courage, activity, and fortitude, that would have distinguished veteran
troops. The English historians have, shamefully, endeavoured to strip the
colonies of this early trophy of their spirit and capacity. Smollet makes an
equivocal statement of the facts, by which Warren is brought on the scene,
before the departure of the provincial troops from Boston ; when, in truth,
they sailed without any expectation of his assistance, having a knowledge of
his refusal to join them. The English ministry, though sufficiently forward
to sustain the exclusive pretensions of their officers, was compelled by the
merits of the provincials, to distinguish their leader, Pepperel, and to reward
him with a baronetcy of Great Britain.
II. The ministry, having resolved to attempt the conquest of Canada, by
a combined European and colonial force, communicated their instructions
to the provincial governors, at the close of the month of May, 1746. Presi-
dent Hamilton laid them before the Assembly of New Jersey, on the 12th of
June. The House resolved to raise and equip five hundred men for this ser-
vice ; for facilitating which, they offered to the recruit, six poimds bounty. So
popular was the enterprise, that, in less than two months, six hundred and sixty
men offered themselves for enlistment. From these, five companies were form-
ed, and put at the charge of this province, and a sixth was transferred to the
quota of New York. These ti'oops, under the command of Colonel Philip
Schuyler, reached the appointed rendezvous at Albany, on the 3d of Sep-
tember; where, the proposed invasion of the French ])rovinccs having been
abandoned, in consequence of the failure of the supply of forces from Eng-
land, they remained until the autumn of the next year, serving to overawe
the Indians, and to protect the frontier. The pay promised by the crown,
was tardily remitted, and the troops, at the rendezvous, became impatient
of the delay. In Aprils 1747, the Jersey companies mutinied, and resolved
to go off, with their arms and baggage, unless their arrears were paid up.
To avert this evil, Colonel Schuyler despatched an express to President Ha-
milton, with an account of the disposition of the troops. The president re-
commended, to the Assembly, to provide for the pay, but the House having
expended more than twenty thousand pounds in equipping, transporting,
and victualling the detachment, declined to make further appropriations;
and it was detained in service chiefly by the generous aid of the colonel,
who supplied the wants of the soldiers; advancing many thousand pounds
from his private funds.
108 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
III. The proposed attack on the French possessions, originated with Go-
vernor Shirley, whose solicitations, enforced by the brilliant success at
Louisburg, prevailed on the ministry to undertake it. A squadron of ships
of war, having on board a body of land forces, commanded by Sir John St.
Clair, was, as early as the season would admit, to join the troops of New
England, at Louisburg; whence they were to proceed by the St. Lawrence,
to Quebec. The troops from New York, and from the more southern pro-
vinces, were to be collected at Albany, and to march thence against Crown
Point and Montreal. This plan, so far as it depended upon the colonies,
was executed with promptness and alacrity. The men were raised, and
waited, impatiently, ibr employment ; but neither general, troops, nor orders
arrived from England ; and the provincial forces continued in a state of in-
activity, until the ensuing autumn, when they were disbanded. This affair
was one of the thousand instances of incapacity and misrule, which the
parent state inflicted upon her dependant American progeny.
IV. No further material transactions took place in America during the
war. Preliminary articles of peace were signed on the 30th of April ; but
hostilities continued in Europe and on the ocean, until October, 1748 ; when
the definitive treaty was executed, at Aix-la-Chapelle ; in which the great object
of the war was wholly disregarded, the right of the British to navigate the
American seas, free from search, being unnoticed. The Island of Cape
Breton, with Louisburg, its capital, so dearly purchased by provincial blood
and treasure, was given up under the stipulation, that all conquests should
be restored ; and the Americans had great cause to condemn the indifference
or ignorance, which exposed them to futui-e vexation and renewed hostilities,
by neglecting to ascertain the boundaries of the French and English territo-
ries on the American continent.
V. President Hamilton, whose health was in a very precarious state, when
the government devolved upon him, died about midsummer, 1747 ; and was
succeeded by John Reading, Esq., the next eldest counsellor, who was soon
afterwards displaced by Jonathan Belcher, Esq., appointed governor, by
the crown. He met the Assembly for the first time, on the 20th August,
1747. Between this gentleman and the Legislature, for the space of ten
years, considerable harmony prevailed. He seems to have adopted as a rule-
for his administration, the most entire submission to the wishes of the Assem-
bly, where they did not interfere with the instructions from the king. In the
latter case, he threw himself behind the royal will, as an impregnable rampai-t.
He was sparing of words, and generally preferred, when required to commu-
nicate any matter to the House, to use those of the ministry, petitioner, or
agent, as the case might be; rarely adding comments of his own, or embark-
ing his feelings deeply in the subject. He was never obnoxious to the
reproach of failing in his duty, and seldom displayed that indiscreet zeal
which creates resistance, by the well known law, ruling alike in physics, as in
morals; by which the reaction is always equal to the action. His temper
was imperturbable, and though sometimes severely tried by the Assembly,
by suspension of his salary, a point in which most Colonial governors were
extremely sensitive, he was unmoved.
VI. Two questions arising out of proprietary interests, vexed the whole
term of his administration; and though he earnestly and successfidly endea-
voured to avoid becoming a party to them, he was made a sufferer in the
contests between the council and Assembly. For more than thirty years,
there had been no important controversy between the grantees of Carteret,
and the Elizabethtown claimants, under the Indian title But this peace was
altogether consequent on the abstinence of the first, from enforcing their title
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 109
and attempting the recovery of their rents. A large quantity of East Jersey
lands, under the Carteret title, had gotten into the hands of Robert Hunter
Morris, and James Alexander, Esquires, who held important offices in the
province; the one being chief justice, the other secretary ; and both, at times,
were in the council. These gentlemen, with other extensive proprietors,
during the life of Governor Morris, and towards the close of his administra-
tion, commenced actions of ejectment, and suits for the recovery of quit-rent,
against many of the settlers. These immediately resorted to their Indian title
for defence; and formed an association, consisting of a large proportion of
the inhabitants of the eastern part of Middlesex, the whole of Essex, part of
Somerset, and part of Morris counties; who were enabled, by their union
and violence, to bid defiance to the law, to hold possession of the lands which
were fairly within the Indian grant, and to add to their party a great many
pei'sons who could not, even under that grant, claim exemption from propri-
etary demands. The prisons were no longer competent to keep those whom
the laws condemned to confinement. In the month of September, 1745, the
associators broke open the gaol of the county of Essex, and liberated a pri-
soner, committed at the suit of the proprietaries ; and dui'ing several conse-
cutive years, all persons confined for like cause, or on charge of high
treason and rebellion for resisting the laws, were released at the will of the
insurgents; so that the arm of government, was in this regard, wholly
paralyzed. Persons who had long holden under the proprietaries, were
forcibly ejected ; others compelled to take leases from landlords, whom they
were not disposed to acknowledge ; whilst those who had courage to stand
out, were threatened whh, and in many instances, received, personal violence.
The council and the governor were inclined to view these unlaAvful pro-
ceedings in the darkest colours ; to treat the disturbers of the peace, as insur-
gents, rebels, and traitors, and to inflict upon them the direst severity of the
laws. They prepared, and sent to the Assembly, a riot act, modelled after
that of Great Britain, making it felony without benefit of clergy, for twelve
or more, tumultuously assembled together, to refuse to disperse upon the re-
quisition of the civil authority, by proclamation, in form set forth in the act.
The Assembly not only rejected this bill, but sought to give a more favoura-
ble colour to the ofllsnccs of the associators. The council of the proprietors,
in a petition to the king, signed December 23d, 1748, by Andrew Johnson,
president, represented, "that great numbers of men, taking advantage of a
dispute subsisting between the branches of the Legislature of the province,
and of a most unnatural rebellion at that time reigning in Great Britain,
entered into a combination to subvert the laws and constitution of this pro-
vince, and to obstruct the course of legal proceedings; to which end they en-
deavoured to infuse into the minds of the people, that neither your Majesty
nor your noble progenitors. Kings and Queens of England, had any rio-ht
whatever to the soil or government of America, and that their grants were
void and fraudulent ; and having by those means associated to themselves,
great numbers of the poor and ignorant part of the people, they, in the month
of September, 1745, began to carry into execution, their wicked schemes;
when in a riotous manner, they broke open the jail of the county of Essex,
and took from thence a prisoner, there confined by due process of law; and
have, since that time, gone on like a torrent, bearing all down before them,
dispossessing some people of their estates, and giving them to accomplices ;
plundering the estates of others, who do not join with them, and dividing the
spoil among them ; breaking open the prisons as often as any of them are
•committed, rescuing their accomplices, keeping daily in armed numbers, and
travelling often in armed multitudes, to difltrent parts of the province, for those
purposes ; so that your Majesty's government and laws have, for above three
110 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
years last past, ceased to be that protection to the lives and properties of the
people here, which your Majesty intended they should be."
" These bold and daring people, not in the least regarding their allegiance,
have presumed, to establish courts of justice, to appoint captains and officers
over your Majesty's subjects, to lay and collect taxes, and to do many
other things in contempt of your Majesty's authority, to which they refuse
any kind of obedience: That all the endeavours of the government to put the
laws in execution, have been hitherto vain ; for, notwithstanding many of
these common disturbers stand indicted for high treason, in levyino- war
against your Majesty, yet such is the weakness of the government, that it
has not been able to briiig one of them to trial and punishment : That the
petitioners have long waited in expectation of a vigorous interposition of the
Legislature, in order to give force to the laws, and enable your Majesty's
officers to carry them into execution : But the House of Assembly, after
neglecting the thing for a long time, have, at last, refused to aiford the go-
vernment any assistance ; for want of which, your petitioners' estates are
left a prey to a rebellious mob, and your Majesty's government exposed to
the repeated insults of a set of traitors."
This grievous charge was unknown to the Assembly, until a copy of the
petition of the proprietaries, was transmitted by the provincial agent. In
October, 1749, the House sent a counter petition to the King, with the design
of vindicating its conduct, in which it declared, " that the proprietaries of
East New Jersey had, from the first settlement, surveyed, patented, and
divided their lands, by Concessions, among themselves, in such manner as
from thence many irregularities had ensued, which had occasioned multi-
tudes of controversies and law suits, about titles and boundaries of land : —
That, these controversies had subsisted between a number of poor people on
the one part, and some of the rich, understanding, and powerful on the other
part ; among whom were James Alexander, Esq. a great proprietor, and an
eminent lawyer, one of your Majesty's council, and surveyor-general for this
colony, although a dweller in New York; and Robert Hunter Morris, Esq.
chief justice, and one of your Majesty's council in the said colony: That the
said Alexander and Morris, not yielding to determine the matter in contest,
by a few trials at law, as the nature of the thing would admit, but on the
contrary, discovering a disposition to harass those people, by a multiplicity
of suits, the last mentioned became uneasy (as we conceive) through fear,
that those suits might be determined against them, when considered, that
the said Chief Justice Morris, was son of the then late Governor Morris, by
whose commission the other judges of the Supreme Court acted; and by
whom the then sheriffs, throughout the colony, had been appointed; and
should a multiplicity of suits have been determined against the people, in-
stead of a {ew only, which would have answered the purpose, the extraordi-
nary and unnecessary charges occasioned thereby, would have so far weak-
ened their hands, as to have rendered them unable to appeal to your Majesty
in council ; from whom they might expect impartial justice : That these are,
in the opinion of the House, the motives that prevailed on these unthinking
people, to obstruct the course of legal proceedings, and not any disaffection
to your Majesty's person or government."*
If the council of proprietors, supported by the Legislative council, was
disposed to aggravate the offences of the insurgents into high treason, it is
apparent, that the Assembly were not less resolved to consider them of a
very venial character; and their conduct, upon this occasion, was highly
disingenuous. The House could not refuse, from time; to time, to condemn,
* Votes of Assembly.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. Ill
in strong terms, the conduct of the rioters; but, no representation of the
governor or council, could induce them, either to pass the riot act, or to arm
the executive with military force, to capture the rioters, guard the prisons,
or protect the public peace. If, indeed, the insurgents possessed a coloura-
ble title to the lands, and had been oppressed by a multiplicity of suits,
which they were disposed to render unnecessary by submission to the law,
as apparent on the decision of a few ; if they had been content, with defend-
ing their own possessions, without disturbing those of others; the represen-
tations of the Assembly might have been less reprehensible. But the title
of the insurgents was, on its merits, wholly unsustainable in an Eno-lish
court of justice, where a mere Indian right could never prevail against the
grant of the King. The true solution of the course taken by the Assembly
will be found, most probably, in their sympathy for the rioters, and their
hostility towards the leading members of the council, who were large pro-
prietaries. The public peace, from this cause, continued unsettled, for seve-
ral years.
VII. The other subject which perplexed the administration of Governor
Belcher, was a difference between the council and Assembly, on a bill for
ascertaining the value of taxable property in each county, with the view to
a new apportionment of their respective quotas. Among other property di-
rected to be returned by this "Quota Bill," as it was termed, was '■'■ the
lohole of all profitable tracts of land held by patent, deed, or survey,
whereon any impi'ovement is made.'''' To this clause the council took ob-
jection on two grounds, — first, that it was in contravention of the royal in-
struction, prohibiting the governor from consenting to any act to tax unpro-
litable lands, and second, that it would be gross injustice, by taxino- lands
according to their quantity and not according to their quality, since tracts of
land might, and, probably, would, be deemed profitable, when the greater
number of acres were wholly unproductive. The council, therefore, pro-
posed, to amend the act, by declaring, that nothing therein was intended, to
break in upon the royal instruction, or to warrant the assessors to include
any unprofitable lands in their lists. The House, roused by this attempt to
modify what they deemed a money bill, denied the right of the council, to
amend such bill, and refused themselves to alter it, so as to remove the ob-
jection.
There is much reason to believe that the Assembly intended, at a season,
when taxation was becoming unusually heavy, to reach a portion of the un-
profitable lands held by many of the rich proprietaries, but which had
hitherto been protected by the royal instruction ; and that they designed to
make the whole of the lands pertaining to any improvement, whether wild
or in culture, liable to taxation. The council, some of whose members were
large proprietaries, were interested in firmly supporting the King's instruc-
tion ; and in the space of a little more than three years, from 1747 to 1751,
they impeded the passage of seven bills of like tenor; and as the "Quota
Bill" was an indispensable preliminary to an act for the support of govern-
ment, all the officers of the state were,' during this period, deprived of their
compensations. It was certainly unjust to require exemption from taxa-
tion for lands which, though yielding no annual returns, were daily grow-
ing in value, and increasing the wealth of the owner; yet there would
not have been less injustice in exacting a tax proportioned on quantity
alone, since one fertile acre happily located, might be worth a thousand of
pine barren.
We extract from the minutes of the Assembly, parts of messages between
the council and the Assembly, in order to show the manner in which these
bodies treated each other, and to give somewhat of the form and colour of
112 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the times. Thus the cuoncil, in their address to the Assembly of the 19th
of February, 1750, say —
" The Assembly, in their message, and in their address to his excellency,
accuse us of having taken liberties upon us; as to which we think we have
taken none, but what were our just right to take. But the liberties the As-
sembly have taken with his Majesty, with his excellency, our governor, with
the magistrates of this and other counties, and with us, by those papers, and
during this and former late sessions, (as will appear by their minutes) and
by spreading base, false, scandalous, and injurious libels against us ; we be-
lieve all sober and reasonable men will think unjustifiable — God only knows
the hearts and thoughts of men. They have, it seems to us, even not left
that his province uninvaded ; for they take upon them to suggest our thoughts
to be not out of any great regard to his Majesty's instrvction, that toe have
been led to make our amendment; but to exempt our large tracts of land
from taxes; when they well knew, that a majority of this House, are not
owners of large tracts of land; and those who have such, do declare, they
never had the least thought of having their lands exempted from taxes, con-
sistent with reason and his Majesty's instructions."
The House, in their democratic pride, did not deign to reply directly to
this reproach. But they ordered an entry to be made upon their minutes,
declaring, " That it would be taking up too much time, at the public ex-
pense, for the House to make any particular answer thereto; nor, indeed, is
it necessary, when considered, that the message itself, will discover the coun-
cil's aim, in having the improved part, only, of tracts of land taken an
account of, in future taxation; which, if admitted, would exempt the unim-
proved part of such tracts, from paying any part of the public tax : So that,
should a gentleman be possessed of a ti-act of ten thousand acres of land, in
one tract, worth ten thousand pounds, and only fifty acres of it improved ;
and a poor freeholder should be possessed of a tract of one hundred acres,
only, worth but one hundred pounds, and fifty acres of it improved ; the poor
freeholder must pay as much as the gentleman ; and this we may venture to
say, (without invading the province of God, which the council are pleased
to charge us with,) would be the obvious consequence of the bill, in question,
if passed in the manner the council insist; and why, a poor man, worth only
one hundred pounds, should pay as much tax as a gentleman, worth ten
thousand pounds, will be difiicult for the council to show a reason ; but at
present, we may set it down as a difficult and surprising expedient, indeed,
to favour the poor.
" The council, instead of making it appear, that they have a right to
amend the bill, as they have repeatedly resolved they had, have unhappily
fell into the railing language of the meanest class of mankind; in such a
manner, that had it not been sent to this House, by one of their members,
no man could imagine that it was composed by a deliberate determination of
a set of men, who protend to sit as a branch of our Legislature. For, to-
wards the close of the above said message, they charge us with having taken
liberties with his Majesty, with his excellency, our governor, with the
magistrates of this, and other counties, and with our having spread false,
scandalous, and injurious libels against them, the said council ; which, they
say, they believe, all sober and reasonable men, will think unjustifiable.
What liberties we have taken with his Majesty, otherwise, than to assert our
loyalty to him, in our address to the governor, we know not: What liberties
we have taken with the governor, unless it be, to tell him, the true reason of
the government's being so long unsupported, and to represent the public
grievances to him, for redress, we know not : What liberties we have taken
with the gentlemen of the council, other than to tell them the truth, in modest.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 113
plain English, we know not: What liberties we have taken with the magis-
trates of this and other counties, unless it be to inquire into their conduct,
upon complaints, and after a fair and impartial hearing, to represent their
arbitrary and illegal proceedings, for redress, wc know not; — and wherein
we have been guilty of spreading false, scandalous, and injurious libels
against the council, we know not. Therefore, it will be incumbent on them,
to point out, and duly prove, some undue liberties we have taken, and libels
spread, before any sober and reasonable men, will be prevailed on to con-
demn our proceedings, as unjustifiable; which we think they will not do,
upon the slender authority of the council's insulting message to this House;
which, in our opinion, is so far from being likely to prevail on any sober
and reasonable men, to believe the false, scurrilous, and groundless charges,
therein alleged against us; that it will rather discover the council to be men
at least under the government of passion, if not void of reason and truth;
and, until they recover the right use of their reason again, it will be fruitless
for this House to spend time in arguing with them."
As it was now obviously impossible that the public business could pro-
ceed, whilst these important branches of the government ceased to treat each
other with ordinary respect, the governor prudently dissolved the Assembly.
The new House, which met on the 20th of May, 1751, consisted of a majo-
rity of new members, and was earnestly disposed to despatch the affairs of
the province, as they evinced, by the passage of the quota bill, in a form,
which dissipated the objections, that had hitherto prevailed against it; classi-
fying lands, according to their quality, and making all which could in any
way be deemed profitable, liable to taxation, at a rate depending on their
class. This difficulty was scarce removed, before another, partaking of the
same character, arose. In the adaptation of a new act, for the support of
the government, to the principles furnished by the quota act, the council
assumed the right to amend the bill; though such right had always been
peremptorily denied them, by the House, in relation to all money bills, and
in the present case, their amendments were unanimously rejected. As this
was a point which the Assembly were resolute to maintain, they sought to
get over the delay by making the governor a party to the bill, in their
favour; and for that purpose, after it had been returned by council, sent it
up directly, to him, that he might place it again before that body, accompa-
nied with his influence for its passage. This course would have brought
the form of administering the government back to that which it possessed,
before the alteration made by Governor Morris, when the governor sat and
debated with the council. But Mr. Belcher, declining to receive their bill,
the House, unable to progress with it, was prorogued, and the public treasury
still continued empty. Nor was it until February, 1752, after a delay of
near four years, that a bill for the support of the government, received the
approbation of every branch of the Legislature.
VIII. The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which, in Europe, was but a hollow
truce, was scarce regarded by the French, in America. Eager to extend
their territories, and to connect their northern possessions with Louisiana,
they projected a line of forts and military positions, from the one to the
other, along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. They explored, and occupied
the land upon the Ohio; buried, in many places, through the country, metal
plates, with inscriptions declaratory of their claims;* caressed and threaten-
ed the Indians by turns ; scattered liberal presents, and prepared to compel
by force, what should be refused to their kindness,
* In 1750
114 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
IX. In their Indian relations, tlie enterprise and industry of the French,
were strongly contrasted with the coldness and apathy of the English.
After the peace of 1748, the latter discontinued their attentions, even to
those Indians they had induced to take up arms. They suffered the cap-
tives to remain long unransomed ; their families to pine in want, and utterly
disregarded the children of the slain; whilst the former, attentive to the
vanity and interests of iheir allies, dressed them in finery, and loaded them
with presents. Their influence over these untutored tribes, might have been
greater, had they not sought to convert them to the Catholic faith ; for the
Indians fancied, that the religious ceremonies, were arts, to reduce them to
slavery.* The French had, by this policy, succeeded in estranging the
Indians on the Ohio, and in dividing the councils of the Six Natious; di*aw-
ing off the Onondagoes, Cayugas, and Senecas. Their progress with these
tribes, was rendered still more dangerous, by ihe death of several chiefs, who
had been in the English interest, and by the advances of the British in the
western country, without the consent of the aborigines.
X. In prosecution of their views of territorial acquisition, and seduction
of the Indians, the French attacked the Twightees, and slew many, in chas-
tisement of their adherence to the British and protection of English traders.
The Ohio Company having surveyed large tracts of land upon the Ohio river,
with the design of settlement, the governor of Canada remonstrated with the
governors of New York nnd Pennsylvania, upon this invasion of the French
territories; and threatened to resort to force, unless the English traders
abandoned their intercourse with the Indians. These threats being disre-
garded, he captured some traders, and sent them to France, whence they
returned, without redress. He also opened a communication from Presqu'isle,
by French Creek, and the Alleghany river, to the Ohio; and though the Six
Nations forbade him to occupy the Ohio lands, he contemned the present
weakness of those tribes.
XI. Governor Dinwiddle, of Virginia, learning that the French designed
to proceed southward, from Fort Venango, on French Creek, resolved to
despatch an agent, for the double purpose of gaining intelligence, and remon-
strating against their designs. For this duty, he selected Mr. George Wash-
ington, then a young man, under twenty years of age. He left the frontier,
with several attendants, on the 14th of November, 1753, and after a journey
of two months, over mountain and torrent, through morass and forest, braving
the inclemency of the winter, and the howling wilderness, and many dangers
from Indian hostility, he returned, with the answer of Legardeau dc St.
Pierre, the French commandant upon the Ohio, dated at the fort, upon Le
Boeuff river. The Frenchman referred the discussion of the rights of the
two countries to the Marquis du Quesne, Governor-in-chief of Canada ; by
whose orders, he had assumed, and meant to sustain, his present position.
From De la Joncaire, a captain in the French service, and Indian interpreter,
Washington received full information of the French designs. They founded
their claim to the Ohio river, and its appurtenances, on the discovery of La
Salle, sixty years before; and their present measures for its defence, had
grown out of the attempts of the Ohio Company to occupy its banks.
XII. The British ministry, instructed in the views and operations of the
French nation, on the American, continent, remonstrated with the Court of
Versailles. But, whilst that court publicly instructed the Governor of Canada
to refrain from hostilities, to demolish the fortress at Niagara, to deliver up
the captured traders, and to punish their captors, it privately informed him,
that strict obedience was not e\p(icted. Deceived and insulted, the English
* MSS. Joarniils of Conrad Weiser. Penes mc.
HISTORY OF NEW JEU.Sl-n". 115
monarcli resolved to oppose force to force; and the American governors
were directed to repel the encroachments of any foreign prince or state.
The English force in America, numerically considered, was much greater
than that of the French; but divided among many and independent sections,
its combined efforts were feeble and sluggish, whilst the French, directed by
one will, had the advantages of union and promptitude, and drew the hap-
piest hopes from the boldest enterprises. To resist them, effectually, some
confederacy of the colonies was necessary, and common prudence required,
that the affections of the Indians, towards the English, should be assured. A
conference between the Six Nations, and the repi-esentatives of the colonies,
was ordered by the ministry under the direction of Governor De Lancy, of
New York. Governor Belcher communicated this order to the Assembly of
Nev/ Jersey, on the 25th of April, 1754. But the House refused on this, as
upon every other occasion, theretofore, to take part in the Indian treaties ;
assigning as a reason, that their province had no participation in the Indian
trade; professing, however, their readiness to contribute their assistance to
the other colonies, towards preventing the encroaclnnents of the French, on
his Majesty's dominions, but declaring their present inability to do aught, on
account of the poverty of their treasury. The reluctance which the Assem-
bly displayed upon this subject, together with their rude reply to a renion-
sti'ance from the governor, provoked him to dissolve them.
The Six Nations, although large presents were made them, were cold to the
instances of the confederate council, which met on the 14th of June. Few
attended, and it was evident that the affection of all towards the English had
diminished. They refused to enter into a coalition against the French, but
consented to assist in driving them from the i)Ositions they had assumed in
the West, and to renew former treaties.
XIII. In this convention of the colonies, several plans for political union
were submitted, and that devised by Mr. Franklin, of which the ibllow ing is
an outline, was adopted on the 4th of July. A general colonial government
was to be formed, to be administered by a president-general, appointed
and paid by the crown; and a grand council of f(n'ty-eight members to be
chosen for three years, by the colonial Assemblies, to meet at Philadelphia,
for the first time, at the call of the President. After the first thi-ee years, the
number of members from each colony was to be in the ratio of the revenue,
paid by it to the public treasury; the grand council was to meet, statedl}-, an-
nually, and might be specially convened, in case of emergpncy, by the presi-
dent. It was empowered, to choose its speaker, and could not be dissolved,
prorogued, nor kept together longer than six weeks at one time, without its
consent, or the special command of the crown ; with the president-general, to
hold or direct all Indian treaties, in which the general interest of the colonies
was concerned, and to make peace and declare war with Indian nations: — to
purchase for the crown, trom the Indians, lands not within particular colo-
nies:— to make new settlements on such purchases, by granting lands in the
King's name, reserving quit-rent to the crown, for the use of the general trea-
sui'y: — to make laws regulating and governing such new settlements until
they should be formed into particular governments, to raise soldiers, build
forts and equip vessels of war ; and for these purposes, to make laws and levy
taxes: — To appoint a general treasurer, and a particular treasurer in €'ach
government; disbursements to be made only on an appropriation by \n\v, or
by joint order of the president and council ; the general accounts to be settled
yearly, and reported to the several Assemblies: — Twenty-five mr-mbers to
form a quorum of the council, there being present, one or more, from a ma-
jority of the colonies : — The assent of the president-general was requisite to
116 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
all acts of the council, and it was his duty to execute them: — The laws
enacted were to be as like as possible to those of England, and to be trans-
mitted to the King in council for apirroval, as soon as might be after their
enactment, and if not disapproved within three years, to remain in force. On
the death of the president-general, the speaker was to succeed him, and to hold
his office until the King's pleasure should be known. Military and naval
officers, acting under this constitution, were to be appointed by tlie president,
and approved by the council, and the civil officers to be nominated by the
council, and approved by the president; and in case of vacancy, civil or mili-
tary, the governor of the province in which it happened, was to appoint, until
the pleasure of the president and council should be ascertained.
This plan was submitted to the board of trade in England, and to the As-
semblies of the several provinces. Franklin* says, its fate was singular.
The Assemblies rejected it, as containing too much prerogative ; whilst in
England, it was condemned as too democi-atic. Had it been adopted, the
projector might have been famed as the forger of a nation's chains, instead
of the destroyer of a tyrant's sceptre.f As a substitute, the British ministry
proposed, that the governors of the colonies, with one or more members of
the respective councils, should resolve on the measures of defence, and draw
on the British treasury for the money required, to be refunded by a general
tax, imposed by Parliament, on the colonies. But this proposition was
deemed inadmissible by the provinces. The " plan of union," as adopted
by the Congress, was laid before the Assembly of New Jersey in October.
The House voted that if it should be carried into effect, " it might be preju-
dicial to the prerogative of the crown, and to the liberties of the people."
They instructed their agent, at court, to petition the King and Parliament
against its ratification.
In the mean time, Virginia had raised three hundred men, under the com-
mand of Colonel Fry and Lieutenant Colonel Washington. The latter
marched with two companies, in advance, to the Great Meadows, in the
Alleghany Mountains ; where he learned, that the French had dispersed a
party, employed by the Ohio company, to erect a fort on the Monongahela
river; were, themselves, raising fortifications at the confluence of that
river with the Alleghany, and that a detachment was then approaching his
camp. It was impossible to doubt of the hostile intentions of this party, and
Washington resolved to anticipate them. Guided by his Indians, under cover
of a dark and rainy night, he surprised the French encampment, and cap-
tured the whole party, save one who fled, and Jumonville, the commanding
officer, who was killed. Soon after, the whole regiment, the command ol'
which had devolved on Mr. Washington, by the death of Mr. Fry, was
united at the Great Meadows ; and reinforced by two independent companies
of regulars, the one from South Carolina, and the other from New York. —
It formed an effective force of five hundred men. Having erected a stockade
for protecting their provisions and horses, the troops marched to dislodge the
enemy from Fort Du Quesne. But their progress was arrested by informa-
tion of the advance of twelve hundred French and Indians. As the Ameri-
cans had been six days without bread, had but a small supply of meat
remaining, and dreaded the enemy would cut them off from their stores,
they resolved to retreat to their stockade, to Avhich they gave the name of
Fort Necessity. Colonel Washington began a ditch around this post, but
ere he could complete it, he was attacked by the French force under Mon-
* Memoirs.
t Cali nrijndtfiilmcn sccptnimrjuc tijrannis.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 117
sieur de Villiers. The troops made an obstinate defence, fighting partly
within the stockade, and partly in the ditch, half filled with mud and water,
from ten o'clock in the morning until dark, when De Villiers demanded a
parley, and offered terms of capitulation. During the night, articles were
signed, allowing the garrison the honours of war, to retain their arms and
baggage, and to return home unmolested. The last clause was not strictly
kept, the Indians harassing and plundering llie Americans during their re-
treat. The courage and conduct of Washington, on this occasion, were
greatly applauded; and the Assembly of Virginia voted tlieir thanks to him
and his officers. The French retired to their post on the Ohio.*
The attack, on the part of Jumonville, without summons or expostulation,
was deeply reprobated by the French. Whilst peace prevailed between the
two nations, hostility, they said, should not have been jn-esumed. They have
called the death of that officer, an assassination, even in the capitulation of
Fort Necessity ; the attack on which, they stale to have been made, in con-
sequence of the outrage upon their advance party. These allegations are
refuted, by a review of the conduct of the French, since the development of
their designs upon the Ohio. The capture of the persons and property of
the settlers, at Logtown, and of the Indian traders, wherever found in the
western country, afforded conclusive evidence of their intention to try the
disputed title by force ; and they could not, justly, complain of the reply to
their argument.f
With great industry, the French completed Fort Du Quesne, at the
confluence of the Monongahela and Alleghany rivers, where the thriving
city of Pittsburg now stands; garrisoned it with one thousand regulars,
amply supplied with cannon, provisions, and other munitions ; and prepared
to occupy the country of the Twightees, with numerous settlers. The Six
Nation Indians, now more numerous on the western waters, than in their
ancient seats, indifferent to the English cause, and divided among them-
selves, barely maintained their neutrality. Some of them had removed to
Canada, preferring the protection of the active and enterprising French com-
manders. The small body of British troops, collected on the frontiers, was
weakened by desertion, and corrupted by insubordination ; whilst the Indians
who still adhered to their interest, retired to Aughwick, in Pennsylvania,
where they proclaimed their admiration of the courage of the enemy, and
their contempt of the sloth of their friends ; and were scarcely kept in quiet,
by the liberality of the Assembly of Pennsylvania to their families, and its
forbearance towards the license of their chiefs.
XIV. At length, however. Great Britain prepared to oppose, energeti-
cally, the growing power of her restless rival in the Western World. Two
regiments of foot from Ireland, under the command of Colonels Dunbar and
Halkett, were ordered to Virginia, to be there enforced ; and Governor Shir-
ley and Sir William Pepperell were directed to raise two regiments, of a
thousand men each, to be officered from New England, and commanded by
themselves. The provinces, generally, were required, to collect men for
enlistment, to be placed at the disposal of a commander-in-chief of rank and
capacity, who would be appointed to command all the King's forces in Ame-
rica; to supply the troops on their arrival with provisions, and to furnish all
necessaries for the soldiers landed or raised within the province ; to provide
* Marshall's Washington. Bradford's Journal. Review of Military Operations in
North America. London, 1757.
t Colonel Washington, who was ignorant of the French language, was unable to
read the articles of capitulation, and was, therefore, obliged to rely on an interpreter,
who rendered the word "assassinat" into the word ^'deatfi" merely. — Wash. Lett.
118 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the officers with means for travelling, for impressing carriages and quarter-
ing troops. And as these were "local matters, arising entirely within their
colonies, his Majesty informed his subjects, that he expected the charges
thereof to be borne by them in their respective provinces, whilst articles
of more general concern would be charged upon a common fund to be
raised from all the colonies of North America; towards which, the governors
were severally requested to urge the Assemblies to contribute liberally, until a
union of the northern colonies, lor general defence, could be effected.
XV. The Assembly of New Jersey, before whom Governor Belcher laid
these requisitions in February, and who were incited to prompt and liberal mea-
sures by the solicitations of their constituents, praying the House to pass such
bills as might be necessary (in proportion with the other colonies) to assist
his Majesty in driving the French from their fortifications on the Ohio, and in
defence of the frontiers, appropriated five hundred pounds tor the subsistence
of the royal troops, during their march through the colony, and transporta-
tion of their baggage; and also at the instance of Governor Shirley, passed an
act to prevent the exportation of provisions, naval or warlike stores to any of
the French dominions. The House excused themselves from appropriating
a larger sum, under pretence, tluit by a bill passed at a previous session, and
sent to England for the approbation of the King, they had granted for his
Majesty's service, ten thousand pounds. This bill provided for issuing in bills
of credit, the sum of seventy thousand pounds; and the House had just reason
to believe, that it would receive the royal sanction, since they had the assent
of the board of trade and plantations, to issue sixty thousand pounds, and the
surplus was given to the national use. But the objections to provincial paper
currency in England, could not yet be overcome.
XVI. Major-general Braddock, Sir John St. Clair, adjutant-general, and
the regiments of Dunbar and Halkett, which sailed from Cork on the 14th of
January, 1755, arrived early in March at Alexandria, in Virginia, whence
they marched to Fredericktown, in Maryland. The place of debarkation
was selected with that ignorance and want of judgment, which then distin-
guished the British ministry. The country could furnish neither provisions
nor carriages for the army, whilst Pennsylvania, rich in grain, and well
stocked with wagons, could readily have supplied food and the means of
transportation ; and from this source the general, with the aid of Mr. Benjamin
Franklui, drew finally the means of making the expedition against the French
in the West.
XVII. A convention of the Governors of New York, Massachusetts, Mary-
land, and Virginia, convened at Annapolis, to settle with General Braddock,
a plan of military operations. Three expeditions were resolved on. The
first, against Fort Du Quesne, under the command of General Braddock, in
person, with the British troops, and such aid as he could draw from Mary-
land and Virginia, — the second, against Forts Niagara and Frontignac,
under General Shirley, with his own and Peppcrell's regiments — and the third,
originally proposed by Massachusetts, against Crown Point, to be executed
altogether with colonial troops from New England, New York, and New
Jersey, under Major-general William Johnson.
• XVIII. Wiiilst these measures were in embryo, an attack conducted by Lieu-
tenant-colonel Monckton, a British officer, and Lieutenant-colonel W^inslow,
a major-gcnerul of the Massachusetts militia, was made against the French
who had possessed themselves of a portion of the country claimed by the
English, for the province of Nova Scotia. In little more than a month, with
the loss of three men, only, poss(\ssion was obtained of the whole province
according to the British definition of its boundaries. This easy conquest
elated the colonies, and produced sangifine anticipations of the results of their
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 119
future efforts. But their present success was disgraced by scenes of devasta-
tion and misery, scarce paralleled in modern history.
The inhabitants of Nova Scotia were chiefly of French descent. By the
treaty of Utrecht, (1713,) they were permitted to retain their lands, taking
the oath of allegiance to their new sovereign, with the qualification, that they
should not be compelled to bear arms against their Indian neighbours, or
their countrymen; and this immunity was, at subsequent periods, assured to
their children. Such was the notoriety of this compact, that, for half a cen-
tury, they had borne the name, and with few exceptions, maintained the cha-
racter of neutrals. But, now, excited by this ancient love of France, by their
religious attachments, and their doubts of the English rights, some of these
frugal, industrious, and pious people, were seduced to take up arms. Three
hundred were found in the fortress of Beau Sejour, at its capture, but it was
stipulated, that they should be left in the same situation, as w hen the army
arrived, and should not be punished for any thing they had subsequently done.
Yet, a council was convened by Lawrence, Lieutenant Governor of Nova
Scotia, at which Admirals Boscawen and Moyston assisted, to determine the
fate of these unfortunate people. Their elders were i-equired to take the oath
of allegiance to the British monarch, without the exemption, which, during
fifty years, had been gx-anted to them and their fathers. Upon their refusal,
although, out of a population of seven thousand, three hundred only had borne
arms, the council resolved to expel all from their country, to confiscate their
property, money and household goods excepted, to lay waste their estates,
and burn their dwellings. The public I'ecords and muniments of title, were
seized, and the elders of the people treacherously made prisoners. Governor
Lawrence, with great presumption, and total disregard of the rights of the
neighbouring provinces, imposed a heavy and durable burden upon them,
in the reception and maintenance of this devoted race. In transporting them
to their several destinations, the charities of blood and affinity were wanton-
ly torn asunder. Parents were separated from their children — and husbands
from their wives. Among many instances of this barbarity, was that of
Rene Le Blanc, vvho had been imprisoned four years, by the French, on
account of his English attachments. The family of this venerable man,
consisting of twenty children, and about one hundred and fifty grand-chil-
dren, were scattered in different colonies; and himself, with his wife and
two children only, were put on shore at New York.
XIX. The province of New Jersey, in a continental war, dreaded most,
an attack from Canada, by the way of New York, and scarce felt any ap-
prehension of danger, from the French and Indians on the Ohio. The Assem-
bly cordially approved of the plan of operation adopted at Annapolis, and,
particularly of the expedition against Crown Point; and resolved, immediately,
to raise a battalion, of five hundred men, for the maintenance of which, they
issued bills of credit, for £15,000, redeemable within five years. The
governor nominated Mr. Peter Schuyler, with the rank of colonel, to the
command of this force; and that gentleman's popularity was such, that the
battalion was not only promptly filled, but a much larger number of men,
presented themselves for enlistment, than were required. The arms for
these troops, of which the colony was almost wholly unprovided, were pro-
cui'ed from Virginia, at the cost of the Assemblj'.
XX. General Braddock having removed his army to Fort Cumberland,
on Wills's Creek, on his way to the west, received there, his wagons, and
other necessary supplies; and being, at length, after many delays, amply
furnished with all the munitions he required, and also reinforced by a con-
siderable body of Americans and Indians, broke up his encampment on
the 12th of June, and passed the Alleghany nioimtain, at the head of two
120 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
thousand two hundred men. On reaching the Little Meadows, five days'
march from Fort du Quesne, he convoked a council of war, to consult
on future operations. Colonel Washington, who had entered his family,
as a volunteer aid-de-camp, and who possessed a knowledge of the coun-
try, and of the nature of the service, had urged the substitution of pack
horses for wagons, in the transportation of the baggage, now renewed his
advice; and earnestly and successfully recommended, that the heavy artil-
lery and stores should remain with the rear division, and follow by easy
marches, whilst a chosen body of troops, with a iew pieces of light cannon
and stores, of absolute necessity, should press forward to Fort du Quesne.
Twelve hundred men, and twelve pieces of cannon, being selected, were
commanded by General Braddock, in person. Sir Peter Halkett, acted as
brigadier, having under him Lieutenant-colonels Gage and Burton, and
Major Spark. Thirty wagons, only, including those with ammunition, fol-
lowed the march. The residue of the army remained under the care of
Colonel Dunbar and Major Chapman.
The benefit of these prudent measures was lost by the fastidiousness and
presumption of the commander-in-chief. Instead of pushing on with vigour,
regardless of a little rough road, he halted to level every molehill, and to
throw bridges over every bx'ook, employing four days to reach the great
crossings of the Youghiogany, nineteen miles from the Little Meadows. On
his march, he neglected the advantage his Indians afforded him, of recon-
noiteinng the woods and passages on the front and flank, and even rejected
the prudent suggestion of Sir Peter Halkett, on this subject, with a sneer at
his caution.*
This overweening confidence and reckless temerity were destined to a
speedy and fatal reproof. f Having crossed the Monongahela river, within
seven miles of Fort du Quesne, wrapt in security, and joyously anticipating
the coming victory, his progress was suddenly checked, by a destructive
fire, on the front and left flank, from an invisible enemy. The van was
thrown into confusion ; but the main body, forming three deep, instantly
advanced. The commanding officer of the enemy having fallen, it was sup-
posed from the suspension of the attack, that the assailants had dispersed.
But the delusion was momentary. The fire was renewed with great spirit,
and unerring aim ; and the English, beholding their comrades drop around
them, unable to see the foe, or tell whence their death arrived, broke and
fled in utter dismay. The general, astounded at this sudden and unexpected
attack, lost his self-possession, and neither gave orders for a regular retreat,
nor for his cannon to advance and scour the woods. He remained on the
spot where he first halted, directing the troops to form in regular platoons
against a foe dispersed through the forest, behind trees and bushes, whose
every shot did execution. The officers behaved admirably; but distinguish-
ed by their dresses, and selected by the hidden marksmen, they suffered
severely; every one on horseback, except Washington, was killed or wound-
ed ; he had two horses killed under him, and four balls through his coat.
Sir Peter Halkett was killed on the spot; and the general himself, having
been five times dismounted, received a ball through the arm, and lungs, and
was carried from the field of battle. He survived only four days. On the
first, he was totally silent, and at night, only said, " Who would have
thought it?" He was again silent until a few minutes before his death,
when he observed, " We shall better know how to deal with them another
time."
The defeat was total — the carnage unusually great. Sixty-four, out of
* jMarshall, Wash. Lett. i July 'J, 1755,
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY, 121
eighty-five officers, and one-half the privates, were killed or wounded.
Many fell by the arms of their fellow soldiers. An absolute alienation of
mind, seems to have fallen upon the regular troops. In despite of the orders
of the officers, many gathered in squads of ten or twelve deep, and in their
confusion, shot down the men before them; whilst the troops in line fired
on the provincials wherever they saw a smoke, or heard a shot from behind
trees. Captain Waggoner, of the Virginia forces, who had taken an advan-
tageous position on the fHank, with eighty men, was driven from it by the
British fire with the loss of fifty.* Fortunately, the Indians were held from
pursuit by the desire of plunder. The artillery and military stores, even the
private cabinet of the commander-in-chief, containing his instructions, fell
into the hands of the enemy, whose whole force was computed at three
hundred men.
The fugitives continuing their flight to Dunbar's division, so infected it
with their terror, that, though the enemy did not advance, all the artillery and
stores collected for the campaign, except those indispensable for immediate
use, were destroyed, and the remnant of the army marched to Fort Cum-
berland. The loss in this engagement would have been still greater, but for
the coolness and courage of the colonial troops. These, whom Braddock
had contemptuously placed in his rear, so far from yielding to the panic
which disordered the regulars, offered to advance against the enemy, until
the others could form and bring up the artillery ; but the regulars could not
again be brought to the charge, yet the provincials actually formed and
covered their retreat. The conduct of the Virginia troops merits the great-
est praise. Of three companies brought into the field, it is said, scarce thirty
escaped uninjured. Captain Peyroney and all his officers, down to the cor-
poral, were killed. Captain Poison's company shared almost as hard a fate;
the captain himself being killed, and one officer only escaping. Of the com-
pany of light-horse, commanded by Captain Stewart, twenty-five out of
twenty-nine were slain.f
This misfortune is solely to be ascribed to the misconduct of the general.
Presumptuous, arrogant, and ignorant, he had no quality save courage to
insure success. Unacquainted with the country, and the Indian mode of
warfare, he neglected the suggestions of the Duke of Cumberland, whose in-
structions seem predicated on a prescience of his conduct, and the advice of
his American officers, to employ his Indians in guarding against ambush and
surprise. He neglected and disobliged the Virginians, and behaved with in-
supportable haughtiness to all around him. With a lethargy in all his
senses, produced by self-sufficiency, he led his troops to be defeated and
slaughtered by a handful of men, who intended only to molest their
march.:}:
Dunbar proposed to return with his army, yet strong enough to meet the
enemy, to Philadelphia; but consented, on the remonstrance of the Assembly
of Pennsylvania, to keep the frontiers. He requested a conference with
Governor Morris, at Shippensburg ; but Governor Shirley having succeeded
to the chief command of the forces in America, though at first he directed
Dunbar to renew the enterprise on Fort Du Quesne, and to draw upon the
neighbouring provinces for men and munitions, changed his mind, and deter-
mined to employ his troops elsewhere, leaving to the populous provinces of
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, the care of their own defence.
* Penn. Records,
f Penn. Gaz.
t Modern Univ. Hist. Marshall. Friuiklin. Ricliard Peters' Report to Council.
W. Shirley's letter to Governor Morris. See note Z, Appendix.
Q
122 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
XXI. The defeat of General Braddock, wholly unexpected, produced
great consternation throughout all the colonies. Upon receipt of intelli-
gence of this extraordinary event, as Governor Belcher properly termed it,
he summoned the Assembly of New Jersey, to meet him on the 1st of Au-
gust; but it was not until the approach of winter, that they became fully
aware of its disastrous consequences, and began to prepare against them.
The enemy, long restrained, by fear of another attack, could scarce credit
his senses, when he discovered the defenceless state of the frontiers; and
now roamed, unmolested and fearlessly, along the western lines of Virginia,
Maryland, and Pennsylvania ; committing the most appalling outrages, and
wanton cruelties, which the cupidity and ferocity of the savage could dictate.
The first inroads were in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, whence, they
were soon extended to the Susquehanna; and thence through Berks and
Northampton Counties, across the Delaware, into New Jersey. New hor-
rors were given to these scenes, by the defection of the Shawanese and Dela-
ware Indians, who had hitherto continued faithful, and had repeatedly
solicited employment against the French and their allies, with threats, that
unless engaged with the English, they would take part against them. These
threats had been humanely, if not wisely, withstood ; and now, irritated by
the love of blood, and of plunder, and the hopes fed by the French, of re-
covering the lands they had sold, these savages openly joined the foe. To
the perversion of these tribes, the Delaware chiefs, Shingas and Captain
Jacobs, were highly instrumental. They had been loaded with presents
and favours, by the provincial authorities of Pennsylvania, and the principal
inhabitants of Philadelphia; and their defection and perfidy, justly awakened
the anger of the citizens of that province ; who, Avith the approbation of the
governor, proclaimed a reward of seven hundred dollars for their heads.
In the month of November, these barbarous wretches laid waste the set-
tlements in Northampton county, not sparing even those of the Moravians,
who had ever treated them and their brethren, with the greatest kindness.
Gnadcnhutten, on the Lehigh, was attacked, and several of its inhabitants
slaughtered; and the other Moravian stations soon shared a like fate. A
letter from the Union Iron Works, New Jersey, dated 20th December, 1755,
says, " the barbarous and bloody scene, which is now open in the upper
parts of Northampton County, is the most lamentable, that has perhaps ever
appeared. There may be seen horror and desolation ; populous settlements
deserted — villages laid in ashes — men, women and children, cruelly man-
gled and massacred — some found in the woods, very nauseous, for want of
interment — some just reeking from the hands of their savage slaughterers —
and some hacked, and covered all over with wounds." To this letter was
annexed, a list of seventy-eight persons killed, and more than forty settle-
ments burned.
A letter from Easton, of the 25th of the same month, states, that " the
country, all above this town, for fifty miles, is mostly evacuated and ruined.
The people have, chiefly, fled into the Jerseys. Many of them have threshed
out their corn, and carried it off, with their cattle, and best household goods;
but a vast deal is left to the enemy. Many offered half their personal effects,
to save the rest; but could not obtain assistance enough, in time to remove
them. The enemy made but few pi-isoners; murdering almost all that fell
into their hands, of all ages, and both sexes. All business is at an end; and
the few remaining, starving inhabitants, in this town, arc quite dejected and
dispirited."
The panic, which foreran the savage monsters, seemed to deprive their
prey, of the means of concerting defence and retaliation. And the farmers,
intoxicated with hope, or stupefied by fear, suffered the invader to approach
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 123
their solitary and undefended homesteads, without an eflbrt to stop them on
the way. This was the efiect of a long period of peace, and the consequent
total inexperience of warfare, as well as of the manner by which the assail-
ants conducted their attacks. They wandered over the country, in small
parties, concealing themselves, whilst danger was near, and pouncing, sud-
denly, upon the unprepared, generally during the darkness of the night;
they made undistinguished slaughter; and frequently consumed their vic-
tims, upon the funeral piles formed of their dwellings. This senseless, and
emasculating fear, seems to have spent itself, on the right bank of the De-
laware.
The inhabitants of New Jersey, roused by the sufferings of their neigh-
bours, prepared seasonably, not only to resist the foe, but to protect their
friends. Among the energetic citizens of Sussex County, Colonel John
Anderson was most conspicuous. With four hundred men, whom he col-
lected, he scoured the country, marched to the defence of Easton, and pur-
sued the dastard enemy, unhappily, in vain. The governor promptly des-
patched troops from all parts of the province, to the defence of its western
frontier; and the wealthy inhabitants advanced the funds requisite for their
maintenance, until the Assembly, in the middle of December, took such
troops, upon the provincial establishment, and recalled their battalion, under
Colonel Schuyler, from the northern service, where it was then idle; and
placed them, also, on the frontier. To meet the expenses thus incurred,
the House, though greatly chagrined, at the rejection, by the King, of their
bill, for a paper currency, voted £10,000, in such bills, redeemable at the
usual period of five years.*
XXII. The troops destined for the northern expeditions, assembled at
Albany, on the close of June, but were not equipped for the field, until the
last of August. General Johnson proceeded to the southern shore of Lake
George, on his way to Ticonderoga, where he received information of the
approach of Baron Dieskau, at the head of twelve hundi-ed regulars, and six
hundred Canadians and Indians. He detached Colonel Williams, with one
thousand men, to reconnoitre, and to skirmish with the enemy. Engaging
with the foe, the detachment was overthrown, put to flight, and its com-
mander killed. A second detachment, sent to the aid of the first, experienced
a like fate : both were pursued to the camp, where they found shelter, be-
hind a breast-work of fallen trees, which the American army had thrown up,
in its front. The artillery, which had lately arrived, was served with effect ;
and though the Baron advanced firmly to the charge, his militia and Indians
deserted him, and he was compelled with his regulars to retreat. In the
pursuit, which was close and ardent, Dieskau, mortally wounded and aban-
doned, was made prisoner. A scouting party, under the command of Cap-
tains Folsom and Maginnis, from Fort Edwai-d, fell on the baggage of the
enemy, routed the guard, and immediately after engaged with the retreating
army; which, surprised by an enemy whose foi-ce it did not know, fled pre-
cipitately towards the posts on the lake. Tbis repulse of Dieskau, though
not followed up by Johnson, was magnified into a splendid victory; served
in some measure, to relieve the effect of Braddock's defeat, and procured the
fortunate general, a present of five thousand pounds sterling, from the House
of Commons, and the title of baronet, from the King. This army was soon
after discharged, with the exception of six hundred men, retained to garrison
Forts Edward and William Henry. The French seized and fortified Ticon-
deroga.
General Shirley, at the head of the expedition against Niagara and Fron-
* Votes.
124 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
tignac, did not reach Oswego, on Lake Ontario, until late in August. His
force consisting of about thirteen hundred regulars, and one hundred and
twenty militia and Indians, he divided ; embarking between six and seven
hundred men, for Niagara, and leaving the remainder at Oswego. But he
had scarce embarked, before the rains set in with fury, and his Indians, dis-
couraged, dispersed. It was apparent, that the season was now too far ad-
vanced for the accomplishment of his design, which, by the advice of a
council of war, was abandoned. A garrison of seven hundred men was left
at Oswego, to complete the works, and the general returned to Albany.
XXIII. The marauding parties of French and Indians hung on the western
frontiers during the winter. To guard against their devastations, a chain of
forts and block-houses, were erected by Pennsylvania, along the Kittatinny
or Blue ]\Iountain, from the river Delaware to the Maryland line, command-
ing the principal passes of the mountains. In New Jersey, forts and block
houses were also erected along the mountain, and at lavorable points on the
east bank of the Delaware river. Although the inroads of the savages across
the river were infrequent, yet the fear which eveiy one on the frontier felt,
that his midnight slumbers might be broken by the warwhoop, or that his
dwelling and out-houses might be consumed before the morning's dawn, was
sufficient to disturb the repose of the most courageous. Many left their
homes, and all called loudly upon the Assembly for additional means of de-
fence. And in the spring, when the Jersey regiment was again to proceed
to the north, the House authorized the enlistment of two hundred and fifty
volunteers, to supply their place and that of the militia on the frontier. Two
hundred of this force were also destined to unite with any troops that might
be organized by other colonies, for pursuing the brutal enemy to his den,
and making him, in the sufierings of his wives and his children, feel the
horrors which he had delighted to inflict. The provincial force on the
frontier was, subsequently, increased, and the whole was commanded by
Colonel De Flart.
XXIV. Governor Shirley, having been appointed commander-in-chief,
summoned, in the spring of the year 1756, the governors of the northern
and middle colonies to settle the plan of the ensuing campaign. The council
resolved on raising ten thousand two hundred and fifty men ; to attack Nia-
gara, that the communication between Canada and Louisiana might be cut
off; to reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, that the command of Lake
Champlain might be obtained, and New York be freed from the apprehen-
sion of invasion; to besiege Fort Du Quesne; and to detach a body offerees,
by the river Kennebeck, to alarm the capital of Canada. This plan was too
extensive for the means which General Shirley possessed ; and served only
to dissipate the strength, which more concentrated efforts might have ren-
dered serviceable.
In enlisting troops for the approaching campaign, the recruiting parties in
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, gave great offence to the inhabitants, by the
reception, if not, the seduction of their indented servants; and the Assembly
of the latter province threatened to discontinue the regiment they had fur-
nished, unless this grievance were redressed. Circumstances, however, did
not admit the discharge of such recruits to any great extent; of which the
House, becoming sensible, it appropriated £15,000, for the maintenance of
that regiment for the ensuing campaign. Extraordinary inducements were
offered at this time, for enlistment in the royal Tcgimcnts. The recruits were
exempted from sorvice any where but in North America, and were promised
a bounty of two hundred acres of land, free from quit-rents, for ten years,
either in the province of New York, New Hampshire, or Nova Scotia, at
their option ; to be assured, in case they should Idc killed in the service, to
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 125
their children. And to stimulate the provinces to liberal appropriations, as
occasion might require, Parliament voted £115,000 sterling, to be distri-
buted at the King's pleasure, among the northern and middle provinces, of
which New Jersey received five thousand pounds.
XXV. Though France and England had been engaged in the warmest
hostilities, in America, since 1754, the peace was not openly and avowedly
broken in Europe, until May, of the present year. The events in America,
in 1754, had determined each to despatch considerable reinforcements to the
colonies. The French, understanding that orders had been given to Bosca-
wen, to intercept their squadron, declared they would consider the first gun
fired as a declaration of war; and their minister was recalled from London,
in consequence of an attack upon their fleet, by that admiral. The British
government instantly issued lettei-s of marque, under which a large number
of French merchant ships, and seven thousand French sailors, were captured.
A blow which had great effect upon the subsequent operations of the war, in
Europe and America.
XXVI. Either from want of confidence in the military talents of General
Shirley, or that, he might give them information on American affairs, the
ministry removed him from his command, and summoned him to England.
General Abercrombie succeeded him ; with whom came out two additional
regiments. But the chief direction of the war was soon after given to the
Earl of Loudon, who was appointed governor of Virginia, and colonel of
the royal American regiment, which had been lately formed from the
German emigrants.
XXVII. In the mean time. Sir William Johnson had succeeded, by the
mediation of the Six Nations, in disposing the Shawanese and Delawares to
an accommodation. Hostilities against them were suspended, and the treaty
of peace was soon after ratified at Easton. This was the withdrawal of one
painful thorn from the side of the colonies ; and the chastisement inflicted by
Colonel Armstrong of Pennsylvania,* by the destruction of the den of the
horde, at Kittanning, soon extracted another. The conflagration of that
town, and slaughter of the Indian families there, was a severe stroke upon
the savages. Hitherto, the English had not assailed them in their towns,
and they fancied, would not venture to approach them. But, now, though
urged by unquenchable thirst of vengeance to retaliate the blow, they
dreaded, that, in their absence on war parties, their wigwams might be re-
duced to ashes. Such of them as belonged to Kittanning, and had escaped
the carnage, refused to settle again on the east of Fort Du Quesne; resolving
to place that fortress and the French garrison between themselves and the
English.
XXVIII. Of the many enterprises resolved on by General Shirley, several
were unattempted ; none were successful. Notwithstanding the exertions in
the northern provinces, the recruiting service moved heavily. Much time was
lost by the change of commanders ; and the season for operation was nearly
half spent, before the arrival of Lord Loudon. No preparations were made
against Fort Du Quesne. The colonies of Virginia, Maryland, and Penn-
sylvania, far from pursuing otfensive measures, were unable to protect them-
selves. The expedition against Ticonderoga and Crown Point, was confided
to General Winslow, who had won golden opinions during his last campaign,
in Nova Scotia. Seven thousand provincialists had assembled near Lake
George, but their number was reduced by subtractions for the garrisons in
their rear. Winslow refused to proceed without reinforcements; and though
soon after strengthened by some British troops, under General Abercrombie,
* September 8th, 1756.
126 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
he was perplexed and embarrassed by disputes relative to rank, which grew
out of this junction. The regulations of the crown, on this subject, had
given great offence in America ; and such was the reluctance of the provin-
cialists to serve under British officers, that, in the present case, in order to
enable the troops to act, separately, the Americans were withdrawn from the
garrisons to the army, and their places supplied with British forces. The
expedition to Ontario was rendered hopeless by the successes of the French
under Montcalm, who had captured the forts of Ontario and Oswego, situate
on either side of the Onondago river, at its junction with the lake. These
forts in the country of the Six Nations, he, with sound policy, destroyed, in
their presence. At the capture of Oswego, Colonel Schuyler, and half the
Jersey regiment, which formed part of the garrison, were made prisoners
and sent to Canada; from whence they were not released, until the end of
the campaign, and then on parole, not to serve for eighteen months. The
regiment was, however, recruited to its original state of five hundred men,
at the expense of the province, early in the ensuing spring.
Discouraged and disconcerted by these events, Loudon relinquished all
offensive operations, and disposed his troops for the defence of the frontier.
Renewed efforts to increase his force were rendered abortive by the appear-
ance of the small-pox at Albany. The troops which were on the march
from New England, and the army at Lake George, were panic-struck by
the irruption of an enemy more dreadful than the French; and it became
necessary to garrison all the posts with British troops, and to discharge the
provincialists, excepting one regiment raised in New York. Thus termi-
nated, for a second time, in defeat and utter disappointment, the sanguine
hopes, formed by the colonists, of a brilliant and successful campaign. Much
labour had been employed, and much money expended, in collecting, by
land, from a great distance, troops, provisions, and military stores, at Alba-
ny, and in transporting them through an almost unsettled country, to Lake
George; yet not an effort had been made to drive the invaders even from
their outposts at Ticonderoga.
XXIX. The treaty with Teedyuscung, had neutralized the Delaware and
Shawanese tribes on the Susquehanna, but the country was still exposed to
the inroads of the French and western Indians, who, growing confident
from the late disasters of the English, roamed, in small parties, avoiding or
attacking the forts and armed provincialists, as they judged most safe. The
counties of Cumberland, Lancaster, Berks, and Northampton, in Pennsyl-
vania, and, occasionally, a part of Sussex, in New Jersey, were, during the
spring and summer months of 1767, kept in continual alarm, and some of
the scalping parties penetrated to within thirty miles of Philadelphia. Many
of these wretches paid with their lives, the just penalty of their temerity.
But their sufferings were not comparable Avith those of the unfortunate in-
habitants. Incessant anxiety pervaded every family in the districts we have
named ; their slumber was broken by the yell of demons, or by dread of
attack, scarce less horrible than their actual presence. The ground was
ploughed, the seed sown, and the harvest gathered, under the fear of the
tomahawk and rifle. Women visiting their sick neighbours, were shot or
captured ; children, driving home cattle from the field, were killed and
scalped; whilst the enemy, dastardly as cruel, shrunk from every equality
of force. Many of the richest neighbourhoods were deserted, and property
of every kind abandoned : extraordinary heroism was frequently displayed
by men, women, and children, in defence of themselves and their homes,
and in pursuit of, and combat with, the enemy. There was certainly great
want of ability and energy in the constituted authorities, British and Provin-
cial. United councils, and well directed efforts, would have driven the bar-
fflSTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 127
barians to their savage haunts, and repeated the chastisement, administered
at Kittanning, until they sued for peace. The Assembly of New Jersey,
however, was not regardless of the danger and sufferings of her frontier citi-
zens, and kept on foot, for their protection, a body of rangers, consisting of
one hundred and twenty men, under Captain Gardiner ; who, though they
could not prevent occasional invasions of the foe, gave as much sccui'ity to
the frontier as circumstances would admit.
XXX. Lord Loudon, in the middle of January, summoned the Governors of
the New England provinces to New York. Iir no very good humour he attri-
buted to them, the disasters of the late campaign. " Their enterprise against
Crown Point," he said, "had not been timely communicated to the ministry;
their troops were inferior to his expectations, disposed to insubordination, and
less numerous than had been promised ; the true state of the Ibrts and gar-
risons had not been reported to him, and the provincial Legislatures had
given him votes, instead of men and money." He concluded this reprimand
with a requisition for additional troops from New England, New York, and
New Jersey. The spirit of the colonists, however, was not to be broken by
misfortune, caused by the incapacity of the ministry of the parent state, and
her delegated satraps, nor to be perverted by unmerited reproaches. His
demands were, generally, complied with ; and he was placed, in the spring,
at the head of a respectable army, to tempt his fortune under his own star.
The New England provinces exerted themselves greatly at this time, and
authorized a draft, or conscription, should their quotas not be completed by
voluntary enlistment. The force required from New Jersey was one thousand
men; but the Assembly conceiving five hundred to be their full proportion,
refused to do more than complete their regiment; and in an answer to the
proposal of Governor Belcher, that they should, also, authorize a draft, they
peremptorily declared by a vote of 12, to 7, "that they were determined not
to oblige or compel any of the inhabitants by force, to serve as soldiers."
XXXL The failures of the past year were attributed to the multiplied ob-
jects of the campaign, and the consequent division of the forces. Unity of
design, and concentration of the troops, it was presumed, would ensure suc-
cess. It was therefore resolved, that Louisburg should be attacked; and
Halifax was fixed as the rendezvous of the fleet and army- Early in July,
Admiral Holburn arrived there with a large squadron of ships and five thou-
sand land forces; and after many delays, was joined by Lord Loudon, with
six thousand regulars. Much was properly anticipated from this formidable
armament, but the procrastination of the commander-in-chief doomed the
country to severe disappointment. For before his preparations were com-
pleted, the French had occupied Louisburg with a superior force, despatched
from Brest, against which his lordship was not disposed to make an effort.
XXXIL The enemy, however, was not slow to avail himself of the ad-
vantages which might accrue to him by the withdrawal of the British troops
from the northern frontiers of New York. Montcalm, at the head of nine
thousand men, drawn principally from Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and the
neighbouring forts, witth some Canadians and Indians, invested Castle Wil-
liam on the southern shore of Lake George. The place was garrisoned by
three thousand men, including the unfortunate Jersey regiment, was well for-
tified and supplied with necessaries, but Colonel Monroe was compelled to
surrender it within six days after its investment. Montcalm's triumph was
stained by the barbarities of his Indian allies, and though he exerted himself
to protect his prisoners, the massacre of many of them will ever be coupled
with his name. Major-general Webb made strenuous exertions to relieve
the fort by arousing the militia of New York and New Jersey. From the
latter province, one thousand men were despatched, and three thousand were
128 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
put in readiness to march, should they be required. By these reinforcements
he was enabled to hold Fort Edward, check the progress of the enemy, who
retired when he had learned the return of Loudon to New York. The New
Jersey regiment with other prisoners were released, and returned to New
York under parole, not to serve again during eighteen months, and being thus
rendered useless, were, at the instance of the Assembly, disbanded. This regi-
ment, since the capture of Colonel Schuyler, had been commanded by Colo-
nel Parker.
XXXIII. On August 31, 1757, died Governor Jonathan Belcher, in the 76th
year of his age. His health had been so infirm, during the preceding two
years, that he summoned the Assembly to attend him at Elizabethtown, much
to their dissatisfaction. The House seemed apprehensive of being made a mere
satellite of the Executive, to revolve around him, in whatever sphere he chose
to move, and they therefore attended Governors Morris and Belcher, even
when illness prevented these officers from getting to Burlington, or to Amboy
with great reluctance ; protesting at all times, that their acquiescence should
not be drawn into precedent; and they explicitly refused to adjourn from
Burlington to Trenton, on the request of his successor Mr. Readington, al-
though his health also required this indulgence.
Governor Belcher was a native of New England, and inherited, in early
youth an abundant fortune, which enabled him to visit Europe, and to mingle
extensively in good society, until lavish expenditure dissipated his wealth.
He joined the popular side in the colony of Massachusetts, in the long con-
test with Governor Burnet, on the question of fixing his salary, for an inde-
finite time, and was sent as an agent of the Assembly to represent their
views to the King. Upon the death of Governor Burnet he was appointed
to succeed him, and then maintained the pretension of his predecessor, which
he had been employed to repel, and with the like ill success. His adminis-
tration at Boston w-as distinguished by his taste for ostentation, and his
imperious deportment, and he finally so disgusted the influential men of that
government, by rejecting several respectable persons nominated to the coun-
cil, that they successfully united to effect his removal. He afterwards re-
mained several years unemployed, until he was named to the government of
New Jersey. " He was now advanced in age, yet lively, diligent in his sta-
tion, and circumspect in his conduct, religious, generous and affable. He
affected splendour, at least equal to his rank and fortune : but was a man of
worth and honour, and though, in his last years under great debility of body
from a stroke of the palsy, he bore up with firmness and resignation, and
went through the business of his government, in the most difficult part of the
war, with unremitting zeal in the duties of his office."*
XXXIV. By the death of Mr. Belcher, the administration of the govern-
ment again devolved on Mr. John Reading, the first named of the counsellors;
who being aged and infirm, at first refused, and finally assiuncd, its duties
with great reluctance. For the space of more than a month, the government
was directed by the whole council, at whose instance, on the application of
Lord Loudon, the Assembly voted one hundred rangers, to be employed on
the frontiers during the winter season."}"
* Smith's Hist. ofN. J. 438.
t The captain of lliis company received six sliilHn^s, tlie lieutenants five, Ser-
jeants four, corporals tliree and six pence, and the private soldier three shillings per
day. And each ofiicor and soldier was furnished at colonial ox])cnse, with a blanket,
a half thick under jacket, a kersey jacket lapelled, l)uckskin breeches, two check
shirts, two pair of shoes, two pair of stockings, a leather cap. and a hatchet; and 20
shillings was allowed to the captain for each private he should enlist.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 129
CHAPTER IX.
Containing Events from the Presidency of Mr. Reading to the repeal of the Stamp
Act — from the year 1740 to the year 1766. — I. Influence of Mr. Pitt and his
Policy upon Colonial Afl^airs — New hopes infused into the Colonists. — II. Suc-
cessful Attack of the English upon the Northern Forts. — III. Capture of Fort
Du Quesne by General Forbes. — IV, Cheerful and ready aid of the Colonies. —
V. New Jersey supplies one thousand Men, and builds Barracks for the King's
Troops. — VI. President Reading superseded by the arrival of Governor Ber-
nard— His treaty with the Indians — Succeeded by Thomas Boone — He, by Josiah
Hardy — He, by William Franklin, the last of the Royal Governors. — VII. Effi-
cient Preparations for the Campaign of 1750. — VIII. Conquest of the French
Colonies in North America. — IX. Honourable share of the Provincialists in this
Result. — X. Treaty of Peace with France and Spain. — XI. New Confederacy and
Hostilities of the Indians — Six hundred Troops raised by New Jersey. — XII. Im-
pressions on the English Ministry, by the Wealth and Power displayed in Ame-
rica.— XIH. Proposition of Mr. Grenville to tax the Colonies. — XIV. Conside-
ration of the Principles relating to Colonial Taxation. — XV. Mr. Grenville
commmunicates his purpose to the Colonial Agents in London. — XVI. Views
taken by Colonies of this Proposition. — XVII. Propositions by several of the
Colonies to raise Money, rejetted by Mr. Grenville. — XVIII. Act of Parliament
for Tax on Colonial Imports and Exports. — XIX. Effect of the Measures in
America — Proceedings of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. — XX. Stamp Act
passed — Its reception in the Colonies. — XXI. Temporary suspension of legal
proceedings and of the publication of Newspapers. — XXII. Anti-Importation
Associations. — XXIII. Organization of the '■^ Sons of Liberty.''' — XXIV. Proposi-
tion of Massachusetts for assembling a Congress of Deputies from the Colonies —
Action of New Jersey on this proposition. — XXV. Proceedmgs of the Con-
gress— Messrs. Ruggles of Massachusetts, and Ogden of New Jersey, refuse to join
in a General Petition. — XXVI. The Assembly of New Jersey approve the Pro-
ceedings of Congress — adopts Resolutions condemnatory of the Stamp Act. —
XXVII. Efforts in England for Repeal of the Stamp Act. — XXIX. Inquiry be-
fore the House of Commons — Repeal of the Stamp Act.
I. With the opening of the year 1758, a new era dawned upon the colo-
nies, which were roused from a state of apathy by the voice of WiUiam Pitt.
The enterprise, judgment, and firmness, which had raised England from the
depths of humility, were now employed for the reduction of the American
continent. The plan of the campaign was wisely matured, and committed
for execution, to men who had reputations to lose and fortunes to gain.
Loudon was recalled. Abercrombie commanded in chief, with Amherst for
his second, aided by Brigadiers Wolfe and Forbes. The fleet, consisting
altogether of one hundred and fifty sail, was commanded by Boscawen.
II. The designated objects of the campaign were Louisburg, the forts on
the lakes, and Fort du Quesne. Major-general Amherst, with twelve thou-
sand men, aided by the fleet, laid siege to the first, early in June; and cap-
tured it, after an obstinate defence of seven weeks. General Abercrombie,
with seven thousand regulars and ten thousand colonial troops, undertook
the expedition against the northern forts. He first attempted that at Ticon-
deroga, which had been reared by the French in 1756, on the narrow neck
of land dividing Lake George from Lake Champlain. Its position, strong
by nature, was well secured by art, and by a garrison of five thousand men.
Relying on his superior force, the British general made his attack without
artillery, which, from the badness of the roads, could not kf'ep pace with the
army. He was repulsed with the loss of two thousand men, chiefly killed ;
among whom were Brigadier-general Lord Howe, and many other officers
of distinction. Though still superior to the enemy, he made a hasty retreat ;
R
130 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
but compensated for this ill-timed prudence, by the capture of Fort Fron-
tignac, situate on the north side of the river St. Lawrence, at its entrance
from Lake Ontario ; commanding the river, and serving as a magazine for
the more southern castles. The garrison consisted of one hundred and ten
men only ; but the fort contained a large stock of arms, stores, and provi-
sions for the western posts. Nine armed vessels, some of which carried
eighteen guns, were also taken. The enterprise was projected and executed
by Lieutenant-colonel Bradstreet.
in. The reduction of Fort Du Quesne was confided to Brigadier-general
Forbes, with a detachment from General Abercrombie's army, strengthened
by the southern militia; the whole computed at seven thousand eight hun-
dred and fifty men.* He began his march from Carlisle in the middle of
July, to join Colonel Bouquet at Raystown ; who, with two thousand five
hundred men, was advanced to Loyal Hanna, fifty miles further to the west-
ward. The march of the main body was delayed until September, in con-
sequence of the difficulty in procuring carriages and mihtary stores, and of
the tardiness with which the orders to the Virginia regulars, under Colonel
Washington, had been given. In the mean time. Major Grant was detached
by Bouquet, with eight hundred men, to reconnoitre the fort and adjacent
country. He was attacked, surrounded by the enemy, and lost above three
hundred men, killed and taken, and was himself among the prisoners ; the
remainder retired in great confusion. "j" Colonel Bouquet still continuing at
Loyal Hanna, the enemy resolved to attack him, in his camp. A force, esti-
mated at twelve hundred French, and two hundred Indians, commanded by
De Vetri, assailed him on the eleventh of October with great vivacity, but
was compelled to draw off with considerable loss, after a warm combat of
four hours. A second attack was made during the night, but some shells
thrown from the camp compelled them to retreat. The loss of Colonel
Bouquet amounted to sixty-seven rank and file, killed and wounded. Upon
the twenty-third or twenty-fourth of October, General Forbes proceeded from
Raystown to Loyal Hanna. He continued there until the seventeenth of
November. On the twelfth of that month Colonel Washington, being out
with a scouting party, fell in with a number of the enemy about three miles
from the camp, whom he attacked, killing one, and taking three prisoners :
amono- the latter was one Johnson, an Englishman, who had been captured
by the Indians in Lancaster county, from whom was derived full and correct
information of the state of the garrison at Du Quesne. A most unfortunate
occurrence happened to the provincials upon this occasion. The fire of
Washington's party being heard at the camp. Colonel Mercer, with a num-
ber of Virginians, were sent to his assistance. The two parties approach-
ing, in the dusk of the evening, reciprocally mistook each other for enemies ;
a number of shot was exchanged, by which a lieutenant and thirteen or four-
teen Virginians were killed. On the thirteenth of November, a force of one
thousand men, under Colonel John Armstrong, was pushed forward, and the
general followed on the seventeenth, with four thousand three himdred effec-
tive men, leaving strong garrisons at Raystown and Loyal Hanna. For
want of practicable roads, the whole march was tedious and difficult — the
advance of ten miles a-day being deemed extraordinary progress. The
* 350 Royal Americans; four companies.
1200 Hijrlilanders; thirteen companies.
StiOO Virginians.
2700 Pennsylvanians.
1000 Wagoners, sutlers, and followers of tlie army.
Penn. Gazette, 1758, No. 1553.
i 14th September.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 131
army was greatly afflicted by sickness, and weakened by desertion. Ne-
glecting the road formerly cut by Braddock over llie mountains, General
Forbes opened a new one, by which he approached the fort. The capture
of Frontignac, and the defection of the Indians from the French interest, had
already prepared the way for his success. The garrison of P'ort Du Quesne,
unsustained by their savage alhes, and hopeless of reinforcements, the Cana-
dian force lately engaged at Loyal Hanna having retired, held the place,
only, until the approach of the English army should justify its abandonment.
Accordingly, on the twenty-fourth of November, when Forbes was within a
day's march of the fort, they burned and abandoned it, and escaped, by the
Ohio river, to the French settlements upon the Mississippi. The ruined fortifi-
cations were seized by the English, on the next day, and, being hastily repaired,
were garrisoned by four himdred and fifty men, chiefly provincial troops,
from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, under the command of Colonel
Mercer. The remainder of the army was marched into the interior, and
quartered at Lancaster, Reading, and Philadelphia.
IV. In the preparations of the colonies for this campaign, we have new
evidence of the power which an energetic spirit, directed by wisdom, may
obtain, over the mass of mankind. The contributions of the provinces, to-
wards carrying on the continental war, had, for the last campaigns, been
merely the cold returns of duty ; but in this, the people displayed all the zeal
with which men pursue their interests, when animated by well founded hopes
of success. Their combined forces, they were now assured, would be ap-
plied to remove the enemy from the frontiers ; and instead of being required
to furnish a specific quota of troops, each colony was directed to raise as
large a force as was in its power, with the greatest possible despatch. To
render such force effective, Mr. Pitt i-ecommcnded to the respective gover-
nors, to commission popular men for officers, and in bestowing military ap-
pointments, to have regard, solely, to the public service. Arms, ammuni-
tion, tents, and provisions, were to be furnished by the crown; and the
expense of levying, clothing, and pay, was to be borne by the provinces.
But, even these charges, he promised to recommend the Parliament to pay,
as the vigour and efforts of the provinces should merit.
V. Thus inspirited, the Assembly of New Jersey, instead of raising, re-
luctantly, five hundred men, doubled that number ; and to fill the ranks, in
season, offered a bounty of twelve pounds, per man ; increased the pay of the
officers, and voted a sum of fifty thousand pounds, for their maintenance.
They, at the same sessions, directed barracks to be buiU at Burlington,
Trenton, New Brunswick, Amboy, and Elizabethtown, competent, each, for
the accommodation of three hundred men. No?', did the Assembly fail to
remarh, on the constitvtional method they had been called on to give
assistance to the common cause; being left at liberty to furnish to the
crown, what their own ability and sense of the occasion required. This
complement of one thousand men, New Jersey kept up, during the years
1758, 1759, and 1760; and in the years 1761 and 1762, furnished six hun-
dred men, beside in the latter year, a company of sixty-four men and officers,
especially, for garrison duty; for which she incurred an average expense of
forty thousand pounds per annum.
VI. On the 13th of June, 1758, President Reading was superseded by the
arrival of Francis Bernard, Esq., who continued to govern the province, in
unbroken harmony with the Legislature, until the 4th of July, 1760. The
principal service rendered by this gentleman, was the aid he gave in the
pacification of the Indians, at the treaty of Easton, in October, 1758, of
which we have spoken fully elsewhere. Upon his transler to Massachusetts,
he was succeeded by Thomas Boone, who continued little more than a year j
132 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
being removed to South Carolina, and his place in New Jersey supplied by
Josiah Hardy. Upon his dismissal, and appointment to the consulate at
Cadiz, came in, William Franklin, the son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, the
last ot" the colonial governors. Thus, in the space of five years. New Jersey
had seen five governors appointed by the crown. This frequent change
proved very unacceptable to the colony, which was fully content with the
three first we have named; and would have been satisfied to have spared the
repeated gift of five hundred jiounds, usually made to the new governor, on
his arrival, in consideration of the expense and trouble of his voyage. To
Governor Franklin this present was not made. But as the cost of living had
considerably increased by the diminution of the value of money, consequent
on the increased amount of the circulating medium, during the war, the
Assembly added two hundred pounds to the annual salary, making it twelve
hundred pounds.
VII. Great Britain, having resolved to annihilate the French power in
North America, made adequate preparations for the campaign of 1759. An
army of eight thousand men, under General Wolfe, was destined to attack
Quebec; whilst General Amherst, with 12,000 regular and provincial troops,
should reduce the forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, cross Lake Cham-
plain, and by the rivers Richelieu and St. Lawrence, join Wolfe; and General
Prideaux, assisted by Sir William Johnson, at the head of some friendly
Indians, should capture the fort at the falls of Niagara, and proceed by Lake
Ontario and Montreal, to unite with the other generals. To General Stan-
wix, was confided the southern department, with orders to watch the western
frontier, and to erect pi'oper forts for its defence.
VIII. This stupendous plan was, only, partly carried into execution.
Quebec was purchased with the life of the gallant Wolfe. General Amherst
obtained possession of Crown Point and Ticonderoga, but too late in the
season, to permit him to accomplish the remainder of the plan assigned to
him. General Prideaux invested Niagara, but was slain in the trenches by
the bursting of a cohort. The fort was, however, captured by Sir William
Johnson, who succeeded him in the command. It was not until September
of the succeeding year, that the great object was entirely gained ; when, by
the union of three British armies, before Montreal, the Marquis de Vaudreuil,
was compelled to surrender, by capitulation, the whole of the French posses-
sions to his Britannic Majesty.
Thus fell the great power of France in America. Possessed of the northern
and southern parts of the continent, her encroachments became formidable
to the British American empire, which she sought to confine, to a narrow
slip of sea-coast. She thus brought upon her the united power of England
and her colonies, which she baflled, when feebly directed ; but which was
irresistible in the hands of a wise and energetic minister.
IX. The share of the provincials in this result, gives lustre to the colonial
history of the American States. They had kept in the field an average force
of twenty-five thousand men during the war; had lost thirty thousand of
their young men, and contributed three millions five hundred thousand
pounds sterling, to the payment of its expenses.* Four hundred privateers,
from their ports, ravaged the French West India islands, and distressed the
commerce of France, in all parts of the world. Their troops preserved the
remains of the army wrecked by the folly of Braddock ; and under Monckton,
captured Beau Sejour, in Nova Scotia. Commanded by Sir William John-
son, they destroyed the army of Baron Dieskau; and subsequently reduced
Fort Niagara, one of the most important posts on the continent. The merit
*• Of this sum, Parliament reimbursed at several timcB, £1,031,666 sterling.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 133
of these actions, is ascribable to them, solely. In all the marches and battles
they were principal sufferers; and where honour was to be gained, the pro-
vincial was distinguished, by his fortitude in adversity, and his promptitude
and courage in the hour of peril.
X. Spain became party to the war, in January, 1772; but the conflict
against the united house of Bourbon, was not of long continuance ; peace
being made with France and Spain, on the 3d of November, of the same year.
We are interested in the terms of the treaty, so far only, as they atfected the
colonies. France surrendered her pretensions to Nova Scotia, and ceded
Canada, including Louisiana. Spain yielded Florida. In exchange for this
mighty domain, France received the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, near
Newfoundland, with a restricted privilege of the fishery, and the islands of
Martinique, Guadaloupe, Mariegalante, Deseada, and St. Lucia. — Spain
obtained the restoration of the Havana — a price, more than adequate for
Florida, which would not have been paid, but with the design of preserving
the eastern shore of North America, from foreign influence.
XI. In exclusive possession of this immense territory, comprehending
nearly one-fifth of the globe. Great Britain and her colonies rationally looked
forward, to its peaceful enjoyment, in full confidence, that the aboriginal
inhabitants, no longer exposed to dangerous solicitations, nor supported by
alien power, would not dare to provoke the resentment of those upon whom
they must entirely depend, for the gratifications supplied by the whites. But
the cupidity of the savage had been highly excited, during the late conflict,
and as deeply indulged. The present unprotected state of the frontier,
held forth irresistible temptations to his whetted appetite for plunder. His
barbarities had been rather rcAvarded than chastised. Every treaty brought
him rich presents; and his detention of prisoners, whom he had again
and again promised to surrender, was overlooked, on slight apologies ;
though, ouviously, done to afford opportunities for new treaties and additional
'gifts. But, we must, perhaps, look deeper, for the cause of the wide extend-
ed confederacy, which now took place among the aborigines, and whicli may
have been dictated by profound policy. They beheld the French driven out
of the whole country, and themselves in danger of becoming wholly depen-
dent upon a power, which already commanded by its forts, the great lakes
and rivers ; and they may have felt, that an immediate and mighty effort
was necessary to restrain the tide, which, if unimpeded, would spread itself
over the continent, overwhelming all their nations in its course.
A secret coalition was fonncd among the Shawanese, the tribes upon the
Ohio, and its tributary waters, and about Detroit, to attack, simultaneously,
the English posts and settlements, upon the frontier. The plan was delibe-
rately and skilfully projected. The settlements were to be invaded during
harvest; the inhabitants, with their corn and cattle, to be destroyed; and the
outposts to be reduced by ilimine. The Indians fell, suddenly, upon the
traders, whom they had invitetl among them, murdered many, and plundered
the effects of all, to an immense amount. The frontiers of Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Virginia, were overrun by scalping parties, committing their
usual enormities. The out-forts , even the most remote, were assailed about
the same time; and all, immediutely, fell into the hands of the enemy, save
Niagara, Detroit, and Fort Pilt, which, being larger and better garrisoned,
were enabled to stand a longer sie^i^e.
As, in the preceding Indian contest, the frontier inhabitants were driven in,
and the enemy again penetrated in to the thickly settled country; but more
skill and courage were generally dis^'ilayed in resisting them. Niagara and
Detroit were protected by detachmen ts sent to their relief by General Am-
herst, whilst Colonel Bouquet, after i nuch fatigue and a bloody battle, sue-
134 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
ceeded in succouring Fort Pitt. These distressing hostilities continued until
October, 1764, when they were terminated by Col. Bouquet, who, with fifteen
hundred men, overran the Indian country in Ohio, compelling the submission
of the tribes, and releasing many white prisoners. The Indians, soon after,
entered into a final and satisfactory treaty with Sir William Johnson, who
was authorized for that purpose, by the crown.
Governor Franklin, on the approach of the savages to the western fron-
tier of New Jersey, ordered out the militia, remanned the fortifications
which had been formerly erected, and built several new block-houses. Yet
some parties of Indians crossed the Delaware, made their way through the
lines, and massacred several families. On the meeting of the House, 15th of
November, he recommended them to provide six hundred men, at the request
of General Amherst, to unite with other forces to invade the Indian country,
and to provide more effectually for defence of their own limits. The latter,
the House undertook, directing two hundred men to be i-aised for this pur-
pose, and appropriating ten thousand pounds for their support ; but they de-
clined to furnish troops for general operations, until a genera] plan should be
formed, and a requisition should be made for aid to the other colonies. At
their next subsequent session, however, they passed a bill for raising six hun-
dred men, on condition, that a majority of the eastern colonies should come
into the requisition ; and when this bill was rejected by the council, and the
governor prorogued the House, in order to give them an opportunity to bring
in another, they authorized the force required, provided New York should con-
tribute her full proportion. In this shape the bill passed, and the troops
joined the northern army.
XII. The great pecuniary advances of the colonies, in the late wars, dis-
covered to the ministry of Great Britain, a mine of wealth, whose existence
they had not hitherto suspected ; and with the knowledge came an inexpres-
sible longing to subject this wealth to the use of the parent state. But no good
genius whispered, that, there existed, also, the spirit, as well as the means, to
maintain the pohtical freedom which had been, at once, the source of riches
and of colonial happiness. It was supposed, that, if in a few years, these long
neglected and distant provinces could pay, without apparent inconvenience,
millions for defence, they might, also, be compelled to pay millions for tribute.
XIII. On this assumption, Mr. Grcnville, first commissioner of the treasury,
flattered himself that he might establish a high financial character, in reliev-
ing his country by the taxation of her provinces. To a superficial observer,
few obstacles were apparent in such a course. Parliament had frequently
imposed duties upon the colonial trade; which, as a part of a general system,
for regulating the commerce of the empire, had been patiently borne. But,
no attempt had been, hitherto, made, avowedly, to raise a revenue from the
colonies, for the use of the British treasury.
XIV. Upon the principles which have governed modern colonization, the
colony is dependent, either upon the parent state, or upon its chief, as a dis-
tinct apanage or property. The first case was, that of the colonics of most
of the European states. The second, characterized those of Spain; the king-
doms of Mexico, Peru, &c., being long considered as connected with those of
Castile and Arragon, through the monarch alone, who was the king of each,
respectively. A different view, however, was taken in relation to these, by
the Cortes, in framing the constitution of 1820, when, as integral parts of the
Spanish empire, they were admitted to representation in the national coun-
cils. The English colonics held their connexion with Great Britain, to be
somewhat similar to that which had prevailed between Spain and her pro-
vinces; claiming, however, for their governments, the important and cha-
racteristic principle, which animated thf ; polity of the parent state, that the
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 135
people should have a potential voice, in legislation, through their representa-
tives. This theory was universal, but the practice was variously modified;
the Legislative power, being more or less exercised by the people, according
to the provisions of the several charters from the crown. One right, how-
ever, which controlled all others — the right of the purse, was every where
held sacred to the people ; and though the crown might create an almost in-
evitable necessity of disbursement, it could not without the form, at least, of
popular volition, take money from the pockets of the people.*
The right of the Parliament to legislate, generally, for the colonies had not
been questioned since the year 1692, when Massachusetts and New York
denied it by acts of their Legislatures.")" These laws were annulled in England;
and in 1698 Parliament declared, that "all laws, by-laws, usages and cus-
toms, which shall be in practice, in any of the plantations, repugnant to any
law made, or to be made, in this kingdom, relative to the said plantations,
shall be void and of none effect."
By the charter of Charles 11, to Pcnn, the right of Parliament to lay duties
on imports and exports, and to impose taxes or customs on the inhabitants of
Pennsylvania, their lands, goods and chattels was clearly reserved. In 1739,
Sir William Keith, in conjunction with some American merchants, proposed
to raise troops for the westeri\ frontier, to be supported by a duty laid by
Parliament on stamped paper and parchment, in all the colonics. But the
subject was then too inconsiderable to claim the attention of the government.
When efforts were made to unite the colonies in 1754, a plan for colonial tax-
ation was suggested ; but the ministers finding the colonies averse to their
views, did not venture to press it on the eve of a war, in which the cordial
and undivided exertions of the whole nation were required.:]:
A more favourable occasion seemed now to present itself. The war which
had grown out of American interests, had been honourably terminated, and it
was supposed, that the pi-ovinces, grateful for their deliverance, would cheer-
fully repay the care of a fostei-ing mother. Nor would such anticipations
have been disappointed, had the designs of the ministry no other consequences
than a single pecuniary burden upon the people.
XV. Towards the end of the year 1763, Mr. Grcnville communicated to
the colonial agents in London, his purpose of drawing a revenue from Ame-
rica, by means of a stamp duty to be imposed by Act of Parliament, and di-
rected them to transmit this intelligence to their respective Assemblies, that
they might suggest any more preferable duty, equally productive.^ The fol-
lowing view, briefly exhibited, was then taken of this subject, by all the
provinces.
XVI. The colonies were considered as integral governments, of which the
crown was the head, having exclusive political power within their respective
territories, except in cases involving the general interests of the empire, in
which, from principles of convenience and necessity, they admitted the su-
premacy of the British Parliament. On these principles, they had submitted
to the general regulations of commerce, however restrictive of their exertions
at home and abroad ; and where the letter of the law pressed heavily on their
* By the Concessions of Berkeley and Carteret, and also of the West Jersey proprie-
tors, it was provided, "that the governor and council are not to impose, orsufFer to be
imposed, any tax, custom, or subsidy, tollage, assessments, or any other duty whatso-
ever, upon any colour or pretence, how specious soever, upon the said province, and
inhabitants thereof, without their own consent, first had, or other than what shall bo
imposed by the authority and consent of the General Assembly."
t Smith's N. Y. 75, 70.
t Marshall's Life of Washington.
§ One hundred thousand pounds sterling, was the sum required by Mr. Grcnville.
136 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
natural rights, murmurs were seldom heard, as such acts were not rigidly en-
forced. The mode of drawing aid from the colonists accorded with these
principles. The sovereign having well considered the occasion, in his privy
council, directed his secretary of state to apply to each colony through its
governor, to grant him such sums as were suitable to its ability. And as the
colonies had always made liberal grants on such requisitions, the proposition
to tax them in Parliament, was unnecessary, cruel, and unjust. Unjust, be-
cause it was diametrically opposite to the letter and spirit of their constitu-
tions, which had established as a fundamental axiom, that taxation and
representation are inseparable, and that as the colonies were not, and from
local and political obstacles could not be, represented in the British Parlia-
ment, it would be the very essence of tyranny to attempt to exercise an
authority over them, which, from its nature, must inevitably lead to gross
abuse. For, when in absolute possession of the power now claimed, could
it be imagined, that Parliament would not rather vote away the money of the
colonists, than of their constituents? By the constitution, their business in
matters of aid was with the King alone; they had no connexion with any
financier, nor were the provincial agents the proper persons through whom
requisitions should be made. For these reasons, it was improper for the pro-
vinces to make propositions to Mr. Grenville, in relation to taxes, especially,
as the notice he had sent, did not appear to have been by the King's order,
" and was perhaps without his knowledge."*
XVII. These views certainly did not proceed from a desire to avoid con-
tribution, in relief of the public wants. Several of the colonial Legislatures
declared, " that as they always had thought, so they always should think, it
their duty to grant aid to the crown." Copies of these votes were presented
to Mr. Grenville, and an opportunity was thus offered to him, to raise by
constitutional means, more than a compulsory tax would produce. But he
had resolved on measures, which should establish the absolute supremacy
of Parliament over the provinces, and open the way for its unrestrained
exercise.
XVIII. When forming his plan of American taxation, Mr. Grenville cer-
tainly did not apprehend all its consequences. But, aware that it would be
opposed, he was desirous of trying an old measure under a new aspect, and
proposed, in distinct terms, to raise a revenue, by taxes on colonial imports.
This measure, sufficiently obnoxious in itself, was accompanied by a resolu-
tion of Parliament, " that it may be proper to charge certain stamp duties in
the colonies." The act of Parliament, based on the first proposition, was
extremely onerous to the American trade ; the duties thereby imposed amount-
ing almost to a prohibition of commercial intercourse with the French and
Spanish colonies.f It is true, that this trade, previous to the passage of the
act of which we now speak, was unlawfid ; but it was connived at, and was
* Votes of the Assemblies of the several colonies. Franklin's Letters, March 8th,
1770. Provincial Remonstrances. Marshall's lAi'c of Washington, vol. ii. G8, &c.
t This act was entitled, " An act for granting certain duties in the British colonies
and plantations, in America, for continuing, amending, and making perpetual, an act
passed in the sixth year of the reign of his late Majestj^, King George the Second,
(entitled, an act for the better securing and encouraging the trade of his Majesty's sugar
colonies in America,) for applying the produce of such duties, and of the duties to arise
by virtue of the said act, towards defraying the expenses of defending, protecting and
securing the said colonies and plantations, for explaining an act, made in the twenty-fifth
year of the reign of King Charles the Second, (entitled, an act for the encouragement of
the Greenland and Eastland trades, and for the better securing the plantation trade,)
and for allowing and disallowing, several drawbacks on exports, from this kingdom,
and those effectually preventing the clandestine conveyance of goods, to and from the
said colonies and plantations, and improving and securing the trade between the same
and Great Britain."
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 137
highly profitable; furnishing to the provinces, gold and silver for their re-
mittances to England. The minister, in his care to prevent smuggling, did
not pause to consider the difference between an advantageous trade in the
western hemisphere, and the illicit commerce on the British coast. Con-
verting naval officers into officers of the customs, he nearly destroyed the
whole colonial trade with the Spanish and French islands. The preamble
to the new impost law, declaring it to be just ar^d necessary, that a revenue
should be raised in America, and the resolution to follow it up, with a stamp
act, gave an unequivocal and odious character to the law, and sent it forth
to the colonies, the pioneer of a system of boundless oppression.
The revenue act became still more unpopular, by the means used to en-
force it. The penalties for breach of its provisions, were made recoverable in
the courts of admiralty, without the intervention of a jury, before judges
dependent upon the crown, and drawing their salaries from forfeitures, ad-
judged by themselves. The duties were required to be paid in gold and
silver, now scarce attainable, and consequently, the paper currency, more
than ever necessary, was rejected and depreciated.
XIX. The impression, caused by these measures on the public mind, was
uniform throughout America. The Legislature of Massachusetts, whose
population, essentially commercial, felt most severely the late restrictions,
was the first to notice them. That body resolved, " That the act of Parlia-
ment relating to the sugar trade with foreign colonies, and the resolution of
the House of Commons, in regard to stamp duties, and other taxes proposed
to be laid on the colonies, had a tendency to deprive the colonists of their
most essential rights, as British subjects, and as men — particularly, the right
of assessing their own taxes, and of being free from any impositions, but
such as they consented to, by themselves or representatives." They direct-
ed Mr. Mauduit, their agent in London, to remonstrate against the ministe-
rial measures, to solicit a repeal of the sugar act, and to deprecate the impo-
sition of further duties and taxes on the colonies. They addressed the As-
semblies of the other provinces, requesting them to unite in a petition agamst
the designs of the ministry, and to instruct their agents to remonstrate
against attempts so destructive to the liberty, the commerce and prosperity,
of the colonies. The colony of Rhode Island, proposed to the provincial
assemblies, to collect the sense of all the colonies, and to unite in a common
petition to the King and Parliament.
XX. All the efforts of the American colonies to stay the mad career of the
English ministry, proved unavailing. The stamp act was passed, with slight
opposition, by the Commons, and unanimity by the Lords.* Dr. Franklin,
who had been despatched to Europe, in November, 1764, as the agent of
Pennsylvania, laboured earnestly to avert a measure, which his sagacity and
perfect knowledge of the American people, taught him was pregnant with
danger, to the British empire. But, even he does not appear to have enter-
tained the idea, that it would be forcibly resisted. He wrote to Mr. Charles
Thompson, " The sun of liberty is set, you must light up the candles of in-
dustry and economy." To which Mr. Thompson replied, " He was appre-
hensive that other lights would be the consequence." To Mr. Ingersol, the
agent of Connecticut, the doctor said, " Go home, and tell your people to get
children as fast as they can." Intimating that the period for successful re-
sistance had not yet arrived.
* The stamp act was passed on the 2-2d of March, 1765. It was under the conside-
ration of Parliament, in March, of the foregoing year, but was postponed, it was said,
by the exertions of Mr. Allen, chief-justice of Pennsylvania, at that time on a visit to
London.
s
138 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
The ministry, desirous to render the stamp act as little obnoxious as pos-
sible, resolved to appoint the officers of distribution and collection, from
among the discreet and reputable inhabitants of the provinces. But, there
were no means, by which to reconcile the people to a law, every where re-
garded as the forerunner of political slavery. The stamp officers, either
voluntarily or compulsorily resigned their offices ; some were hung or buried
in effigy, in several of the provinces, and violent outrages were committed
on the person and property of the deputy-governor, and other officers, at
Boston. William Coxe, Esq., who had been appointed stainp officer, for
New Jersey, voluntarily resigned his office in September, 1765. Subse-
quently, upon the application of the Sons of Liberty, of East Jersey, he pub-
lished a coj)y of his letter of resignation, which had been made to the com-
missioners of the treasury; and declared that he had appointed no deputy,
and would never act under the law. Towards the end of November, a
number of the inhabitants of Salem county, learning that a Mr. John Hatton
was desirous to be employed in the distribution of stamps, compelled him to
asimilar declaration.
On Saturday, the 5th of October, the ship Royal Charlotte, bearing the
stamped papers for Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, convoyed by a
sloop of war, arrived at Philadelphia. As these vessels rounded Gloucester
Point, all those in the harbour hoisted their colours, at half mast ; the bells
were muffled, and every countenance assumed the semblance of affliction.
At four o'clock, in the afternoon, many thousand citizens assembled at the
state house, to consider of the means for preventing the distribution of the
stamps. Their deliberations resulted in forcing Mr. Hughes, the stamp
officer, most reluctantly, to decline the exercise of his office, and in securing
the stamps on board his Majesty's sloop of war. Sardine.
XX]. The universal refusal of the colonists to submit to the stamp act,
occasioned the entire suspension of legal proceedings. In some of the pro-
vinces, however, business was speedily resumed; and in nearly all, the
penalties of the act were braved before its repeal. The members of the bar
in New Jersey, met about the middle of February, 1766, at New Bruns-
wick, to consider of the propriety of continuing their practice; and being
waited on by a deputation of the Sons of Liberty, who expressed their dis-
satisfaction at the suspension of law proceedings, they determined, at all
hazards, to recommence business on the first of the ensuing April. At the
same time, deputies from the same self-constituted regulators of public
affairs, waited on Mr. White, prothonotary of the county of Hunterdon, who
was induced by their polite and energetic instances, to promise that his office
should be reopened at the same period. By law, the stamp duty was to
commence on the first of November. On the previous day, the newspapers,
generally, were put in mourning for their approaching extinction; the editors
having resolved to suspend their publication, until some plan should be de-
vised to protect them from the penalties for publishing without stamps. The
term of suspension, however, was short. On the 7th of November, a simi-
shcct issued from the office of the Pennsylvania Gazette, without title or
mark of designation, headed, " No stamped paper to be had;'''' and on the
14th, another, entitled " Remarkable Occurrences." Both were in form of
the gazette, which, after the 21st, was again regularly pubHshed.*
XXII. " To interest the people of England against the measin'cs of admin-
istration, associations were formed in every part of the continent, for the
encouragement of domestic manufactures, and against the use of those im-
ported from Great Britain. To increase their quantity of wool, they detcr-
* Pennsylvania Gazette.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. ' 139
mined to kill no lambs, and to use all the means in their power, to multiply
their flocks of sheep.
XXIII. While this determined and systematic opposition was made by
the thinking part of the community, there were some riotous and disor-
derly proceedings, especially in the large towns, which threatened serious
consequences. Many houses were destroyed, much property injured, and
several persons, highly respectable in character and station, grossly
abused. These violences received no countenance from the leading mem-
bers of society; but it was extremely difficult to stimulate the mass of
the people, to that vigorous and persevering opposition, which was deemed
essential to the preservation of American liberty, and yet to restrain all those
excesses, which disgrace, and often defeat, the wisest measures. In Con-
necticut and New York, originated an association of persons, styling them-
selves the " Sons of Liberty,'''' which extended into New Jersey, and other
colonies; who bound themselves, among other things, to march to any part
of the continent, at their own expense, to support the British constitution in
America; by which, was expressly stated to be understood, the prevention
of any attempt, which might any where be made, to carry the stamp act
into operation. A corresponding committee of these sons of liberty was
established, who addressed letters to ceiiain conspicuous characters,
throughout the colonies, and contributed materially to increase the spirit
of opposition, and perhaps the turbulence, with which it was in some places
attended.*
XXIV. On receipt of intelligence of the passage of the stamp act, several
of the colonial Legislatures, of which Virginia was the first, asserted the ex-
clusive right of the Assemblies to lay taxes and impositions on the inhabi-
tants of the colonics, respectively. But the House of Representatives of
Massachusetts, contemplating a still more solemn and effectual expression of
the general sentiment, and pursuing the suggestion of Rhode Island, recom-
mended a Congress of deputies from all the colonial Assemblies, to meet at
New York, on the first Tuesday in October, to consult on the present cii*-
cumstances of the colonies. Circular letters, signed by the speaker, com-
municating this recommendation, were addressed, respectively, to the speakers
of the Assemblies in the other provinces. Wherever the Legislatures were
in session, this communication was immediately acted upon.
It was laid before the Assembly of New Jersey, (20th June, 1765) on the
last day of the session, when the House was thin; and the iTieml)ers, as Go-
vernor Franklin asserts, determined " unanimously, after deVihcrate consi-
deration, against connecting on that occasion;''^ and directed a letter to be
written at the table, to the speaker of Massachusetts Bay, acquainting him
with their determination. The House, at a subsequent session, qucstion,f but
* Marshall's Life ofWashington, vol. i.
t June 27th, 1766. The statement of the Assembly is curious, and evidently betrays
a design to make the best of a circumstance, with the remembrance of which, they
were not very content. They say, " Tliis House acknowledges the letter from the
Massachusetts Bay; that it was on the last day of the session, some members gone,
others uneasy to be at their homes ; and do assert, that, the then speaker agreed to
send, nay urged, that members should be sent to the intended Congress; but changed
his opinion upon some advice that was given to him; that this sudden change of his
opinion displeased many of the House, who seeing the matter drojipcd, were indif-
ferent about it; and as no minute was made, and no further notice taken of it, the
House is at a loss to determine whence his excellency could get the information, that
the House took the same into * delihcratc consideration,^ determined (as his excellency
says, from their own words) ^unanimously affain^t connecting on that occasion:' tiiey
have recollected the whole transaction, carefully examined their minutes, and can
find nothing like it inserted therein; an answer to the Massachusetts letter was writ-
ten, and if the expressions his excellency mentions, were made use of, in it, this
House is at a loss to know how they are accountable for it, when it does not appear
140 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
do not disprove this statement. But, this determination was so highly con-
demned by their constituents, that the speaker ibund it necessary, in order to
avoid the indignation of the people, and to preserve the pubhc peace, to con-
vene the members by circulars, at Amboy, and with them to proceed to the
nomination of delegates to the Convention of New York, consisting of Mr.
Robert Ogden, the speaker, Mr. Hendrick Fisher, and Mr. Joseph Borden.
This measure was severely reprehended by the governor, and was the cause
of an angry contention between him and the Assembly.
XXV. Delegates from the Assemblies of Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,
and South Carolina, assembled at New York at the time appointed. New
Hampshire, Georgia, Virginia, and North Carolina were not represented;
but the two former gave assurances of their disposition to unite in petitions
to the King and Parliament. The Assemblies of the two latter not having
been in session, since the proposition for a Congress had been made, had no
opportunity to act upon the subject.
This Congress adopted a declaration of rights and grievances, upon which
they founded a petition to the King and a memorial to Parliament. In these,
they claimed the full privileges of English subjects, averred the plenary
legislative power of the colonial Assemblies, protested against taxation by
Parliament, and the dispensation of the trial by jury ; and earnestly pressed
upon the attention of the parent state, the burdens imposed by the stamp and
other acts, with the utter impossibility of continuing the execution of the
former, in consequence of the drain of specie it would produce. A difference
of opinion prevailed upon the question, whether the petitions and memorials
should be signed and transmitted by the Congress, or be sanctioned and
forwarded by the provincial Assemblies, as their several acts. Messrs.
Ruggles of Massachusetts, the chairman of the Convention, and Ogden of
New Jersey, believing in the propriety of the latter mode, refused to sign
with the other delegates; but their conduct was censured by their constitu-
ents : and Mr. Ogden, thereupon, resigned his seat in the Assembly, which
was convened by the governor, at his special instance,* that they might con-
sider and adopt the best mode of expressing their sense of the obnoxious
measures.f
XXVI. The House received from Messrs. Fisher and Borden their report
of the proceedings of the Congress, and, unanimously, approved thereof;
voting their thanks to those gentlemen, for the faithful and judicious dis-
charge of the trust reposed in them. Mr. Courtlandt Skinner, the newly
elected speaker, Mr. John Johnson, Mr. John Lawrence, and Mr. David
Cooper were appointed to correspond with the agent:}: of the colony in Great
Britain.
The House then proceeded to adopt, unanim(wsly, the following preamble
and resolutions : "Whereas, the late act of Parliament, called the stamp act,
is found to be utterly subversive of privileges inherent to, and originally
to bo an act of the House ; but reflection on tliis passage, satisfies the House, that his
excellency lias more knowledge of the contents of the letter in answer, than the mem-
bers of the House themselves." — votes. It is impossible not to perceive that the
members of this Asscinljly, had not that vivid sense of evil resulting from the stamp
act, which was displayed in other colonics, particularly, when we consider that this
was the first op])ortunity for expressing their sentiments, upon the odious pretensions
of Parliament. Upon thoir return to their constituents, however, the members im-
bibed opinions and zeal more befitting the times; and hence we have additional evi-
dence, that, resistance to British oppression, was not produced by the efforts of a few
leading and aspiring men, but was the spontaneous act of a high spirited people, well
instructed in their rights, and resolutely determined to maintain them.
* 27th November, 17G5. f Note A A. X Joseph Sherwood, Esq.
\
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 141
secured by, grants and confirmations from the crown of Great Britain to the
settlers of this colony : in duty, therefore, to ourselves, our constituents, and
posterity, this House thinks it absolutely necessary, to leave the following
resolves on our minutes: 1. That his Majesty's subjects inhabiting this pro-
vince, are, from the strongest motives of duty, fidelity, and gratitude, invio-
lably attached to his royal person and government ; and have ever shown,
and we doubt not, ever will show, the utmost readiness and alacrity, for
acceding to the constitutional requisitions of the crown, as they have been,
from time to time, made to this colony : 2. That his Majesty's liege subjects
in this colony, are entitled to all the inherent rights and liberties of his na-
tural born subjects, within the kingdom of Great Britain : 3. That it is, in-
separably, essential to the freedom of a people, and the undoubted right of
Englishmen, that no taxes be imposed upon them, but with their own con-
sent, given personally, or by their representatives : 4. That the people of
this colony are not, and from their remote situation cannot, be represented
in the Parliament of Great Britain ; and if the principle of taxing the colo-
nies without their consent, should be adopted, the people here would be sub-
jected to the taxation of two Legislatures ; a grievance unprecedented, and
not to be thought of, without the greatest anxiety: 5. That the only repre-
sentatives of the people of this colony, are persons chosen by themselves ;
and that no taxes ever have been, or can be, imposed on them, agreeably to
the constitution of this province, granted and confirmed by his Majesty's most
gracious predecessors, but by their own Legislature: 6. That all supplies
being free gifts ; for the people of Great Britain to grant, to his Majesty, the
property of the people of this colony without their consent and being repre-
sented, would be unreasonable, and render useless legislation in this colony,
in the most essential point: 7. That the profits of trade arising from this
colony, centering in Great Britain, eventually contribute to the supplies
granted there to the crown: 8. That the giving unlimited power to any sub-
ject or subjects, to impose what taxes they please in the colonies, under the
mode of regulating the prices of stamped vellum, parchment, and paper, ap-
pears, to us, unconsitutional, contrary to the rights of the subject, and, appa-
rently, dangerous in its consequences: 9. That any incumbrance which, in
effect, restrains the liberty of the press in America, is an infringement of the
subject's liberty : 10. That the extension of the powers of the court of admi-
ralty, within this province, beyond its ancient limits, is a violent innovation
of the right of trial by jury — a right which this House, upon the principles
of their British ancestors, hold most dear and invaluable: 11. That, as the
ti'anquillity of this country hath been interrupted through fear of the dreadful
consequences of the stamp act; that, therefore, the officers of the govern-
ment, who go on in their offices, for the good and peace of the province, in
the accustomed manner, while things are in their present unsettled situation,
will, in the opinion of this House, be entitled to the countenance of the Legis-
lature ; and it is recommended to our constituents, to use what endeavours
lie in their power, to preserve the peace, quiet, harmony, and good order of
the government ; that no heats, disorders, and animosities may, in the least,
obstruct the united endeavours, that are now strongly engaged for the repeal-
ing the act abovementioned, and other acts affecting the trade of the colo-
nies."
XXVII. Whilst these efforts were being made on this side of the Atlantic
to obtain redress for American grievances, the colonial agents, the friends of
freedom and equal rights, and the merchants interested in the American
trade, were not idle in Great Britain. The refusal to import her manufac-
tures touched her in a vital part. The great diminution of orders for goods,
142 ^ HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
so honourable to the self-control of the colonists, compelled a powerful class of
traders to advocate liberal principles, who, under other circumstances, would
have gladly sustained any policy which might have lessened their burden of
taxation. Powerful as this combination certainly was, it had to contend
against the most imperious passions, the pride and avarice of the people. The
lofty position assumed by the Americans was intolerable. They had long
been viewed as men of an inferior race. The arrogant philosophy of Europe
had placed them and the animal productions of their country, low in the scale
of perfectibility. By the mass of the English vulgar, they were ranked with
savages and negroes. The colonies, the dependencies of Great Britain, on
which she had, for years, poured forth the scourings of her prisons, had de-
nied her supremacy, and refused to submit to her Parliament, hitherto deemed
throughout her vast empire, politically omnipotent. With the sin of a re-
bellious temper, they were also charged with ingratitude. Under the pres-
sure of accumulated debt and heavy taxation, the English people envied the
display of weaUh by the provincialists in the late war, and forgot that its ex-
hibition was made in the common cause, with a generosity which had enforced
from English justice, the return of more than a million sterling. Thus sup-
ported, the ministry which sought relief for the people, by taxing American
industry, would scarcely have been driven from their purpose. But other
causes transferred the government to other statesmen, whom consistency
required, at least, to reverse measures which they had denounced with un-
quahfied reprobation.
XXVIII. Under the new ministers an inquiry was instituted into the effects
of the colonial policy of their predecessors. The merchants and manufac-
turers gave ample testimony of the paralysis in trade, whilst Dr. Franklin,
as the representative of America, before a committee of the whole House of
Commons, demonstrated the impossibility of levying the new impositions, and
the consequent necessity of their repeal. The majority of Parliament was,
now, divided into two parties. The larger one affirmed the right to tax the
colonies, but denied the expediency of its present exercise; the other, led by
Mr. Pitt, repudiated this right, on the ground that all aids are gifts from the
people, and can never be legally obtained without their assent ; and that this
assent could not be had in Parliament, since the colonists were not there
represented. A repeal on these principles, however just, according to the
English constitution, would not have saved the pride of the nation, and would
have destroyed the hopes of future revenue at the will of Parliament. Henee,
the repeal of the stamp act, which took place on the eighteenth of March
by a vote of two hundred and seventy-five, to one hundred and sixty-seven,
was accompanied by a declaration of the right of Parliament to tax America.
It was followed by an act indemnifying those who had incurred penalties on
account of stamp duties. The tidings of this event were received in America
with joy more temperate than might have been expected from the excitement
of the public mind. The prudence displayed on this occasion had been ear-
nestly recommended by a committee of merchants in London trading with
America, and l)y others friendly to American interests.
At the meeting of the Assembly of New Jersey in June, 1766, Governor
Franklin congratulated the Plouse on the repeal of the odious sfamj) act ; to
which, however, he had been little accessory; and whilst he lauded, with the
warmth becoming a dependent of the crown, "the tenderness, lenity, and
condescension, the wisdom, justice, and equity, which his Majesty and the
Parliament had maiiili'sted on this signal occasion," he carefully refrained from
reminding the members of the obstacles he had en(l(>avoured to raise, to their
action on the case, and the severity with which he reprehended them for
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 143
sending delegates to the New York convention, and their approval of its pro-
ceedings. The Assembly did not fail to use so favourable an opportunity for
retaliation, rendered more poignant, that the moderation of the province had
received the commendation of the ministry; but the House would have en-
joyed its triumph with forbearance, had not the governor, by an angry mes-
sage, drawn forth a severe retort.
144 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER X.
Comprising Events from 1766 to 1769. — I. Remaining discontents in the Colonies,
after the repeal of the Stamp Act. — II. Dissatisfaction in Great Britain on ac-
count of the repeal — American taxation again proposed in Parliament, by Mr.
Townsend — Bill imposing Duties on Goods imported into America, passed. — IV.
Circular Letter of Massachusetts to the other Colonies. — V. Promptitude and
Unanimity of the Colonies produced by the Farmer's Letters. — VI. Resort to
Non-importation Agreements. — VII. The Ministry condemn the Circular Letter.
VIII. Menacing Resolutions of Parliament against Massachusetts — The other
Colonies approve her conduct. — IX. Modified repeal of the Imposts — Consequent
modification of the Non-importation Agreements. — X. Numerous hnw Suits —
The People complain of the Fees of the Courts — XI. Disputes between the Go-
vernor and the Assembly. — XII. Robbery of the Treasury of East Jersey — The
Assembly require the removal of the Treasurer — He is protected by the Gover-
nor.— XIII. Efforts of Governor Franklin to encourage the culture of Hemp,
Flax, and Silk. — XIV. Nevi? apportionment of Members in the Province. — XV.
Testimonial of the Northern Indians to the Justice of the Colony.
I. Although the joy produced by the repeal of the stamp act, was com-
mon to all the colonies, the same temper did not prevail in all. In the com-
mercial cities, the restrictions on trade excited scarce less disgust than had
been created by the stamp act itself; and in the north, political parties had
been formed, which betrayed excessive bitterness in opposition to each other.
The first measures of Massachusetts and New York demonstrated that the
reconciliation with the colonies was not cordial.
With the circular of Mr. Secretary Conway, announcing the repeal of the
stamp act, came a resolution of Parliament, declaring, that those persons
who had suffered injury by assisting to execute that act, ought to be compen-
sated by the colonies, respectively, in which such injury was done. This,
specially, affected Massachusetts, where compliance with the resolution was
tardy, reluctant, and ungracious. An act of pardon to the offenders, and of
indemnity to the sufferers, was, however, passed ; but it was rejected by the
King; because the colonial Assembly had no power under their charter, to
pass an act of general pardon, but at the instance of the crown.
In New York, where General Gage was expected with a considerable
body of troops, the governor required from the Legislature, compliance
with the act of Parliament, called the " Mutiny Act" which directed, the
colony, in which any of his Majesty's forces might bo stationed, to provide
barracks for them, and certain necessaries in their quartci's. The Legis-
lature, reluctantly and partially, complied with the requisition ; but at a sub-
sequent session, when tlie matter was again brought before them, they deter-
mined, that the act of Parliament could only be construed to require neces-
saries for troops on a march, and not while permanently .stationed in the
country ; on a contrary construction, they said, the colony might be griev-
ously burdened, by marching into it several regiments. This reason ad-
mits the obligation to obey the act. Yet, its requisitions were, unquestiona-
bly, a tax; and between the power of Parliament to levy money by its own
authority, and, compulsorily, through the colonial Legislatures, no essential
distinction can be drawn. A like requisition was made on the Legislature
of New Jersey, in April, 1768, by Governor Franklin, which was fulfilled
with cheerful alacrity. Such were the inaccurate ideas, which even then
prevailed, in parts of the continent, relative to the control which Parliament
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 145
might justly exercise over the colonies. The contumacy of New York was
punished and removed by prohibiting the Legislature from passing any act,
until the requisition of the Parliament had been, in every respect, complied
with.*
Some troops having been driven, by stress of weather, into the harbour of
Boston, their commander applied to Governor Bernard, for the necessary
and usual supplies, which were granted by consent of the council, " in pur-
suance of the act of Parliament.'''' But the general court which met soon
afterwards, (1767) disapproved, in pointed terms, the conduct of the gover-
nor, declaring, that, " alter the repeal of the stamp act, they were surpi-ised
to find, that this act, equally odious and unconstitutional, should remain in
force. They lamented the entry of the reason for the advice of council, the
more, as it was an unwarrantable and unconstitutional step, which totally
disabled them from testifying the same cheerfulness they had always shown,
in granting to his Majesty, of their free accord, such aids as his service had,
from time to time, required."
II. The repeal of the stamp act, however grateful to the friends of liberty,
to the colonists, and to the English merchants trading with them, was not
popular with the nation at large. The supremacy of the Parliament was
maintained by the mass of the people ; the hope of revenue from America
was too fascinating to be surrendered without further exertion ; and the King
beheld, with high indignation, the resistance to his authority, and the political
principles which his American subjects had displayed. Moved by these con-
siderations, Mr. Charles Townsend, chancellor of the exchequer, in an ad-
ministration formed by Lord Chatham, a man of splendid and versatile ta-
lents, invited the attention of Parliament, again, to the subject of American
taxation. He boasted, " that he knew how to draw a revenue from the
colonies, without giving them offence, and animated by the challenge of Mr.
Grenville, to make his vaunting true, he proposed and carried almost unani-
mously, a bill imposing certain duties on tea, glass, paper, and painters'
colours, imported into the colonies from Great Britain ; the proceeds of which
were appropriated to the support of government in America, so far as should
be necessary, and the balance to be paid into the British treasury.
This measure was founded in the erroneous belief, that the colonists ob-
jected rather to the mode than to the right of taxation. But though there
had been some inaccuracies in expressing their views on the statutes regu-
lating trade, there should have been no misapprehension of their determination
to resist every attempt to tax them without their consent. The bill of Mr.
Townsend had the unequivocal character of a revenue law, and as such was
avowedly enacted ; nor were the provincialists slow to declare their sense of
its true character.
III. Petition and remonstrance were again resorted to by the colonial
Legislatures. The tone, generally taken, was not so high, as in case of
the stamp act; but the conviction that the one was as great a violation of
public liberty as the other, soon became universal.
The colony of Massachusetts, in addition to her other measures, addressed
a circular letter (11th February, 1768,) to the Assemblies of the respective
colonies, stating her own proceedings to obtain redress. This was laid be-
fore the House of Representatives of New Jersey by the speaker, Courtland
Skinner, Esq., on the 16th of April, and was referred to Messrs. Borden,
J. Lawrence, and R. Lawrence, with instructions to di'aught an answer
thereto. The answer, signed by the speaker, remarks, " sensible that the
law you complain of is a subject in which every colony is interested, the
• Marshall.
T
146 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
House of Representatives readily perceived the necessity of an immediate ap-
plication to the King, and tliut it should correspond with those of the other
colonies ; but as they have not hud an opportunity of knowing the sentiments
of any other colony, but that of the Massachusetts Bay, they have endea-
voured to conform themselves to the mode adopted by you. They have
therefore given instruction to their agent, and enjoined his attention on the
subject of their petition." And it concluded, "the House have directed me
to assure you, that they are desirous to keep up a correspondence with
you, and to unite with the colonies if necessary, in further supplications
to his Majesty, to relieve his distressed American subjects. Pursuant to
these sentiments, the House, May 7th, 1768, adopted a petition to his Ma-
jesty, in which, after recoimting the perils and labours of the primitive
settlers, they declared, that "the subjects thus emigrating brought with them,
as inherent in their persons, all the rights and liberties of natural born sub-
jects within the parent state. In consequence of these, a government was
formed under which they have been constantly exercised and enjoyed by the
inhabitants, and repeatedly and solemnly recognised and confirmed by your
royal predecessors, and the Legislature of Great Britain."
" One of these rights and privileges vested in the people of this colony, is
the privilege of being exempt from any taxations, but such as are imposed on
them by themselves, or by their representatives ; and this they esteem so in-
valuable, that they are fully persuaded, no other can exist without it."
Then, after recalling to the remembrance of their sovereign, their past
promptitude in furnishing all necessary supplies required from them, and their
disposition for the Ibture, to evince "their unfeigned aflection for his Majesty's
person, their distinguished duty to his government, and their inflexible I'eso-
lution to maintain his authority and deiend his dominions," they proceed;
" Penetrated with these sentiments, this, your peo})le, with the utmost con-
cern and anxiety observe, that duties have lately been imposed upon them by
Parliament, for the sole and express purposes of raising a revenue. Tliis is
a taxation upon them from which they concieve they ought to be protected,
by the acknowledged principk's of the constitution : that freemen cannot be
legally taxed but Ijy themselves or by their representatives; and that they are
represented in Parliament they not only cannot allow, but are convinced from
their local circumstances they never can be."
" Very far is it from our intention, to deny our subordination to that au-
gust body, or our dependence on the kingdom of Great Britain ; in these con-
nections, and in the settlement of our liberties under the auspicious influence
of your royal House, we know our happiness consists, and therefore, to con-
firm those connexions and to strengthen this settlement, is at once our interest,
duty, and delight. Nor do we apprehend, that it lies within our power by
any means more eflfcctually, to promote these great purposes, than by zeal-
ously striving to preserve in perfect vigour, those sacred rights and hb(M'ties,
under the inspiriting sanction of which, inconceivable diflicullies and dangers
opposing, this colony has been rescued from \hv. rudest state of nature, con-
verted into a populous, flourishing, and valuable territory; and has contributed
in a very considerable degree, to the welfan; of Great P»ritain."
"Most gracMous sovereign, I he incessant exertions ol' your truly royal
cai'cs, to procure your |)eo])lc a prosperity equal to your love of them, en-
courage us, with all huiuilily, to pray, that, your I\tajesfy's clemency will be
graciously ]ileased to lake into consideration our unhappy circumstances, and
to afford us such relief, as your Majesty's wisdom shall judge to be most
proper." ,
IV. 'J'he Legislature of Massachusetts, which convened early in January,
1768, addressed remonstrances to the King, to Parliament, and to the minis-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 147
ters, and a circular letter to the several colonies. The latter contained an
exposition of the subject of their remonstrances, a recapitulation of the argu-
ments urged against the stamp act, and declared the taxes lately imposed, to
be inequitable, because exacting a duty upon the importation into America,
on British inanufhctures, in addition to that paid on exportation from Eng-
land; and that, the proposed disbursements of the revenue, in the payment of
the salaries of the governors and judges appointed by the crown, had a ten-
dency to subvert the principles of equity, and to endanger the happiness and
security of the subject.
V. The promptitude and unanimity of the colonies, generally, on this oc-
casion, has been, with great justice, ascribed to the judicious and eloquent
essays of Mr. John Dickersou, published as " Letters from a Farmer in
Pennsylvania, to the Inhabitants of the British colonies." These papers, in
which the rights of the colonists were ably maintained, were republished in
every colony; and the people of Boston, and other towns, in town meeting,
voted a letter of thanks to their " patriotic, enlightened, and noble spirited
author."
VI. In their controversy upon the stamp act, the colonists found their
most effectual \veapon in their non-importation agreements. Recourse was
again had to them. But as New Jersey had little direct commerce, of im-
portation, she could not express her sense of injury, adequately, by this
mode ; but she was not precluded from giving to her commercial neighbours
the stimulus of her approbation. Accordingly, in the October session of
1769, her Legislature resolved unanimously, " That the thanks of the House
be given to the merchants and ti-aders of this colony, and of the colonies of
New York and Pennsylvania, for their disinterested and public spirited con-
duct, in withholding their importations of British merchandise, until certain
acts of Parliament, laying restrictions on American commerce, for the ex-
press purpose of raising a revenue in America, be repealed."
Efforts being made in Rhode Island, to break through the non-importation
agreement, the freeholders, merchants and traders, of the county of Essex,
convened at Elizabethtown, on the 5th of June, 1770, and resolved, that
such agreement was founded on the truest policy, and was a legal and con-
stitutional method of discovering their sense of the acts of Parliament, for
raising a revenue in the colonies; and therefore should be firmly adhered to,
until such acts were repealed : That they would not themselves, or by others,
receive, purchase, sell, or otherwise use, any of the manufactures or mer-
chandise, imported from Great Britain, contrary to the agreement; and that,
they would not trade, nor have any commercial intercourse, with such per-
sons, who should import goods or cause them to be imported, or with any
person, who shall purchase goods so imported; but would use every lawful
means, to hinder the sale of such goods, in any way whatever: That they
highly approved the spirited behaviour of their Boston, New York, and Phi-
ladelphia brethren, in renouncing all commerce and intercourse with the
traders and inhabitants of Newport, in Rhode Island, who had perfidiously
deserted them in this struggle ; and that they would observe the same rules
of conduct they had so properly adopted, with respect to the traders and in-
habitants of Newport. And at a meeting held at the same place, on the 16th
of July, when having learned, that " the merchants and traders of the city of
New York, had lately thought proper, contrary to their own agreement, and
in violation of their public faith, to break through the only measure that
could have obtained redress, they declared that the signers to the late non-im-
portation agreement, at New York, had perfidiously betrayed the common
cause, deserted their countrymen, in their united struggles for the removal of
ministerial oppression; and that every person who, contrary to the non-
148 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
importation agreement, shall import, ought, by the friends of their country,
to be treated, not only in like manner, as they themselves set the example,
in the late case of the merchants and traders of Newport, but be held in the
utmost contempt by all the friends of liberty, and treated as enemies to their
country: And that they would strictly adhere to their resolutions, adopted
at a former meeting. The conduct of the New York importers was con-
demned by the inhabitants of Woodbridge, and New Brunswick, and other
places, in terms still more energetic. Some of these importers, ventur-
ing, soon after, to New Brunswick and Woodbridge, with their goods, were
severely handled by the populace.
VII. " On the first intimation of the measures taken by Massachusetts, the
Earl of Hillsborough, who, about the close of the year 1767, had been appoint-
ed to the then newly created office of Secretary of State, for the department
of the colonies, addressed a circular letter to the several governors, to be laid
before the Assemblies, in which he treated the circular of Massachusetts,
as of the most dangerous and factious tendency, calculated to inflame the
minds of his Majesty's good subjects in the colonies — to promote an un-
warrantable combination, to excite and encourage an open opposition to, and
denial of, the authority of Parliament ; and to subvert the true principles of
the constitution ; and he endeavoured to prevail upon them to treat with re-
sentment, "such an unjustifiable attempt to revive those distractions, which
had operated so fatally to the prejudice of the colonies, and of the mother
country ; but in any event, not to take part with Massachusetts, by approv-
ing such proceedings." Instructions accompanied this letter, to dissolve
such Assemblies as should refuse to comply with its recommendation. It
does not appear, that the Assembly of New Jersey took any order upon the
circular of Massachusetts. But other colonics declared, that they could not
consider as an unwarrantable combination, a concert of measures to give
efficacy to 'their representations, in support of principles essential to the Bri-
tish constitution.*
" This circular of Massachusetts, together with the violent proceedings
which were subsequently had in that colony, were the cause of joint resolu-
tions of both Houses of Parliament, condemning in the strongest terms, the
measures pursued by tlie Americans. An address was agreed upon, approving
the conduct of the crown, giving assurances of effectual support to such
further measures as should be fojmd necessary to maintain the civil magis-
trates in a due execution of the laws within the province of Massachusetts
Bay; and beseeching his Majesty, to direct the governor of that colony, to
obtain and transmit to him, information of all treasons committed therein,
since the year 1767, with the names of the persons who had been most
active in promoting such ofl^ences, that prosecutions might be instituted
against them, within the realm, in piu'suance of the statute of the 35th of
Henry VIII."t
VIII. The impression made by these menaces, directed specially against
Massachusetts Bay, in expectation that the other provinces would be, thereby,
deterred from involving themselves in her dangers, was very unfavourable to
the views of the mother country. The resolution to resist the exercise of
the authority claimed by her, was not only unshaken, but manifested itself
in a still more determined form. The Assembly of Virginia, soon after the
receipt of these resolutions, asserted, unanimously, the exclusive right of that
Assembly to impose taxes on their constituents, and their undoubted privi-
lege to petition for redress of grievances, and to obtain the concurrence of
the other colonies in such petitions. Alluding particularly to the joint ad-
* Mnrshall. I Ibid.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 149
dress of the Hvo Houses of Parliament to the King, they also resolved, that
all persons charged with the commission of any oftence, within that colony,
were entitled to a trial before the tribunals of the country, according to the
fixed and known course of proceedings therein ; and that to seize such per-
sons, and transport them beyond seas for trial, derogated, in a high degree,
from the rights of British subjects; as, thereby, the inestimable privilege of
beino- tried by a jury, from the vicinage, as well as the liberty of summon-
ing and producing witnesses, in such trial, would be taken from the party
accused. This last resolution was also adopted, in terms, by the Assembly
of New Jersey.*
IX. Notwithstanding these strong measures on the part of Parliament, the
mass of the English trading population, feeling, severely, the consequences
of the non-importation agreement, strongly urged the abrogation of the new
duties. And the ministry, affected by the commercial distress, were desirous
to give relief, but were resolute to maintain the parliamentary right to tax
the colonies.
With criminal weakness they adopted a middle course, remarkable for the
ignorance it displays of the state of the public mind, and the nature of the
public character, in America. The earnest remonstrances and prompt and
energetic resistance of the colonics, had failed to convince them, that the
assertion of the right, and not the amount of duty levied, was the true source
of complaint. The ministers persisted in believing that a reduction of the
tax would restore tranquillity. Under this delusion, assurances were given,
in 1769, that five-sixths of the taxes imposed in 1767, should be repealed:
and, in 1770, the whole were abolished.
Adhering strictly to their principles, the colonists modified their non-im-
portation agreements, to operate on tea alone. This they were better ena-
bled to do, as that article could be obtained from continental Europe, by
smuggling, in sufficient quantities, and at less price, than if regularly im-
ported from Great Britain. The anticipation of revenue, by continuance of
the impost act, was, therefore, vain ; and its preservation on the statute book,
served but to keep the jealousies and fears of the provinces in constant acti-
vity, and to familiarize the people with opposition to a power, which like the
sword of Damocles, threatened, momentarily, their destruction.
In some of the colonies the non-importation agreements were partially vio-
lated; but, in the greater part, they were religiously observed. By the reve-
nue act, in its modified form, their rights were exposed to violation, yet their
preservation depended on themselves ; since, whilst no dutiable commodity
was purchased, no duty was paid ; and whilst this commodity was, other-
wise, cheaply procured, no privation was sustained. Hence, a state of poli-
tical quiet ensued the repealing act of 1770. The ministry seemed disposed
to avoid further aggression, and the Americans, generally, ceased to remon-
strate and complain ; although they continued to watch, with lynx-eyed vigi-
lance, every movement of the British government, and to discuss, publicly
and privately, the value of the union between the colonies and the parent
state.
X. The period of four years, which succeeded the modification of the
revenue act, contains few incidents of historical interest. The late war, by
the great expenditure of money, and consumption of agricultural products,
had caused an extraordinary appearance of prosperity in New Jersey, as in
other colonies. A ready market and advanced price for grain, increased
the value of lands, and seduced the enterprising into improvident purchases.
The causes of this excited state ceasing with the peace, great depression
* December 6th, 1769.
150 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
of prices, and contraction of business, ensued. Debtors were unable to pay ;
bankruptcies and suits at law were numerous, and the prosecuting creditor
and his attorney became odious to tlie debtor and his sympathizing friends.
In popular distress, as amid arms, the laws are silent. In January, 1770,
many citizens of Monmouth county, assembled at Freehold, on the stated
day for holding the county court, and violently deterred the judges from exe-
cuting their office; compelling them to return to their respective homes; and
a similar riot, in Essex, was suppressed, only, by the spirited conduct of the
sheriffs, magistrates, and the better disposed inhabitants. The cause alleged
for these unwarrantable proceedings, was oppression by the lawyers, in their
exorbitant charges for costs. The governor, by the advice of his council,
issued a special commission for the trial of the offenders, adding to the jus-
tices of the Supreme Court, some gentlemen of distinguished character. In
Essex, the rioters were immediately tried, convicted, and punished; but, in
Monmouth, they were screened from chastisement, by the sympathy of their
fellow-citizens. The Assembly was specially convened as well to receive
and continue legal process, which had abated by the lapse of a term, as to
provide additional means for the preservation of the public peace. And whilst
effecting these objects, they inquired strictly into the allegations against the
lawyers, acquitting them of extortion, but providing by law against exces-
sive costs, in the recovery of debts under fifty pounds. In suppressing these
seditions Mr. Richard Stockton was highly instrumental, supporting with
dignity the authority of government, and mildly assuaging the temper of the
people.
XI. In the intercourse between Governor Franklin and the Assembly,
considerable harmony prevailed. But, occasionally, difierences of opinion
led to intemperate altercation. Thus, a war of words grew out of the appli-
cation of the officers of the King's troops, for supplies and accommodations
greater than the House was disposed to grant. For, although the statesmen
of New Jersey did not take the high ground of Massachusetts, upon this sub-
ject, they were reluctant to expend any thing more than the strictest con-
struction of the act of Parliament required. A lengthened discussion was
finally terminated by mutual concession. But another dispute soon after
arose, on the api)lication of the Assembly, for the removal of the treasurer of
the eastern division of the province. With singular policy, a treasurer was
retained and located in each of the ancient divisions of the colony ; and by
policy not less singular, they were appointed by the governor, gave no secu-
rity for the faithful performance of their duties, but were responsible to, and
always accounted with, the Assembly.
XII. Mr. Stephen Skinner was treasurer of East Jersey, and resident at
Perth Amboy. On the night of the 21st of July, 1768, his house was broken
open, and the iron chest in which he kept the provincial funds, was robbed of
sixty-six hundred pounds, chiefly in bills of credit. The character of the
treasurer was fair, and his statement of circumstances was received without
inquiry, during two years; when no clue being discovered (o the robbery,
the Assembly, October, 1770, directed an investigation, and came to the
conclusion, that the loss was occasioned by the want of that care, which was
necessary to the safe keeping of the money; and that the treasurer ought
not to be allowed therefor in his accounts. But no further steps were
taken in tliis matter, until September, 1772; when, the tn?asurer remon-
strating against this vote, the then House approved the sentiment of its pre-
decessor, and invited the governor to join them in some method to compel
the treasurer to accoimt for the sum, said to be stolen.
The committee, addressing his excellency, complained, " that though the
treasurer did not apprehend himself accountable for that sum to the public,
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 151
as in the treasury, he was still continued in office, the public money still de-
pended on his care, and nothing had been done to recover the deficiency."
Notwithstanding this broad intimation, the governor insisted, that if the
House desired the removal of the treasurer, they should tell him so, in plain
terms. He reproached them for their insinuation of neglected duty, and re-
torted the charge, averring, that for several years, they had taken no order
on the matter. The Assembly, thus urged, now left the governor no cause
to doubt their wishes, and closed a long argumentative reply, with " humbly
requesting his excellency, that he would be pleased to remove the treasurer
from his office, appoint some other person therein, and unite with them in
passing a law, authorizing the treasurer, so appointed, to commence suit for
the deficiency against his predecessor. The governor did not object to a
suit for determining the liability of the officer; and a committee of the coun-
cil, in conference with one from the Assembly, proposed to file an informa-
tion against the treasurer ; but the House rejected tlie mode, alleging, that a
criminal prosecution would not attain their object. On the other hand, the
governor refused to commit the injustice of removing a public olRcer, who,
though unfortunate, had not been convicted of malfeasance ; and whose con-
duct and character the Assembly, after examination, had declared unim-
peached. He pleaded, also, a royal instruction, forbidding him to displace
any officer or minister, in the province, without sufficient cause, to be signified
to the king; an instruction, he said, wisely calculated to guard against that
arbitrary, despotic temper, which sometimes actuated governors, as well as
that levelling, democratic disposition, which too often prevails in popular
assemblies.*
This was a subject of angry discussion, between the governor and As-
sembly, for nearly two years longer; in which the former was encouraged,
by the discovery of a gang of counterfeiters and forgers, one of whom, it
was probable, from the evidence of his accomplices, had perpetrated the rob-
bery of the treasury. At length, the treasurer, who had repeatedly, but in
vain, prayed the Assembly to cause a suit to be instituted against him, re-
signed his commission ; and an act was passed by the Legislature, directing
* May we not here properly remark, that a clause in our republican constitutions,
prohibiting- the removal of public officers, wilhovt good and sufficient caysc, would pro-
tect useful public servants against the arbitrary and despotic temper, which some-
times actuates governors and presidents, as well as that capricious disposition, and
prescriptive spirit of party, wliicii too often prevails in popular assemblies? Officers
of state are created for the service of tlie people, as the state itself is constituted for
their benefit. The individual emolument which arises from the maintenance of the
officer, is an accident, not the object, of the creation. Yet, a fatal misconstruction of
the maxim, that offices are created for the people, has been so widely spread through-
out our republics, as to tlireaten their safety and duration. Leaders of parties, in high
stations, proclaim " rotation in offcc," to be republican; that all citizens are entitled
to participate in official emoluments, and are competent to the performance of of-
ficial duties. Such doctrines have a demoralizing effect, tending to discourage
industry, and to create numerous anxious, idle, venal, expectants of office. Their
absurdity becomes apparent, by following them out to their proper results. Even,
if we limit the position, by saying, tliat all men duly qualified, are entitled to
participate in official emoluments, it will be obvious that an attempt to reduce it to
practice, however impossible, would produce a change every hour, in every office of
the country. The true principle is, that public officers are agents of the people, to
be appointed, directly or indirectly, by the people, as they shall in their wisdom deter-
niinc; and should be changed, only, when the public interests require. Like other agents
they should receive a moderate, but just, compensation for their services, with the
assurance of its continuance, whilst those services are, faithfully, rendered. Towards
their public servants, the whole people, the state, should pursue the course which
each individual possessing common sense, adopts in his own affairs. No prudent man
discharges a competent, experienced, and faitliful servant, to receive others in quick
succession, who enter his service with a view solely to the wages, and whose capacity
for service is to be acquired at his expense.
152 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
his successor to sue for the balance. One good effect resulting from this
contest, was the requisition on future treasurers, to give adequate security to
the province for the faithful disbursement of public moneys.*
XIII. Governor Franklin seems to have been truly solicitous to promote
the welfare of the colony, by increasing its agricultural and commercial pro-
ducts. At his instances, which in the present season of political quiet, he
earnestly renewed, the Assembly established bounties for the growth of
hemp, flax and silk; considerable efforts were made to diffuse the culture of
the mulberry tree, and had not this simple branch of industry been prostrated
by the war, silk would soon have become a staple commodity of the country.
At the suggestion of the governor, also, means were taken by the Assembly,
to obtain a full census, and statistical account of the province; but these
were rendered ineffective by the scenes of political disquiet which soon
after arose.
XIV. Previous to the year 1772, the House of Representatives consisted
of twenty members. The cities of Perth Amboy and Burlington, and the
counties of Middlesex, Essex, Somerset, Bergen, Gloucester, and Cape May,
each sending two representatives, whilst Salem and Cumberland jointly, sent
only two, and Hunterdon, Morris, and Sussex jointly, the same number.
But in that year, an act of Assembly for increasing the number of represen-
tatives, had been approved by the King, and seems to have been a cause of
gratulation between the governor and Assembly. By this act, each county
was entitled to two representatives, and the whole number was increased
to thirty. The representation which appears to have been based upon ter-
ritorial divisions, merely, without regard to the essential principle of popu-
lation, was, thus, continued upon an erroneous basis, and has not been fully
corrected, even at the present day.
XV. Governor Franklin, on the part of the province, contrary to the policy
which it had hitherto pursued, attended two conferences with the northern
Indians. The first was in 1769, at Fort Stanwix, at which he was accom-
panied by the chief justice; and where the Six Nations having agreed upon
a general boundary line, between them and the northern colonies, (the object
of the meeting) publicly acknowledged the repeated instances of the justice of
the province, in bringing murderers to condign punishment ; and declared that
they had no claim, whatever, upon the province, and in the most solemn man-
ner conferred upon the government of New Jersey, the distinguishing name
of Sagorighwiyogstha, or the great arbiter, or doer of Justice.
* See note B B.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 153
CHAPTER XI.
Comprising Events from the year 1773, to 177G. — I. Committees of Correspondence
established in the several Colonies. — II. The British Ministry encourage the ship-
ment of Teas to America, by the East India Company. — III. Alarm of the Colo->
nists — Consignees of the India Company compelled to forego their appointments. —
IV. Measures pursued in New Jersey. — V. Reception of the Tea in America. —
VI. Indignation of the King and Parliament. — VII. Violent measures adopted
against Boston. — VIII. Alarming Act of Parliament, relative to the Provincial
Government of Canada. — IX. Proceedings of the Inhabitants of Boston — General
commiseration of their fate. — X. New Jersey appoints Members to Congress. —
XI. Congress assemble at Philadelphia — Their proceedings. — XII. The Assembly
of New Jersey approve tlie Proceedings of Congress, and appoint Delegates to
the next Convention — Instructions. — XIII. The Provincial Governors instructed
to impede the Union of the Colonies — Efforts of Governor Franklin. — XIV. Reply
of the House. — XV. Rejoinder of the Governor — Address of the Council. — XVI.
The Assembly petition the King. — XVII. Reception of the Proceedings of Con-
gress ill London. — XVIII. Proceedings of Parliament — Conciliatory Propositions
of Lord North. — XIX. Sense of New Jersey upon this proposition. — XX. State of
the Dispute with England. — XXI. Second New Jersey Convention called — En-
courages Political Associations — Organizes theMihtia,and provides funds. — XXII.
Meeting of Congress at Philadelphia — Its Measures. — XXIII. Appointment of
Commander-in-Chief and subordinate Generals. — XXIV. Congress again petition
the King — Ungracious reception of the petition. — XXV Address their fellow-
subjects of Ireland, &c. — XXVI. Ncav Jersey Convention re-assembles — Proceed-
ings— Provision for the continuance of a Provincial Congress — Committee of Safety
appointed. — XXVII. Meeting of the Assembly — Address of Governor Franklin-
He claims assurance of protection for himself and others, the King's officers. —
XXVIII. Reply of the Assembly.— XXIX. Act authorizing the issue of Bills of
Credit, for £100,000, approved by the King.
I. It i.s not our purpose to detail all the remote causes and immediate mo-
tives that led to the revolution, which dissolved the connexion between Great
Britain and her North American colonies; but to keep up such a connected
narrative of circumstances pertaining to that great event, as will enable us
to exhibit the part which New Jersey bore in the contest. We do not, there-
fore, enter upon the various causes of dissatisfaction in Massachusetts, and the
measures resulting therefrom, which preserved there a spirit of opposition to
the crown, whilst a general calm was elsewhere pervading the continent. It
may be proper, however, to note, that, from the commencement of the con-
test, Massachusetts was particularly solicitous of uniting all the colonies in
one system of measures. In pursuance of this object, she devised the plan
of electing committees in the several towns for the purpose of corresponding
with each other, and with the other colonies, which Avas adopted by the
other provinces. The honour of originating the Legislative committees of
correspondence in the several colonies, which afterwards became so essen-
tially useful, is claimed, by Mr. Jefferson, for Virginia.
II. The general state of quiet which had been induced by the prudence of
the European and American parties, the one forbearing to ship, and the other
to order teas, was, after three years' continuance, terminated by the impolitic
avarice of the British ministry. The East India company, the mo.?! daring,
ambitious, and successful of commercial associations, had became embarrassed
by lavish expenditure, the peculations of their servants, and the diminution
of their trade in consequence of the American quarrel. Applying to the
government for assistance, they proposed, that the duty of three pence per
pound, payable on teas imported into the colonies, should be abolished, and
154 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
that six cents per pound should be imposed on the exportation. This fa-
vourable and honourable mode of removing the occasion for dispute between
the parent and her offspring was, we cannot, now, say, unfortunately, rejected
by the administration; who, as if by extraordinary stimulus to accelerate the
coming contest, proposed and carried a bill authorizing the company to ex-
port their teas altogether free of duty. Lord North, says the English histo-
rian, recommended this measure to Parliament with a twolbld view ; to
relieve the India Company and to improve the revenue. The latter was to
be accomplished by tempting the Americans to purchase large quantities of
teas at a low price. But the Company would not venture to ship, until
assured by the ministry, that in no event they should sufier loss.
III. The cxpoi't of tea to America, under these circumstances, was, in
itself, sufhcient to arouse opposition. But the occasion was eagerly seized
by those whose interests would be promoted by popular resistance. Mer-
chants in England, whose profits were endangered by this operation of the
India Company, and cis-atlantic smugglers, whose trade was threatened
with extinction, laboured with the patriot, to convince the people of the im-
mutable determination of the parent state to tax the colonies ; and for that
purpose, to compel the sale of the tea, in despite of the solemn resolutions,
and oft declared sense of the inhabitants. The cry of endangered liberty
was again heard from New Hampshire to Georgia. Town meetings were
held in the capitals of the different provinces, and combinations formed to
obstruct the sale of the fatal weed. The consignees of the Company were,
generally, compelled to relinquish llieir appointments, and substitutes could
not be procured.
IV. The most deteimiined spirit of resistance displayed itself, in New.,
Jersey, upon the first favourable opportunity. On the eighth of February,
1774, the Assembly, on the proposition of Virginia, appointed from its mem-
bers, a standing committee of correspondence,* whom they instructed to
obtain the most early and authentic intelligence of all the acts and reso-
lutions of the Parliament of Great Britain, or the proceedings of the adminis-
tration, which might affect the liberties and privileges of his Majesty's sub-
jects, in the British colonies of America; to maintain a correspondence with
the sister colonies, respecting these important considerations, and to inform
the speakers of the several continental Assemblies of this resolution, request-
ing, that, they would submit them to their several Houses. They gave thanks,
also, to the burgesses "of Virginia, for their early attention to the liberties of
America.
V. On the approach of the tea ships destined for Philadelphia, the pilots
in the Delaware were warned not to conduct them into harbour; and their
captains, apprized of the temper of the people, deeming it unsafe to land their
cargoes, consented to return without making an entry at the custom house ;
the owners of goods, on board, cheerfully submitting to the inconvenience of
having their merchandise sent back to Great Britain. The captains of ves-
sels addressed to New York, wisely, adopted the same resolution. The tea
sent to Charleston was landed and stored, hut not offered for sale ; and being
placed in damp cellars, became rotten, and was entirely lost. The shi|is de-
signated for Boston entered that port, but before the t(^a could be landed, a
number of colonists, disguised as Indians, pursuant to a concerted plan,
entered the vessels, and without doing other damage, broke open three hun-
dred and forty-two chests, and emptied their contents into the sea. Such
* Consistinsr of James Kinsey, Stephen Crane, llcndrick Fisher, Samuel Tvickcr,
John Wctherill, Robert Friend Price, John Hinchman, John Mehelrn, and Edward
Taylor.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 135
was the union of sentiment among the people, and so systematic their oppo-
sition, tliat not a single cliest of the cargoes, sent out by the East India
Company, was sold for their beneiit.
Vi. The conduct of the colonists, generally, in relation to the tea sliips, and,
especially, the daring trespass at Boston, gave great umbrage to the King.
In his message* to Parliament, he characterized the colonial proceedings as
obstructing the commerce of Great Britain, and subversive of her constitu-
tion. High and general indignation was excited in that body. His Ma-
jesty's measures were almost unanimously approved, and pledges were given
to secure the due execution of the laws, and the dependence of the colonies.
To maintain that dependence, the whole nation seemed disposed to approve
and support the severest measures of the ministry. All consideration for the
just rights of the colonists, was lost in the desire to punish their audacity ;
and, for the moment, the patriot forgot his principles, and the merchant his
interest, whilst fired with indignation at the bold resistance to the will of the
parent state.
VII. Upon Massachusetts the vials of wrath were first poured out. Before
the magnitude of her guilt the offences of other colonies became insignificant.
By one act of Parliament the poi't of Boston was closed, and the custom
house and its dependencies transferred to the town of Salem, until compen-
sation should be made to the East India Company, and until the King in
council, should be satisfied of the restoration of peace and good order in the
town of Boston : By another act, the charter of Massachusetts was subvert-
ed; the nomination of counsellors, magistrates, and other officers, being
vested in the crown, during the royal pleasure: By a third, persons indicted
in that province, for any capital offence, if an allegation were made on
oath to the governor, that such offence had been committed, in aid of the
magistracy in the suppression of riots, and that a fair trial could not be had
in the province, might be sent to any other colony, or to Great Britain, for
trial. A bill was also passed for quartering soldiers upon the inhabitants.
But these penal bills were not wholly unopposed, in either house of Parlia-
ment ; in the Lords, the minority entered their protest against each.
VIII. An act passed simultaneously with the foregoing, making more
effectual provision for the government of the province of Quebec, excited as
much indignation and more dread among the colonies, than the severe mea-
sures against Massachusetts. The latter might be palliated as the result of
indignation, violent, but not causeless ; while the former, vesting the legisla-
tive power in a council dependent on the crown, and subjecting the whole
revenue to the King's disposal, bore strong indications of the resolution of the
ministry to take from the colonies, generally, the right of self-government.
Had sympathy failed to unite the other provinces to the fate of Massachusetts,
regard to their common safety, so openly threatened, would have rendered
their union indissoluble. Both were intensely felt.
IX. The inhabitants of Boston had foreseen the present crisis, and they
met it with undaunted spirit. Information of the passage of the port act was
received on the tenth of May, and on the thirteenth, the town resolved, "that
if the other colonies would unite with them to stop all importations from
Great Britain and the West Indies, until that act should be repealed, it would
prove the salvation of North America and her liberties ; but should they con-
tinue their exports and imports, there was reason to fear that fraud, power,
and the most odious oppression, would triumph over justice, right, social hap-
piness, and freedom." A copy of this resolution was transmitted to the other
colonies, the inhabitants of which expressed deep sympathy in the sufferings
* 7tfi March, 1774.
156 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
of their brethren in Boston, endured in the common cause; and concurring
in opinion with them on the propriety of convening a provincial Congress,
delegates for that purpose were generally chosen.
Throughout the contuient, the lirst of June, the day on which the Boston
port act was to take ellect, on the resolution of the Assembly of Virginia,
was adopted as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, to implore the
divine interposition to avert the heavy calamity which threatened destruc-
tion to their civil rights, and the evils of civil war, and to give one heart and
one mind to the people, firmly to oppose every invasion of their liberties.
X. Early in the month of July, the inhabitants of the several counties of
New Jersey, assembled at their respective county towns, and adopted reso-
lutions strongly disapprobatory of the course of the ministry and of the late
acts of Parliament, closing the port of Boston, invading the charter rights of
the province of Massachusetts, subjecting supposed offenders to trial in other
colonies and in Great Britain, and sending an armed force to carry these in-
jurious measures into effect. They nominated deputies, to meet in conven-
tion, for the purpose of electing delegates to the general Congress, about to
convene at Philadelphia. The Convention, consisting of seventy-two mem-
bers, selected from the most intelligent and respectable citizens ot" the colony,
among whom were many members of Assembly, met at New Brunswick on
the twenty-first of July, 17 74; and choosing Stephen Crane, chairman, and
Jonathan D. Sergeant, clerk, proceeded to reiterate the sentiments of their
constituents, and to nominate James Kinsey,* William Livingston, John De
Hart, Stephen Crane, and Richard Smith to represent them in Congress, and
the following gentlemen as a standing committee of correspondence:! Wil-
liam Peartree Smith, John Chetwood, Isaac Ogden, Joseph Borden, Robert
* Kinsey left Congress in November, 1775, refusing to take the republican oath of
allegiance. — Jmirnal of Congress, 2d December, 1775. He was highly esteemed not-
withstanding the course he took at this time. " He is a very good man," says Go-
vernor Livingston, in a letter to Samuel Allinson, of the 25th of July, 1773, " though
not the best hand on deck in a storm." To Kinsey himself the governor wrote, Gth
of October, of the same year: "As I find myself engaged in writing to my old friend,
I cannot help embracing this opportunity to express my concern at your standing so
much in your own liglit, as to forego your practice rather than submit to a test, which
all governments ever have, and ever will, impose upon those who live within the
bounds of their authority****. Your voluntary consent to take the test prescribed
by law, would soon restore you to the good opinion of j'our country, (every body
allowing you, notwithstanding unaccountable political obliquities, to be an honest
man) and your way to the magistracy would, doubtless, be easy and unincumbered."
Some years afterwards Mr. Kinsey became chief justice. He died about 1801. —
!Sedff icicle's Life of Livingston, p. IGt).
We find the following minute in the votes of the Assembly, November 17, 1775.
" Mr. Kinsey and Mr. De Hart, two of the delegates appointed by this House, to at-
tend the continental Congress, applied to the House for leave to rcsign'their said ap-
pointments, alleging that they are so particularly circumstanced, as to render their
attendance, exceedingly , inconvenient to tlieir private affairs." On the 2'2d November,
their resignaLions were accepted, and the three remaining delegates, or any two of
them, were empowered to represent tlie colony in Congress.
t Mr. De Hart appears to have soon grown weary in the race. On the organization
of the state government he was elected a judge of the Supreme Court, but refnsed
the office. Mr. Smith held out much longer, but his course was e(iuivocal. He was
a representative from Burlington, in the first legislative council, but did not attend its
session. Upim a requisition to perform bis duties, by the council, lie tendered liis re-
signation, which was rejer-tod, on the ground that tlie constitution did not warrant its
acceptance. Persevering in Ids refusal, the council, on the seventeentli of May, 1777,
resolved, " that lie liad neglected and refused to perform the duties of ins station, as
a member of that House, in divers instances, and, particnlarly, by contumaciously
withholding his attendance at that sitting, though (hdy and repeatedly summoned ;
and tliat he bo expelled." He was re-elected to council in the succeeding October,
but it does not appear that he served. He was elected state-treasurer, in joint meet-
ing, September 5th, 177G, and performed the duties of that station for about six
montlis.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 157
Field, Isaac Pierson, Isaac Smith, Samuel Tucker, Abraham Hunt, and
Hendricli Fisher.
XI. The delegates from eleven provinces assembled at Philadelphia, on
the fourth of September ; those from North Carolina did not appear until the
fourteenth.* On the fifth, Peyton Randolph, of Virginia, was unanimously-
chosen president, and Charles Thompson elected secretary. As the Con-
gress was composed of men who gave tone to the sentiments of the provinces
which they respectively represented, it was in course, that the pi'ominent acts
of the colonies should be supported and enforced with the ability and dignity
pertaining to their joint endeavours. Still there was a chivalrous disregard
of self, in the prompt and energetic approbation of the highest measures of
Massachusetts, which history rarely discloses among a temperate and calcu-
lating people, even amid the excitements of political revolution ; and which
leads us to believe, that even at this time, independence of Great Britain was
a foregone conclusion, in the bosoms of most members of the Congress,
which yet, they scarce dared acknowledge to themselves, still less breathe to
others.
Whilst expressing " their sympathy in the sufferings of their countrymen
of Massachusetts, under the late unjust, cruel, and oppressive acts of the
British Parliament," Congress approved of the resolve of the county of Suf-
folk, in which Boston lies, " that no obedience was due from that province
to such acts, but that they should be rejected as the attempts of a wicked
administration." They resolved, that contributions from all tlie colonies, for
supplying the necessities, and alleviating the distresses of their brethren at
Boston, ought to be continued in such manner, and so long, as their occa-
sions might require. They requested the merchants of the several colonies
to refiise new orders for goods from Great Britain, and to suspend the execu-
tion of such as had been sent, until the sense of Congress, on the means to
be adopted for the preservation of the liberties of America, should be made
public. And soon afler, they adopted resolutions prohibiting the importa-
tion, the purchase, or use, of goods from Great Britain, or Ireland, or their
dependencies, after the first day of the succeeding December; and directing
that all exports to Great Britain and the West Indies, should cease on the
tenth of September, 1775, unless American grievances should be sooner re-
dressed. An association, corresponding with these resolutions, was then
framed, and signed by every member present. " Never," says Mr. Mar-
shall, " were laws more faithfully observed, than were the resolves of Con-
gress at this period, and their association was, of consequence, universally
adopted."
The better to enforce these resolutions. Congress recommended the ap-
pointment of committees in the several counties and towns, who, soon after
their appointment, under the names of committees of superintendence and
correspondence, assumed no inconsiderable portion of the executive power
and duties in the several colonies, and became efficient instruments in aiding
the progress of the revolution.
Xll. The New Jersey delegates reported the proceedings of Congress to
the Assembly of that colony, on the 11th January, 1775, by whom they
were unanimously approved; such members as were Quakers, excepting,
only, to such parts as seemed to lacar an appearance, or might have a ten'
dency to force, as inconsistent with their religious principles.
And the House resolved, that the same gentlemen should represent the
colony in the future Congress, should report their proceedings therein to the
Assembly at its next session ; should propose and agree to every reasonable
* Congress held llieir sessions in Carpenter's Hall.
158 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and constitutional measure, for the accommodation of the unhappy differ-
ences subsisting between the mother and her colonies. And having been
informed that at the preceding Congress, an attempt was made to give
some of the colonies a greater number of votes than others, in determin-
ing questions before it, the Assembly, instructed their delegates not to agree
to a measure of that kind unless upon condition, that no vote so taken,
should be obligatory on any colony, whose delegates did not assent tliereto.
The equality of the colonies in their dehberations was, however, presei-ved,
and all questions were, throughout the contest, resolved by Congress, each
colony having a voice alike potential.
XIII. The joint action of the colonies was, specially, obnoxious to the royal
government; and the governors of the respective colonies threw every obsta-
cle in their power in the way of its accomplishment. To this end. Governor
Franklin relused to summon the Assembly, notwithstanding the petitions of
the people; and the first delegates to Congress were consequently elected by
a convention, and not by the House. On opening the session of the Assem-
bly, January, 1775, he observed. "It would argue not only a great want of
duty to his Majesty, but of regard to the good people of this province, were
I, on this occasion, to pass over in silence, the late alarming transactions in
this and the neighbouring colonics, or not endeavour to prevail on you to
exert yourselves in preventing those mischiefs to this country, which, with-
out your timely interposition, will, in all probability, be the consequence.
"It is not for me to decide on the particular merits of the dispute between
Great Britain and her colonies, nor do I mean to censure those who conceive
themselves aggrieved, for aiming at a redress of their grievances. It is a duty
they owe themselves, their country, and their posterity. All that I would
wish to guard you against, is the giving any countenance or encouragement
to that destructive mode of proceeding which has been unhappily adopted, in
part, by some of the inhabitants of this colony, and lias been carried so far in
others, as totally to subvert their former constitution. It has already struck
at the authority of one of the branches of the Legislature in a j)articular man-
ner. And if you, gentlemen of the Asseml)ly, should give your approbation
to transactions of this natui'e, you will do as much as lies in your power, to
destroy that form of government, of which you are an important part, and
which it is your duty by all lawful means to preserve. To you, your con-
stituents have entrusted a peculiar guardianship of their rights and privileges,
you are their legal representatives, and you cannot, without a manifest breach
of your trust, suffer any body of men in this, or any of the other provinces,
to usurp and exercise any of the powers vested in you by the constitution.
It behooves you, particularly, who must be constitutionally supposed to speak
the sense of the people at large, to be extremely cautious in consenting to
any act whereby you may engage them as parties in, and make them an-
swerable for measures which may have a tendency to involve them in diffi-
culties far greater tlian those they aim to avoid."
"Besides, there is not, gentlemen, the least necessity, consequently, there
will not be the least excuse for your running such risks, on the present occa-
sion. If you are really disposed to represent to the King any inconveniences
you conceive yourselves to lie under, or to make any projiositions on the
present state of America, I can assure you, from the best authority, that such
representations or propositions will be properly attended to, and certainly have
greater weight coming from each colony in its separate capacity, than in a
channel, the propriety and legality of which there may be much doubt."
" You have now pointed out to you, gentlemen, two roads — one evidently
leading to peace, happiness, and a restoration of the public tranquillity — the
other inevitably conducting you to anarchy and misery, and all the horrors
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 159
of a civil war. Your wisdom, your prudence, your regard for the true inte-
rests of the people, will be best known, when you have shown to which road
you give ihe preference. If to the former, you will probably afford satisfac-
tion to the moderate, the sober, and discreet part of your constituents. If to
the latter, you will perhaps give pleasure to the warm, the rash, and inconsi-
derate among them, who, 1 would willingly hope, violent, as is the temper of
the present times, are not even now the majority. But, it may be well for
you to remember, should any calamity hereafter befall them from your com-
pliance with their inclinations, instead of pursuing, as you ought, the dictates
of your own judgment, that the consequences of their returning to a proper
sense of their conduct, may prove deservedly fatal to yourselves."
XIV. These persuasions wei-e powerless, as we have seen, with the As-
sembly, who, unanimously approved and adopted the very measures which
the governor condemned; and it may be proper to give their justification of
their conduct, in the reply of the House to his address.
" We should have been glad," they say, " that your excellency's inclina-
tions to have given us early an opportunity of transacting the public busi-
ness, as was consistent with our ' convenience,' had terminated in a manner
more agreeable to your design, and more favourable to us, than it really has
done, on the present occasion. If the petitions, which we understand have
been presented to you, had been granted, we should have had a meeting
more convenient to us than the present ; and that meeting, perhaps, would
have prevented some of those ' alarming transactions,' which your excel-
lency's apprehensions of your duty leads you to inform us, as having hap-
pened in this colony. We thank you for your intention to oblige us ; but
that it may not be so entirely frustrated in future, permit us to inform you,
it will be much the most agreeable to us, that the meeting of the House, to do
public business, should not be postponed to a time later than when the bill
for the support of government expires."
" We are sorry to hear, that in your excellency's opinion, there has been
of late, any ' alarming transactions' in this and the neighbouring colonies ;
our consent to, or ap[)robation of which, may lead the good people we repre-
sent, into ' anarchy, misery, and all the horrors of a civil war.' It is true
you are pleased to tell us, that this destructive mode of proceeding has been
adopted, but ' in part,' by some of the inhabitants of this colony. We as-
sure you, that we neither have-, nor do intend to give our approbation to
measures destructive to the welfare of our constituents, and in which we shall
be equally involved with them. — Their interests and our own, we look upon
as inseparable. No arguments are necessary to prevail on us to endeavour
to prevent such impending calamities; and if we should, at any time, mistake
our duty so much, we hope your regard to the public will induce you to
exert the prerogative, and thereby give them the choice of other representa-
tives, who may act with more prudence. The uncertainty, however, to
what ' alarming transactions,' in particular, you refer, renders it sufficient
for us to assure you, only, that we profess ourselves to be the loyal subjects
of the King, from whose goodness we hope to be relieved from the present
unhappy situation; that we will do all in our power to preserve that excellent
form of government, under which we at present live; and that we neither
intend to usurp the rights of others, nor suffer any vested in us by the
constitution, to be wrested out of our hands, by any person or persons
whatever.
" We sincerely lament the unhappy differences which at present subsist
between Great Britain and her colonies. We shall heartily rejoice to see
the time, when they shall subside, on principles consistent with the rights and
interests of both, which we ardently hope is not far off; and though we can-
160 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
not conceive how the separate petition of one colony, is more likely to suc-
ceed, than the united petitions of all, yet, in order to show our desire to pro-
mote so good a purpose, by every proper means, we shall make use of the
mode pointed out by your excellency, in hopes that it will meet that attention,
which you are pleased to assure us, will be paid to the representatives of
the people."
This was the language of men who had well weighed their measures, and
were resolved to abide their consequences. Nor is such resolution rendered
less obvious, by the tone of irony and pei'sifage, which pervades their
comments on the specious, but hollow assurances of the governor, of the
success which might ensue a departure from the union entered into by the
colonies.
XV. The rejoinder of the governor, was remarkable for good temper and
moderation; evincing that his course was prompted, more by the duties of
his station, than by his judgment, which would probably have united him
with the people.
" Were I to give such an answer," he said, "to your address, as the pecu-
liar nature of it seems to require, I should be necessarily led into the expla-
nation and discussion of several matters and transactions, which, from the
regard 1 bear to you, and the people of this colony, I would far rather have
buried in perpetual oblivion. It is, besides, now vain to argue on the subject,
as you have with the most uncommon and unnecessary precipitation, given
your entire approbation to that destructive mode of proceeding, which I so
earnestly warned you against. Whether, after such a resolution, the petition
you mention, can be reasonably expected to produce any good effect; and
whether you or I have best consulted the true interests of the people, on this
important occasion, I shall leave others to determine."
The language of the council, however, was in a different tone, and as
loyal as the governor himself could desire. " We agree with your excellen-
cy," say they, " that it would argue not only a great want of duty to his
Majesty, but of regard to the good people of this province, were we, on this
occasion, to pass over in silence, the present alarming transactions, which
are so much the objects of public attention, and, thei'cfore, beg leave to as-
sure you, that feeling ourselves strongly influenced, by a zealous attachment
to the interests of Great Britain and her colonies, and deeply impressed with
a sense of the important connexion they have with each other, we shall, Avith
all sincere loyalty to our most gracious sovereign, and all due regard to the
true welfare of the inhabitants of this province, endeavour to prevent those
mischiefs which the present situation of affairs seems to threaten; and by our
zeal for the authority of government on the one hand, and for the constitu-
tional rights of the people on the other, aim at restoring that health of the
political body, which every good subject must earnestly desire."
" Your excellency may be assured, that we will exert our utmost influence,
both in our public and private capacities, to restore that harmony between
the parent state, and his Majesty's American dominions, which is so essen-
tial to the happiness and prosperity of the whole empire. And earnestly
looking for that happy event, we will endeavour to preserve peace and good
order, among the people, and a dutiful submission to the laws."
XVI. The committee appointed for the purpose, composed of Messrs.
Wetherill, Fisher, Ford, Tucker, and Shepherd, reported a petition to his
Majesty, which was adopted by the House. This instrument contained, in
a short compass, llif black catalogiu^ of the grievances of the colonies, and
prayed for that redress, wliich his Majesty's gracious assurances signified by
their governor, that the representations or propositions of the colonies would
be attended to, led them to expect.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 161
In England, the proceedings of the Americans were still viewed with great
indignation by the King and his ministry. His Majesty, in his opening
speech,* to a Parliament newly elected, declared, before intelligence had
been received of the course of the Congress, " that a most daring spirit of
resistance and disobedience to the laws unhappily prevailed in the province
of Massachusetts, and had broken forth in fresh violences of a very criminal
nature; and that these proceedings had been countenanced and encouraged
in his other colonies ; that unwarrantable attempts had been made to obstruct
the commerce of his kingdoms by unlawful combinations; and that he had
taken such measures, and given such orders, as he judged most proper and
etlectual for carrying into execution tlie laws, which were passed in the last
session of the late Parliament, relative to the province of Massachusetts ; an
address, echoing the royal speech, was carried by large majorities in both
Houses of Parliament, but not without a spirited protest from some few lords
of the minority."}"
XVII. The reception, in London, of the proceedings of Congress appeared
to have a momentary beneficial effect upon their cause. The administration
was staggered, and the opposition triumphed in the truth of their predictions,
that the measures pursued by the ministry would unite all the colonies in re-
sistance. The petition of Congress to the King was declared by the Secre-
tary of State, after a day's perusal, to be decent and proper, and was received,
graciously, by his Majesty, who promised to lay it before his two Houses of
Parliament. But the ministry had resolved to compel the obedience of the
Americans. Hence every representation from America, coming through
channels other than ministerial partisans, was unwillingly received, and de-
nied all credit. The remonstrances of the representatives of three millions
of men, made under the most awful and affecting circumstances, and the
most sacred responsibihties, were treated, perhaps believed, as the clamours
of an unruly multitude. In vain did the mei-chants of London, Bristol,
Glasgow, Norwich, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and other places,
by petition, pourtray the evils which must result from such determination,
and predict the dangers to the commercial interests of the kingdom : In vain
did the planters of the sugar colonies, resident in Great Britain, represent,
that the profits on British property in the West India islands, amounting to
many millions, which ultimately centered in Great Britain, would be deranged
and endangered by the continuance of the American troubles : In vain did
the venerable Earl of Chatham, roused from a long retirement, by the dan-
ger of losing these colonies, which his own measures had protected, and,
seemingly, assured to the parent state, apply his comprehensive mind and
matchless eloquence to arrest the fatal course of the administration: In vain,
from a prophetic view of events, did he demonstrate the impossibility of sub-
jugating the colonies; and urge the immediate removal of the troops collect-
ed by General Gage, at Boston, as a measure indispensably necessary to
open the way for an adjustment of the differences with the provinces : In
vain, when undiscouraged by the rejection of the motion, did he propose a
bill for settling the troubles in America. The period of American emancipa-
tion had approached, and the power which might have delayed it, was pro-
videntially stultified.
XVIII. Both Houses of Parliament joined in an address to the King, de-
claring " that they find a rebellion actually exists in the province of Massa-
chusetts." This was followed by an act for restraining the trade and com-
* October 30th.
t Richmond, Portland, Rockingham, Stamford, Stanhope, Torrington, Ponsonby,
Wycombe, and Camden.
X
162 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
merce of the New England provinces, and prohibiting them from carrying
on the fisheries on the banks of Newfoundland, ^\'hich was subsequently
extended to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina,
and the counties on the Delaware.
Pending the consideration of this bill. Lord North introduced what he
termed a conciliatory proposition. It provided that when any colony should
propose to make provision, according to its circumstances, lor contributing
its proportion to the common defence, (such proportion to be raised under
the authority of the General Assembly of such colony, and disposable hy
Parliament,) and should engage to make provision also, for the support of
the civil government, and the administration of justice in such colony;
it would be proper, if such proposal were approved by his Majesty and
Parliament, and for so long as such provision should be made, to forbear
to levy any duty or tax, except such duties as were expedient for the re-
gulation of commei'ce; the net produce of such duties to be carried to the
account of such colony. This proposition was opposed by the friends of the
minister, as an admission of the correctness of the American views as to
taxation by Parliament, and as a concession to armed rebels; until it was
explained, that the resolution was designed to enforce the essential part of
taxation, by compelling the Americans to raise, not only what thev, but what
Parliament, should think reasonable. The minister declared, " that he did
not expect the proposition would be accejjtable to the Americans ; but, that,
if it had no beneficial effect in the colonies, it would unite the people of Eng-
land by holding out to them a distinct object of revenue ; that, as it tended
to unite England, it would produce disunion in America ; for, if one colony
accepted it, the confederacy, which made them formidable, would be
broken."
This avowal of the character and tendency of the i-esolution was not re-
quisite to enlighten the colonists. On its transmission to the provinces, it
was unanimously rejected.
XIX. For the sole purpose of communicating this resolution, Governor
Franklin convened the Assembly of New Jersey, at Burlington, on the 15th
of May, 1775; when, by a long and elaborate speech, he sought to set it be-
fore them, in a light, different from that in which it had been viewed by the
Legislatures of the other colonics. Soon after the opening of the session, a
circumstance occurred, illy adapted to prepare the House for any favourable
impression from the governor. Mr. Tucker laid before the Assembly, a
copy of " The Parliamentary Register, No. 5," containing, among other
things, an extract of a letter, from Governor Franklin to the Earl of Dart-
mouth, dated the 1st February, 1775, received February 28th; in wliich the
governor represents the House as divided in their approbation of the proceed-
ings of the late Congress. The House sent the governor a copy of the ex-
tract, with a request, to be informed, whether it contained a true representa-
tion of the words or substance of the letter written by him, relative to the
proceedings of the last session of Assembly. His excellency complained of
the course of the House, in entering the extract upon their n)inutes, and en-
deavouring to inculpate him; but denied the correctness of the extract.
The House was still dissatisfied, and referred his answer to a committee, to
report thereon, at the next session, when the matter was suffered to fall,
without further notice. Under the excitement produced by this afDiir, the
House replied to the governor's address, delivered at the; opening of the
session.
" As the continental Congress," they said, " is now sitting, to consider of
the present critical situation ol' American affairs, and as this House has al-
ready appointed delegates for that purpose, we should have lx;en glad that
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 163
your excellency had postponed the present meeting, until their opinion could
be had upon the resolution now offered for our consideration, and to which
we have no doubt a proper attention will be paid; more especially, as we
cannot suppose you to entertain a suspicion, that the present House has the
least desio-n to desert the common cause, in which all America appears both
deeply interested, and tirmly united, so far as separately and without the
advice of a body, in which all are represented, to adopt a measure of so
much importance. Until this opinion be known, we can only give your
excellency our present sentiments, being fully of the opinion, that we shall
pay all proper respect to, and abide by the united voice of the Congress on
the present occasion." * * * * * "We confess that your excellency has put
a construction on the proposition which appears to us to be new, and if we
could be of the opinion that the resolution ' holds no proposition beyond the
avowal of the justice, the equity, and the propriety of subjects of the same
state, contributing according to their abilities and situation to the public bur-
dens,' and did not convey to us the idea of submitting the disposal of all our
property to others, in whom we have no choice, it is more than probable, that
we should gladly embrace the opportunity of settling this unhappy dispute."
" Most Assemblies on the continent have, at various times, acknowledged
and declared to the world their willingness, not only to defray the charge of
the administi'ation of justice and the support of the civil government, but also
to contribute, as they have hitherto done, when constitutionally called upon,
to every reasonable and necessary expense for the defence, protection, and
security of the whole English empire; and this colony in particular, hath
always complied with his Majesty's requisitions for these purposes : And we do
assure your excellency, that we shall always be ready, according to our abili-
ties and to the utmost of our power, to maintain the interest of his Majesty and
of the parent state. If, then, your excellency's construction be right, and if a
'proposal of this nature,' will, as you are pleased to inform us, be received
by his Majesty with every possible indulgence, we have hopes, that the decla-
ration we now make, will be looked on by his Majesty and his ministers, not
only to be similar to what is required from us, but also to be, " a basis of a
negotiation, on which the present differences may be accommodated — an
event which we most ardently wish for."
" We have considered the resolution of the House of Commons. We would
not wish to come to a determination, that might be justly called precipitate,
in the present alarming situation of affairs. But if we mistake not, this reso-
lution contains no new proposal. It appears to us to be the same with one
made to the colonies, the year preceding the passage of the stamp act. Ame-
rica then did not comply with it; and though we are sincerely disposed to
make use of all proper means to obtain the favour of his Majesty and the
Parliament of Great Britain, yet we cannot in our present opinion, comply
with a proposition, which we really apprehend to give up the privileges of
freemen ; nor do we want any time to consider, whether we shall submit to
that, which, in our apprehension, will reduce us and our constituents to a
state little better than that of slavery."
"By the resolution now offered, if assented to, we think we shall be to all
intents and purposes, as fully and effectually taxed by our fellow subjects, in
Great Britain, where we have not any representation, as by any of the late
acts of the British Parliament, under which we have been aggrieved, of which
we have complained, and from which we have prayed to be relieved; and
that, too, in a much greater degree perhaps, than by all those acts put to-
gether. We cannot consent to subject the property of our constituents to be
taken away for services and uses, of the propriety of which we have no right
to judge, while to us, are only left the ways and means of raising the money.
164 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
We have always thought and contended, that, we had a right to disposeof
our property ourselves, and we have always cheerfully yielded our assistance
to his Majesty in that way, when the exigencies of affairs required us so to
do, and he has condescended to ask it of us. At this period we cannot form
any judgment, either of the extent of the proposition, or of the consequences
in which the good people of the colony may be involved, by our assent to a
provision so indeterminate, for it appears to us to be impossible to judge what
proportion or share the people can bear, until we know what situation they
will be in, when any sum is intended to be raised."
" Upon the whole, though sincerely desirous to give every mark of duty
and attachment to the King, and to show all due reverence to the Parliament,
we cannot, consistently, with our real sentiments, and the trust reposed
in us, assent to a proposal big with consequences destructive to the public
welfare, and hope that the justice of our parent country will not permit us to
be driven into a situation, the prospect of which fills us with anxiety and
horror."
If the governor really supposed that he could prevail on the colony over
whicli he presided to separate from the union, he had egregiously mistaken
his power ; but he laboured so earnestly to effect this object, that his defeat
should not, and did not lessen his claim upon the favour of his royal master.
He observed, however, that his labour was in vain, and had the good sense
to retire from further contest by a short and moderate rejoinder.
Congress had fixed on the month of May, for their next meeting, that
the disposition of the parent state might be known previously to their deli-
berations. They entertained hopes, that their re-assembling might be un-
necessary; that the union of the colonies, their petition to the King, and
address to the people of Great Britain, might lead to the redress of their
grievances. But these flattering delusions now gave place to the stern and
gloomy truth, that their rights must be defended by the sword, their quarrel
be determined by the god of battles. For this appeal, the colonies, generally
prepared, as soon as the proceedings of Parliament, and the resolution of the
ministry to send out additional troops were known. Means were every
where taken to organize and instruct the militia, and to procure arms and
munitions of war.
XXI. The New Jersey committee of correspondence appointed by the
convention, met at New Brunswick on the second of May, 1775; when
taking into consideration the alarming and very extraordinary conduct of
the British ministry for executing the acts of Parliament, as also the several
acts of hostility which had been actually commenced for this purpose by the
regular forces under General Gage, they directed their chairman, imme-
diately, to call a second provincial convention, to meet at Trenton on the
2Sd of May, to consider and dctcTniine on such matters as should then come
before them.*
This important body mot at the time and ])lace appointed, and elc^cted
Hendrick Fisher their president, Samuel Tucker, vice-jiresident, Jonathan
D. Sergeant, SecnMary, and William Patterson, and Frederick Freling-
hausen, his assistants. On the resignation of Mr. Serg(\ant, soon after, Mr.
Patterson was chosen principal, and Mr. Frelinghausen deputy secretary.
Under a deep and religious sense of the responsibility they had assumed,
the members of the Convention declared, that, " Inasmuch as the business
on which this Congress are now assembled, and is likely to engage their de-
liberation, ap])ears to be of the highest moment, and may, in the event, aflect
the lives and properties, the religion and the liberties of their constituents,
* See Appendix, note CC, for tlic names of tlic members.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 165
and of their remotest posterity, it unquestionably becomes the representative
body of a Christian community, to look up to that all powerful Being, by
whose providence all human events are guided, humbly imploring his divine
favour, in presiding over, and directing their present councils, towards the
re-establishment of order and harmony between Great Britain and her dis-
tressed colonies; and that he would be graciously pleased to succeed the
measures that may be devised as most conducive to these desirable ends : It
is, therefore, ordered, that the president do wait on the ministers of the
gospel in this town, and in behalf of this Congress, request their alternate
attendance and service, every morning at eight o'clock, during the session, in
order, that, the business of the day may be opened with prayer for the above
purposes."
The president opened to the Congress, the important occasion of their meet-
ing, recommending the utmost deliberation in determining on the measures
to be pursued in the defence of their rights and privileges, to which, by their
happy constitution, the inhabitants of the province were justly entitled, and
that due care might be taken to support the established civil authority, (so
far as might consist with the preservation of their fundamental liberties) for
the maintenance of good order and the undisturbed administration of justice.
The restriction, which regard for " the established civil authority," imposed
on the power of the Congress, was, indeed, very inconsiderable. For the
Convention, reflecting the majesty of the people, assumed as occasion re-
quired, the full power of all the branches of government.
They proceeded, to take into consideration the unhappy contest betv/een
Great Britain and the colonies, which they determined was of such a na-
ture, and had reached such a crisis, that the Convention had become abso-
lutely necessary, to provide such ways and means for the security of the
province as the exigencies of the times require: and at the same time de-
clared, that they had assembled with the profoundest veneration for the per-
son and family of his sacred majesty, George III., firmly professing all due
allegiance to his rightful authority and government. And as a majority of
the members of the Legislature, convened at Amboy, in the preceding Janua-
ry, had been instructed by their constituents, to appoint deputies to the Con-
gress, and some of the counties had omitted so to instruct their representa-
tives, who, notwithstanding, had cordially joined in such appointment, the
Convention approved the nomination, and rendered thanks to the House, for
the regard they had shown for the rights and liberties of the province, in
timely adopting the continental association, and resolving in favour of the
resolutions and proceedings of the continental Congress. But the Conven-
tion, also, resolved, that whenever a continental Congress should again be
necessary, that it would be most eligible, for the inhabitants of each county,
to apoint deputies for the purpose of electing delegates.
On the twenty-fifth of May, a written message was addressed to the conti-
nental Congress, then, in session at Philadelphia, declaring that the provincial
Congress was convened " with dispositions most heartily to concur, to the
utmost of their abilities, in the common cause of America, but that they did
not deem it advisable to enter into any measures of consequence, until some
general plan had been adopted by the general Congress : That, in this first
instance of such an assembly in the colony, without precedent for their
direction, and anxiously desirous to make their provincial measures con-
sistent with that plan, they deemed it necessary, by a special deputation, to
request such advice and assistance as the Congress might be disposed to
give.* This deputation reported on the thirtieth, that the Congress was not,
* This committee consisted of William P. Smith and Elias Boudinot.
166 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
then, prepared to give any advice upon the state of the province, but promised
due attention to the request.
The Convention adopted the following form of association, which they
directed to be sent to the committees of observation or correspondence in the
several counties, which had not already associated in a similar manner, in
order that it might be signed by the inhabitants.
" We, the subscribers, freeholders and inhabitants of the township of
in the county of and province of New Jersey, having
long viewed with concern, the avowed design of the ministry of Great
Britain to raise a revenue in America ; being deeply affected with the cruel
liostilities, already commenced in the Massachusetts Bay, for carrying that
arbitrary design into execution; convinced that the preservation of the
rights and ])rivileges of America depends, under God, on the firm union of
its inhabitants; do, with hearts abhorring slavery, and ardently wishing
for a reconciliation with our parent state, on constitutional principles,
solemnly associate and resolve, under the sacred tics of virtue, honour,
and love to our country, that we will, personally, and so far as our in-
fluence extends, endeavour to support and carry into execution, whatever
measures may be recommended by the continental and our provincial
Congress, for defending our constitution and preserving the same inviolate.
We do, also, further associate and agree, as far as shall be consistent
with the measures adopted for the preservation of American freedom, to
support the magistrates and other civil officers in the execution of their
duty, agreeable to the laws of this colony, and to observe the direction of
our committee, acting according to the resolutions of the continental and pro-
vincial Congresses; firmly determined, by all means in our power, to guard
against those disorders and confusions to which the peculiar circumstances
of the times may expose us." Surely, no more effectual mode could have
been devised, of subjecting a people to the will of their leaders, than this
association and its written pledge. Happily, the leaders and the jieople had
the same interest, which the former steadily pursued.
Mr. Pierpoint Edwards, having been deputed from Connecticut to New
Jersey, for the purpose of obtaining intelligence of the true state of the pro-
vince, and to communicate the actual condition of his own, the Convention
gave their state and purposes as we have detailed them; and they, also,
opened a correspondence with the provincial Congress of New York.
The organization of the military force was, in every colony, an object of
the first importance, and received from the provincial Congress of New
Jersey, due attention. One or more companies of eighty men, each, were
directed to be formed in each township or corporation, from the male inha-
bitants between sixteen and fifly years of age, under the supervision of the
respective committees, with power to elect their commissioned officers : The
officers of the companies determined the number which should form a regi-
ment, and named the officers. And as the inhabitants of Morris, Sussex,
and Somerset counties, had made spirited exertions in raising minute men,
pledged to march to any point of the country whenever called on, the Con-
gress approved their conduct, and voted their thanks.
In order to raise the necessary funds, the convention imposed a tax of ten
thousand pounds, which they apportioned, specifically, among the several
counties; and each county quota was apportioned among the townships, by
the township committees, according to the act of Assembly, settling the quotas
of the several counties, to be collected by agents nominated by flie township
committees, and to be paid to the treasurer of the county committees. Then,
after appointing a committee of their body, any three of whom, together with
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 167
the president or vice-president, were empowered to convoke them, the Con-
gress adjourned, upon the 3d day of June, alter a session of eleven days.
XXII. Before the continental Congress again met,* hostilities between the
colonists and the British troops in America, had commenced. The battle of
Lexington was fought,f — and Ticondcroga captured ;:j: — and soon after, the
ever memorable engagement at Breed's Hill,§ gave confidence to the colo-
nists; and the British army, under General Gage, was besieged in Boston.
Instead of contending against orations of ministers, votes and acts of Parlia-
ment, by petition and remonstrance, addresses and resolutions. Congress was
now to be employed, in developing the resources and directing the energies
of the colonics, to resist the military power of Great Britain.
Peyton Randolph was again chosen president, but being in a few days
called to his duties, as speaker of the house of burgesses, of Virginia, Mr.
John Hancock, of Boston, was unanimously elected his successor. Mr.
Charles Thompson was re-appointed secretary. The leading patriots had
long foreseen, that, the controversy must bo decided by arms ; yet they were
anxious, that the odium of the war should fall on their oppressors. Care
was, therefore, taken, to show that the royal troops had been the aggressors
at Lexington ; and the inhabitants of New York were advised to act, defen-
sively, on the arrival of British troops there ; to permit the forces to remain in
barracks, but to sutier no fortifications to be erected, nor the communication
between the town and country to be impeded. To this cause, we must also
assign the resolution of Congress ascribing the capture of Ticonderoga, to
the imperious necessity of resisting a cruel invasion from Canada, planned
and commenced by the ministry.
Congress promptly proceeded to further measures of offence and defence.
They prohibited exports to such parts of British America, as had not joined
the confederacy — forbade the supply of provisions, or other necessaries, to
the English fisheries on the coast, to the army and navy in Massachusetts,
and to vessels employed in transporting British troops and munitions of war;
and interdicted the negotiation of bills of exchange, drawn by British officers,
agents or contractors, and the advance of money to them, on any terms what-
ever. To secure the colonies against the forcible execution of the late ob-
noxious acts of Parliament, they resolved, to put them immediately in a state
of defence; recommending to them, severally, to provide the munitions of
wai" — to prepare the militia ; so classing them, that a fourth of their number
might be drawn into action, at a minute's warning; and to form a corps for
continual service ; — authorizing each colony, apprehensive of attack, to levy
one thousand regulars at the expense of the confederacy. They organized
the higher departments of the army, framed regulations for its government,
and issued three millions of dollars, in bills of credit, for its maintenance.
They prepared an address to the army and the people, reviewing the conduct
of Great Britain, exposing the enormity of her pretensions, exhibiting the
dreadful alternative she had created, of unconditional submission, or resist-
ance by arms, and asserting the justice of their cause, the competency of the
means to maintain it, and their fixed determination to employ, at every
hazard, the utmost energy of the powers granted them by their Creator, for
the preservation of their liberties. This spirit-stirring manifesto closed with
the following solemn protestation. — " In our native land, in defence of the
freedom which is our birth-right, and which we ever enjoyed, until the late
violation of it, for the protection of our property, acquired solely by the
honest industry of our forefathers, and ourselves, against violence actually
* lOtli May, 1775. t IHlh April.
i 9th May. § June 17th, 1775.
168 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
offered, we have taken up arms ; we sliall lay them down when hostilities
shall cease on the part of the aggressors, and all danger of their being re-
moved, and not befoi'e."
XXIII. Under other circumstances, the selection of a commander-in-chief,
amid opposing pretensions, would have been exceedingly diihcult. The
individual best fitted for this important trust was now a delegate in Con-
gress, and had embarked a high character and splendid fortune, with his life,
in the perilous contest. Of mature age, and advantageously known to all
British America, by his military talents, sound judgment, firm temper, spot-
less integrity, and dignified person and demeanour, there could not exist a
single personal objection to his nomination. The middle and southern dis-
tricts possessed no man having superior claims to public confidence ; and if
the northern had a preference for an individual of their own section, policy
and gratitude required its sacrifice. The delegates of Massachusetts, there-
fore, nominated Colonel George Washington, of Virginia, who was unani-
mously appointed commander-in-chief of the united colonics.* His com-
mission, revocable by Congress, invested him with " full power and autho-
rity to act as he should think for the good and welfare of the service;"
subject to the rules of war and the orders of Congress. By a resolution,
simultaneous with his appointment. Congress declared, " that for the main-
tenance and preservation of American liberty, they would adhere to him
with their lives and fortunes." The reply of Mr. Washington, to the an-
nunciation of his appointment, by the president of Congress, was marked by
that modesty, disinterestedness, and devotion to duty, which eminently dis-
tinguished him. As no pecuniarj'^ motive had excited him to assume the
dangerous honour, he declined all compensation for services that were in-
estimable; declaring that he would accept only the reimbursement of his
expenses.
Soon after the nomination of the commander-in-chief, Congress created
and filled the ofiiccs of subordinate generals. Artemas Ward, Charles Lee,
Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam, were appointed major-generals, ranking
in the order we have named them ; Horatio Gates, adjutant-general ; and
Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Woostcr, William Heath,
Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, John Sullivan, and Nathaniel Greene,
brigadiers.
XXIV. Although determined to resist to the uttermost the tyranny of the
parent state, the colonies had given no public indication of their desire to be-
come independent of her government. Many provincialists, certainly, looked
to political independence as the possible result of the contest ; some, perhaps,
wished and sought it, but none avowed such wishes. The American people
were proud of their derivation, and exulted in their connexion with Great
Britain. Some of their most distinguished patriots could under no circum-
stances, resolve to break the bonds which bound them to her. It was cha-
racteristic, therefore, that, amid warlike preparations, renewed attempts
should l)e made to propitiate the British government and people. Another
petition to the King was, however, opposed by several members of the
Congress, from a conviction that it would prove nugatory. But the influ-
ence of Mr. Dickenson, by whom it was proposed and written, procured its
adoption.
This address, replete with professions of duty and attachment, declared,
that " the provincialists not only most fervently desired the former harmony
between Great Britain and the colonics to be restored, but that a concord
might be established between them upon so firm a basis, as to perpetuate its
*" June 15th, 1775.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 169
blessings, uninterrupted by any future dissentions, to succeeding generations
in both countries. They, therefore, besought his Majesty to direct some
mode by which the united applications of his faithful colonists to the throne,
in pursuance of their common counsels, might be improved to a happy and
i:)ermanent reconciliation. These sincere professions of three millions of his
subjects, were contemptuously treated by the King. The petition was pre-
sented through the secretary for American aflairs, on the first of Septem-
ber, by Messrs. Richard Penn and Henry Lee; and on the fourth, Lord
Dartmouth informed them, that " to it no answer would be given." And in
a speech from the throne, the colonists were accused of designing " to amuse,
by vague expressions of attachment to the parent state, and the strongest
protestations of loyalty to their King, while they were preparing for a ge-
neral revolt; and their rebellious war was manifestly carried on for the
purpose of establishing an independent empire." Contumely so unwise and
undeserved, served but to confirm the scrupulous in America, in the course
of resistance — removing the faintest hope of redress by the humble and
pacific means of petition and remonstrance.
Whilst resorting to arms, respect for the opinions of their fellow subjects
induced Congress to make an exposition of their motives in addresses to the
inhabitants of Great Britain, to the people of Ireland, and to the Assembly of
Jamaica. They also published a declaration to the world, setting forth the
necessity of assuming arms, and recapitulating the injuries they had sustain-
ed. " We arc," they said, " reduced to the alternative of choosing an un-
conditional submission to the tyranny of irritated ministers, or resistance by
force. The latter is our choice. We have counted the cost of this contest,
and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery."
General Washington, immediately after liis appointment to the chief com-
mand, repaired to the army before Boston. With incredible difficulty he
was enabled to maintain a show of force, which confined the British troops
to that town from the month of June, 1775, until the month of March follow-
ing, when the Americans, having seized and fortified Dorchester Heights,
which overlooked and commanded the place. General Howe, who had suc-
ceeded General Gage,* abandoned it, and sailed with his command for
Halifax.
The capture of Ticonderoga had opened the gates of Canada, and the im-
petuous spirit of Colonel Arnold was eager to enter them. At his instance,
Congress resolved to invade that province ; and from the unprepared state of
its defence, and the friendly disposition of its inhabitants, well founded hopes
were entertained of success. This step, which changed the character of the
war from defensive to oflensive, was justified by the obvious propriety of de-
priving the enemy, for such the parent state was now considered, of the
means of assailing the colonies from that quarter. The command of this en-
terprise was given to Generals Schuyler and Montgomery. The former,
however, soon retired, in consequence of ill health. The latter, with a force
of one thousand men, having captured the fort at Chamblee, and the post of
St. Johns, proceeded to Montreal in despite of the opposing efforts of General
Carlton, governor of the province ; and, having obtained at this place many
necessary supplies, led his gallant little army to the walls of Quebec.
During the progress of General Montgomery, Colonel Arnold, with bold-
ness and perseverance rarely surpassed, conducted a detachment to the St.
Lawrence, by an unexplored course along the Kennebcck and Chaudiei-e
rivers, through a trackless desert of three hundred miles. His force origi-
Tially consisted of one thousand men, one-third of whom were compelled to
• October lOth.
170 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
return by the want of necessaries. The remainder persevered with unabated
resolution; surmounting every obstacle of mountain and forest; progressing
at times, not more than five miles a day ; whilst so destitute of provisions, that
some of the men ate their dogs, cartouch boxes, breeches and shoes. When
distant a hundred miles from any habitation, their whole store was divided,
yielding only four pints of flour per man ; and after having baked and eaten
their last morsel, they had thirty miles to travel before they could expect
relief. After a march ol' thirty-one days, they reached the inhabited parts
of Canada, where they were kindly received, and their wants supplied by the
astonished natives.
Before Rlontgomery attained Montreal, Arnold had reached Point Levy,
opposite Quebec; and had it been possible for the latter to cross the St.
Lawrence, that important place would, probably, have been, immediately, sur-
rendered by the astonished and affrighted garrison. But the want of boats
occasioned an indispensable delay of a few days, and the inhabitants,
English and Canadians, alarmed for their property, united for its defence.
The pi'ospects of the Americans, however, were not desperate. The inhabi-
tants of Canada, many of whom were from the colonies of New England
and New York, were friendly to the colonial cause, and excited by the wis-
dom and humanity of General Montgomery, gave the most efficient aid.
The united American forces laid siege to Quebec, but the paucity of their
number forbade any just expectations of reducing the place, unless by a
coup de main. General Montgomery was induced, by various considera-
tions, to attempt it by storm. The depth of winter was approaching; dissen-
tions had arisen between Arnold and his officers ; the specie of the military
chest was exhausted, and the continental bills were uncurrent; the troops,
worn by toil, were exposed to the severities of the season ; the term for
which many had enlisted was near expiring, and their departure for home
was apprehended ; and the brilliant success that had hitherto attended them
had excited hopes, which their high-spirited and enthusiastic commander
dreaded to disappoint. He was not unaware of the danger and hazard of such
an attempt. Governor Carlton, who commanded in Quebec, was an expe-
rienced and able soldier ; and the garrison, provided with every thing neces-
sary for defence, daily acquired firmness. But success had often crowned
adventures more hopeless than that which he proposed; and the triumph of
Wolfe, on this very field, taught him, that to the brave and resolute, difficult
things were not impossibilities.
The escalade of the town was made with a force of less than eight hun-
dred men.* Two feints were directed, one by Colonel Livingston, at the
head of his regiment of Canadian auxiliaries, the other by Major Brown; the
principal attacks were conducted by Montgomery and Arnold, in person.
The former advancing against the lower town, had passed the first barrier,
and was preparing to storm the second, when he was killed by the discharge
of a cannon fired by the last of its retreating defenders. His death so dispi-
rited the assailants, that Colonel Campbell, on whom the command devolved,
thought proper to draw them oft". Arnold, at the head of about three hun-
dred and fifiy men, with irresistible impetuosity, carried a two gun battery;
but in the conflict, receiving a wound from a musket ball, which shattered
his leg, he v/as compelled to quit the field. His party continued the assault,
and mastered a second barrier. But, after a contest for three hours with the
greater part of the garrison, finding themselves hemmed in, without hopes of
success, relief, or retreat, they yielded themselves prisoners. This issue, so
unfortunate for the colonists, relieved the town from all apprehensions for its
' December 31st, 1775.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 171
safety ; the invaders being so much weakened as to be scarce competent to
their own defence. Arnold encamped at three miles distance from Quebec,
and maintained his position amid many difficulties and great privations, until
the spring, when he was joined by reinforcements.
The fall of General Montgomery was deplored by friends and foes. He
was an Irishman by birth, and though scarce thirty-eight years of age,
a veteran soldier. He had shared in the labours and ti'iumph of Wolle;
was distinguished for talent and military genius, and blessed with a mild and
constant temper, and dauntless courage. The highest honours of his profes-
sion awaited him in the British service. These he abandoned for the enjoy-
ments of domestic happiness in the country of his adoption. But, devoted to
freedom, he engaged enthusiastically in defence of the American cause, and
by his early successes in tlie Canadian campaign, induced the highest antici-
pations of future greatness. In Pariiament, his worth was acknowledged,
and his fate lamented ; the minister himself joined in his praise, whilst con-
demning the cause in which he fell, and concluded his involuntary panegyric,
in the language of the poet, crying, " Curse on his virtues, they've undone
his country." In Congress he was mourned as a martyr to liberty, and by
their direction a marble monument, of beautiful simplicity, with emblematical
devices, has been erected to his memory, in front of St. Paul's church, New
York.
XXVI. The provincial Congress of New Jersey re-assembled on the fifth
of August, 1775, and engaged in devising further means for the collection
of the tax they had imposed and for the organization of the militia. They
directed fifty-four companies, each of sixty-four minute men, to be organized,
allotting to each county a specific number, and assigning the duty of ap-
pointing their officers to the respective county committees. The minute
men entered into the following engagement : " We, the subscribers, do vo-
luntarily enlist ourselves as minute men in the company of
in the county of And do promise to hold ourselves in constant
readiness, on the shortest notice, to march to any place where our assistance
may be required, for the defence of this and any neighbouring colony ; as
also to pay due obedience to the commands of our officers, agreeable to the
rules and orders of the continental Congres, or the provincial Congress of
New Jersey, or during its recess, of the committee of safety." These troops
were formed into ten battalions; in Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth,
Somerset, Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Burlington, one each ; in Glou-
cester and Salem one, whilst in the counties of Cumberland and Cape May
were independent light infantry and rangers: — They took precedence of the
other militia, and were entitled to be relieved at the end of four months,
unless in actual service. Congress, also, resolved, that two brigadier-gene-
rals should be appointed, but named, at the time, only Mr. Philemon Dicken-
son to that command. Mr. Livingston soon after received the other com-
mission. And as there were a number of people within the province,
whose peculiar religious principles did not allow them, in any case to
bear arms — the Congress declared, that they intended no violence to con-
science; and, therefore, earnestly recommended it to such persons to con-
tribute the more liberally, in these times of univei-sal calamity, to the relief
of their distressed brethren; and to do all other services to their oppressed
country, consistent with their religious profession.
But the chief measure of the provincial Congress was the perpetuation of
the authority which they had assumed. To this end they resolved, that,
" Whereas, it is highly expedient, at a time when this province is likely to
be involved in all the horrors of civil war, and when it has become abso-
lutely necessary to increase the burden of taxes, already laid on the good
172 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
people of this colony, for the just defence of their invaluable rights and privi-
leges, that the inhabitants thereof should have frequent opportunities of re-
newing their choice and approbation of the representatives in provincial
Congress : — Therefore, the inhabitants in each county, qualified to vote for
representatives in General Assembly, shall meet together, (at places desig-
nated) on the twenty-first day of September next, and elect, not exceeding
five substantial freeholders as deputies, with full power to represent such
county in provincial Congress to be holden at Trenton on the third of Octo-
ber next: — That dm-ing the continuance of the present unhappy disputes
between Great Britain and America, there be a new choice of deputies in
every county, yearly, on the third Thursday of September: — That on the
said Thursday in every year, such inhabitants shall choose a sufficient num-
ber of freeholders to constitute a county committee of observation and cor-
respondence, with full power as well, to superintend and direct the necessary
business of the county, as to carry into execution the resolutions and orders
of the continental and provincial Congresses: — That the inhabitants of each
township, so qualified, do immediately choose a sufficient number of free-
holders to constitute a township committee, and that on the second Tuesday
of March, thereafter, they make a like choice, to act as committee of observa-
tion and correspondence, in the townships, respectively, with power within
their precincts, similar to that conferred upon the county committees.
Having appointed Jonathan D. Sergeant their treasurer, and a committee of
safety to exercise their powers during the recess, the Congress adjourned to
the twentieth day of the ensuing September,* at which session no important
matters seem to have occurred. The Congress, elected in September, con-
vened in October, when they were employed chiefly in modifying the ordi-
nance for regulating the militia, and in collecting and preparing the scanty
stock of munitions of war which the country contained. At their rising, this
Congress, also, appointed a committee of safety from among themselves,
who, in the vacation, continued the measures for the defence of the country.
They called before them persons accused of disaffection to the American
cause, fined, imprisoned, or held them to bail, as they deemed meet; and
where the accused was an officer of the government, they suspended liini
from the exercise of his functions. But having received several communica-
tions from the continental Congress, relative to raising of additional force
for the general service, the establishment of a court of admiralty, and regu-
lations for the continental troops, raised in the colonies, they summoned the
provincial Congress to meet at New Brunswick, on the thirty-first of Ja-
nuary.")"
The procurement of arms and munitions was a labotn* of very great diffi-
cuhy. The policy of the continent, in its anterior warfare with the ministry,
having prohibited importation, the whole country was bare of these indis-
pensable agents of war; and to equip even one battalion, that of Colonel
* Names of cominittoe of safety — Hendrick Fisher, Samuel Tucker, Isaac Pearson,
John Hart, Jonatlian D. Sergeant, Azariali Dunham, Peter Schenk, Enos Kelsey,
Josej)h Rordcn, Frederick Frcehnghauscn, and Jolin Schnrman. — Min. of Convention.
This conmiitteo was cliangcd, hy the Congress liolden in Trenton, in October. But I
have not been able to find the minutes of the sessions of the provincial Congress of
September and October, 1775. The proceedings, then iiad, do not seem to have been
considered important, since they were not printed, so far as my researches have ena-
bled me to dicovor. Tlic following are the names of the committee of safety ap-
pointed in October; at least of such as attended the session of .January Iftth, 1770; the
proceedings of which have been i)\iblished, viz. Samuel Tucker, president. Hendrick
Fisher, vice-president, AbraJiani Clark, secretary, Azarinh Dunham, lluloffc Van-
dyke, John Dennis, Augustine Stevenson, John Pope, .lohn Hart, Joseph Hotmcs.
t See Appendix, note D D, for the names of the members of provincial Congress,
elected in September, 1775.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 173
Maxwell, ordered to march to Canada, the provincial Congress was com-
pelled to apply to the county committees, and to appeal to the patriotism of
individuals.
On the sixth of February, 1776, the Convention made a new appointment
of delegates, to the continental Congress, for the current year, consistino- of
William Livingston, John de Hart, Richard Smith, John Cooper, and Jona-
than Dickenson Sergeant, who, or any three of them, were empowered to
agree to all measures which such Congress might deem necessari/, and
in case of the adjournment of the continental Congress, to represent the pro-
vince in any other such Congress as might assemble during their delegation.
The thanks of the Convention were given to their late representatives.
This Congress, like its predecessors, exercised the whole power of the
state, assuming control over its funds, and directing its physical energies. A
first measure was an endeavour to protect such points as the}^ deemed most
exposed to the forces from the British fleet ; which, under the supposition,
that New York was adequately defended, they believed to be Perth Am-
boy, and Swedesborough on the Delaware. For this object the conti-
nental Congress was solicited to take into pay two battalions and two com-
panies of artillery ; but Congress were unable to do more than order the
procurement of twelve pieces of small cannon, and to engage for the mainte-
nance of two companies of artillery, which were raised by the province. An
ordinance was passed modifying the form of association, and delaring, that,
though it was not the design of the Congress to offer violence to conscience,
yet it was highly necessary, that all the inhabitants should associate, so far as
their religious principles would permit ; and, therefore, directing, that all per-
sons, whose religious principles would not suffer them to bear arms, and to
sign the general association, might sign it with the following proviso. " I
agree to the above association, as far as the same is consistent with my reli-
gious principles." All persons refusing to sign this modified form, were
to be disarmed, to give security for their peaceable conduct, and pay the
expenses attending thereon. The township and county committees were
chai-ged with the execution of this ordinance, and appeal by a party aggrieved
was permitted from the township, to the county, committee, and from the latter
to the Congress. These committees were also empowered to confine any
person, notwithstanding his offer of security, whose freedom might prove
dangerous to the common cause. It was further declared, that all such
persons, between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, who should not attend,
properly accoutred, and bear arms, on the times appointed for the general
muster of the militia, should pay ten shillings for each default, to be reco-
vered by warrant of distress. And in order to encourage enlistment into the
service of the United Colonies, the Congress granted to the soldiei's, exemption
of person and goods from execution for small debts, and to procure a sup-
ply of nitre and common salt, they established a bounty on the manufacture
of both articles.
The impending invasion of New York, filled that city with alarm, and
many of its inhabitants actuated by various motives, disposed themselves in
the neighbouring counties of New Jersey. So numerous was this emigration
that the provincial Congress, doubting, whether it was caused by cowardice
or cunning, passed an ordinance to repress it. — Providing, that " whereas,
large numbers of people are daily removing from the neighbouring colonies
into New Jersey, and it being unknown upon what principles such removals
are occasioned, whether to seek an asylum from ministerial oppression, or
the resentment of their injured country, to whom they may have become ob-
noxious, by adhering to the present system of tyranny, now endeavouring to
be executed in America ; and it being inconsistent with the principles of per-
174 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
sons, properly attached to the cause of liberty, to desert their town or county
at a time their assistance may be absolutely necessary for its defence, unless
the support and maintenance of their families may make such removal neces-
sary— This Congress, therefore, think it advisable, that, although the inha-
bitants of this colony ought most cheerfully, to receive into their protection,
and afford all the relief in their power, to all such as are helpless, and unable
to defend themselves, yet they ought to prevent the desertion of places in
immediate danger of attack from the enemy, by all who are proper to re-
main for the defence thereof, and also to prevent persons inimical to the
liberties for which the United States are contending, from taking refuge in
this province — For remedy whereof, they resolved, that all persons proper
to bear arms, who had removed, or should remove into the colony from any
city or county of another province, in danger of being suddenly attacked,
should immediately return to make that defence, becoming every good citi-
zen, unless they should produce permits from the committee of the precinct,
from whence they removed, to reside in this colony, or unless such residence
appeared necessary for the support of the resident's family, or he had no
visible means of support whence he came, and could procure such support
by his industry in this colony. And they further resolved, that all suspected
persons removing into the colony, should be immediately returned to the
place whence they came, unless their detention as delinquents should be
proper; or unless they produced certificates from the committee of the
precinct, from which they came, that they had signed the association recom-
mended by Congress, and had not subsequently contravened it." The execu-
tion of this ordinance was consigned to the several county and township
committees.
Some irregularities having taken place in the election of the existing Con-
gress, this body resolved to dissolve itself, and to direct the election of another,
on the fourth Monday of May, following, and thence annually ; and repealing
a former ordinance, they passed one, tor that purpose, in which the right
to vote was extended to all persons, who having signed the general associa-
tion, were of full age, had resided immediately preceding the election, for the
space of one year, in the colony, and were worth fifty pounds in personal
estate.
XXVII. Governor Franklin convened the Legislature on the 16th of No-
vember, 1775, that they might have an opportunity of transacting such busi-
ness as the public exigencies required. In his opening address he observed.
" Having lately said so much to you, concerning the present unhappy situa-
tion of public affairs, and the destructive measures which have been adopted
in the colonies under the pretence of necessity ; and as I do not see, that the
urging any more arguments on that head has a chance of producing any
good effect, I shall not endanger the harmony of the present session by a
further discussion of the subject." He proceeded, however, to inform them
from his instructions, "That his Majesty laments to find his subjects in Ame-
rica, so lost to their own true interests, as neither to accept the resolution of
the House of Commons of the 20th of February, nor make it the basis of a
negotiation, when, in all probability, it would have led to some plan of ac-
commodation, and that, as they have preferred engaging in a rebellion, Avhich
menaces to overthrow the constitution, it becomes his Majesty's duty, and is
his firm resolution, that the most vigorous efforts should be made, both by
sea and land to reduce his rebellious subjects to obedience. But it is hoped,
that unfavourable as the prospects are at present, the time will come, when
men of sense, and friends to peace and good order will see the fatal conse-
quences of the delusions whicli have led to the measures the people of America
are now pursuing, and that we may yet see the public tranquillity re-esta-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 175
blished on the ground of the terms held out by his Majesty and the Parlia-
ment."
"Although," he continued, "the King's officers in this province, have not,
as yet, (except in one or two instances,) met with any insults or improper
treatment from any of the inhabitants ; yet such has been the general infatua-
tion and disorder of the times, that had I followed the judgment and advice of
some of my best friends, I should ere this, have sought, (as others of the
King's governors have done,) an asylum on board of one of his Majesty's
ships. But, as 1 am conscious that I have the true interest and welfare of
the people at heart, (though I am so unhappy as to differ widely in opinion
with their representatives with respect to the best means of serving them, in
the present crisis,) I shall continue my confidence in that affection and re-
gard which I have on so many occasions experienced from all ranks during
my residence in this colony."
"I have, indeed, the stronger inducement to run this risk and to use my
influence with the other crown officers to do the same, because our retreat
would necessarily be attributed to either the effect, or well grounded appre-
hension of violence, and of course subject the colony to be more immediately
considered as in actual rebellion, and be productive of mischiefs, which it is
my earnest inclination and determination to prevent, as iar as may be in my
power. Let me, therefore, gentlemen, entreat you to exert your influence
likewise with the people, that they may not by any action of theirs, give
cause for bringing such calamities on the province. No advantage can
possibly result from the seizing, confinement, or ill-treatment of officers, ade-
quate to the certain damage such acts of violence must occasion the province
to suffer."
" However, gentlemen, if you should be of a different opinion, and will not,
or cannot, answer for our safety, all I ask is, that you would tell me so in
such plain and open language, as cannot be misunderstood. For as senti-
ments of independency are, by some men of present consequence, openly
avowed, and essays are already appearing in the public papers, to ridicule
the people's fear of that horrid measure, and remove their aversion to repub-
lican government, it is high time, that every man should know, what he has
to expect. If, as I hope, you have an abhorrence of such a design, you will
do your country an essential sei'vice, by declaring it in so full and explicit
terms, as may discourage the attempt. You may always rely on finding me
ready to co-operate with you in every proper expedient for promoting peace,
order, and good government ; and I shall deem it a particular happiness to
have an opportunity of being instrumental in saving this province from the
present impending danger."
XXVIII. The prominent objects of this address, seem to have been to ob-
tain from the Assembly, an assurance of personal safety, and a disavowal of
all intention to proclaim independence. And in these, the governor was
successful. For the House replied, " your excellency's safety, or that of any
of the officers of government, we apprehend to be in no danger. We place our
own safety in that protection which the laws of our country and the execu-
tive powers of government afford to all the King's subjects. It is the only
asylum which we have to fly to, and we make no doubt that it will be, as it
hitherto hath been, found fully equal to the purpose, both of securing your
excellency and others. And we hope to find, that the officers of government
will conduct themselves so prudently, as not to invite any ill usage; and that
they will not make any supposed ' infatuation or disorder' of the times, a pre-
tence to leave the province, and thereby endeavour to subject the inhabitants
to any calamities."
" We know of no sentiments of independency, that are, by men of any con-
176 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
sequence, openly avowed ; nor do wo approve of any essays tending to encou-
rage such a measure. We have ah-eady expressed our detestation of such
opinions, and we have so frequently and fully declared our sentiments on
this subject, and particularly, in our petition to the King, at the last session
of the Assembly, that we should have thought ourselves, as at present we
really deserve to be, exempt from all suspicions of this nature."
The dread of independence seems to have seized, at this time, others than
the governor. Several petitions were presented from the freeholders of Bur-
lington county, praying the House to enter into such resolves as might dis-
courage an independency on Great Britain. The petitioners were summoned
before the House, and stated, that they had been induced to address it,
" from reports that some affected independency." Whereupon, it was re-
solved, that reports of independency, in the apprehension of the House, are
groundless : — That it be recommended to the delegates of the colony, to use
their utmost endeavours for obtaining a redress of grievances, and for i-estor-
ing the union between the colonies and Great Britain, upon constitutional
principles ; and that, the said delegates be directed not to give their assent,
but utterly to reject any propositions, if such should be made, that may sepa-
rate this colony from the mother country, or change the form of government
thereof. The spirit of these resolutions differed widely from that which ani-
mated the provincial Congress, which, in the succeeding February, instructed
the delegates to agree to all measures which the continental Congress might
deem necessary.
XXIX. At this session the governor communicated to the Legislature, the
royal approbation of an act, for issuing on loan, bills of credit to the amount
of one hundred thousand pounds. For more than twelve years this had been
a desirable object with the Assembly, who, as wc have, elsewhere, observed,
frequently passed bills for this purpose, which had hitherto been rejected by
the crown ; but as if every concession to the wishes of the people, was a
grant of property for which some consideration was due. Lord Dartmouth,
in remitting the approval, informed the governor, " At the same time I am
commanded by the King, to say to you, that it would have been more agreea-
ble to his Majesty, if the Assembly, instead of a general appropriation of the
interest of the loan to the support of government in such manner as shall be
directed by future acts, had thought fit to make a settlement, during the
existence of that loan, upon the civil officers of government, of salaries more
suitable to their respective offices than they now receive; and to appropriate
a specific proportion of the said interest, to building houses for the residence
of the governor and the meeting of the Legislature, of which you say there
is a shameful want. Such an appropriation is no more than what they owe
to the dignity of their own government, and his Majesty's just expectations;
and, therefore, it is his Majesty's pleasure, that you do require the Assembly,
in his Majesty's name, to make such provision accordingl}-, trusting that
they will not make such an ill return to his Majesty's grace and favour, in
the confirmation of this law, as not to comply with so just and reasonable a
requisition." Thus, a measure was conceded by all parti(>s, having power over
it, to be just and necessary, and yet, an individual, who, in all matters relating
to the pul)!ic weal, shoidd have been deemed but an individual, inflated by the
worship of crowds, dared to talk o^ grace and favour in the performance of a
simple and imperious duty. But the age is passing away, when men will
make themselves golden calves for worship, and w hen a feeble mortal shall
"Assume the God,
Affect to nod,
And seem to shake the spheres."
But the name of the King was no longer a spell sufficiently potent to open
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 177
the purses of the people, for a prescribed series of years, in favour of royal
officers. The Assembly declared, " that though they entertained the most
grateful sense of the attention shown to the wishes of the colony, in the
allowance of the loan act, and of his Majesty's gracious inclinations to give
" every indulgence consistent with the true principles of commerce and the
constitution," and are sincerely disposed to grant his Majesty's requisitions;
yet, at this time, the House cannot consider it prudent, to go into any in-
crease of the salaries of the officers of government, nor do they apprehend
that it will be beneficial for his government over us, to settle them longer
than the usual time ; or expedient to erect buildings at present, better to ac-
commodate the branches of the Legislature."
On December 6th, 1775, the House was prorogued by the governor until
the third day of January, 1776, but it never re-assembled; and thus termi-
nated the pi'ovincial Legislature of New Jersey.
178 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER XII.
Comprising Civil Events of the year 1776. — I. State of the Public Opinion at the com-
mencement of the ycuT 1776 — Gradual growth of the desire of Independence. —
II. Resolution of Congress for the establishment of Independent Colonial Go-
vernments.— 111. Provincial Congress re-assembles — Proceeds to the Forma-
tion of a Colonial Constitution. — IV. Review of the Constitution. — V. Oath of
Abjuration and Allegiance established. — VI. Tories — their motives. — VII. Law
relative to Treason. — VIII. Imprisonment and Relegation of Governor Frank-
lin.— IX. Measures adopted against the Disaffected. — X. Adoption of the Decla-
ration of Independence.
I. For more than a year the whole country had been, not, only, in open
rebellion against the King, but its inhabitants had actually made war upon
their fellow subjects, who, unconscious of oppression, had preserved their
loyalty. Yet, during this period, the governments of the United Colonies,
respectively, were administered in the King's name, and the people, every
where, professed affection for his person, and attachment to the parent state.
In the first half of the year 1755, amongst the great mass of the people and
many of their leaders, these sentiments were real. But the more daring and
ambitious spirits had, not only foreseen that the continuance of political con-
nexion was not much longer possible, but had, successfully, sought to in-
spire the people with the desire of independence. And, probably, there was
not a profoundly reflecting man in revolted America, who did not, in the
depths of his heart, believe, that the severance of the ties between the parent
and daughters was, at no very distant period, inevitable; though many,
from various causes, such as timidity, selfish policy, and influence of family
relations, were disposed to postpone the event.*
But this inconsistent state of things could not continue, without tlte most
odious and useless hypocrisy, nor without the greatest injury to the cause of
the colonists. Whilst the expectation of a reunion was suffered to delude the
minds of men, a reluctance to pursue those energetic measures which the
crisis demanded, would paralyze the best efforts of the patriots who had
assumed the direction of aflairs. In effecting a change and demonstration of
public opinion, perhaps, no single agent was more powerful, than a pamphlet
styled Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine; which, in a clear, perspi-
cuous, and popular style, boldly pronounced a continued connexion with
England unsafe, as well as impracticable; and successfully ridiculed her
* In 1708 the following language was holden in the .^mcricnn Whi<r, a periodical
paper, published in New York, edited b)' Mr. William Livingston, aflorwards. gover-
nor of New Jersey; and the article is said to have been written by him. — Scdgtcick's
Life nf Lirin^sl.on, p. 145. " The day dawns in wliich the foundation of this mighty
empire is to be laid, by the establishment of a rciralar jhiicrican Constinition. All that
has hitlicrto been done, seems to bo litth; besides the collection of materials for the
construrtion of this glorious fabric. 'Tis time to put them togctlier. The transfer of
the European part of the great family is so swift, and our growth so vast, that before
seven years roll over our heads, the first stone must be laid. Peace or war, famine or
plenty, poverty or aiHuence, in a word, no circumstance, whether prosperous or ad-
verse, can liap])en to our parent, nay, no conduct of hers, whether wise or imprudent;
no possible temper on hor part, will put a stop to this building*** What an era is
this to America I and how loud tiie call to viffilance and activity! As we conduct, so
will it fare with us and our children." Notwitiistanding this prophecy and the spirit
which prompted it, and which filled the bosom of every leading man in every colony,
Mr. Livingston was of those who believed, that the time for its fulfilment had not
arrived, and that the declaration of independence, when made, was premature.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 179
constitution, which had hitherto been deemed the masterpiece of political
workmanship. This pamphlet was universally read, and among those who
were zealous in the war, obtained, every where, friends to the measure of
independence. The belief became general, that a cordial reconciliation with
Great Britain was impossible ; that, mutual confidence could never be re-
stored ; that, reciprocal jealousy, suspicion, and hate, would take place of
that affection, indispensably necessary to a beneficial connexion ; that, the
commercial dependence of America upon Britain, was injurious to the former,
which must derive incalculable benefit from, full liberty to manufacture her
raw material, and to export her products to the markets of the world ; that
further dependence upon a nation or sovereign, distant three thousand miles,
ignorant and i-egardless of their interests, was intolerable in the present ra-
pidly increasing strength and power of the colonies; that the hazard in pro-
longing the contest was as great as in the declaration of independence ; and
that, since the risk of every thing was unavoidable, the greatest good attaina-
ble should be made, in common justice and prudence, the reward of success.
It was urged, also, with great force, that foreign aid could be more certainly
obtained from the rivals of Great Britain, if they felt assured that sucli aid
would tend to the permanent dismemberment of her empire. The bias
given by all these forces was confirmed among the people, on finding, that,
they were declared to be in a state of rebellion; that foreign mercenaries
were employed to forge their chains ; that the tomahawk and scalping knife
were engaged in the British sei-vice ; and that their slaves were to be seduced
from their masters and armed against them.
II. The measures of Congress during this remarkable contest, took their
complexion from the temper of the people. Their proceedings against those
disaffected to their cause became more vigorous ; their language relative to the
British government, less that of subordinate states — general letters of marque
and reprisal were granted, and the ports were opened to all nations not sub-
ject to the British crown. At length, the great and important step of inde-
pendence was in effect, though not in form, taken. On the 15th May, 1776,
Congress declared, that his Britannic Majesty, with the lords and commons,
had, by act of Parliament, excluded the united colonies from the protection of
the crown ; that, not only had their humble petition for redress and reconcilia-
tion been received with disdain, but the whole force of the kingdom, aided by
foreign mercenaries, was about to be exerted for their destruction ; that, there-
fore, it was irreconcilable with reason and good conscience for the colonists
to take the oaths for supporting any government under the crown of Great
Britain; and it was necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority
under the crown should be suppressed, and that all the powers of government
should be exercised by the people of the colonies for the preservation of inter-
nal peace, virtue, and good order, and the defence of their lives, liberties, and
properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their ene-
mies. And they resolved, " That it be recommended to the respective Assem-
blies and conventions of the united colonies, where no government sufficient
to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such
government as shall, in the opinions of the representatives of the people, best
conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents m particular, and
America in general."
This was virtually a declaration of independence. It was such almost in
terms. The renunciation of allegiance to the British crown, and the establish-
ment of governments by the authority of the people, were made, certainly,
with no hope of reconciliation, nor desire of re-union with the parent state.
When Massachusetts asked advice of Congress on the propriety of "taking
180 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
up and exercising the powers of civil government,"* they recommended such
regulations, only, as were indispensable, and those to be conformed as nearly
as possible to the spirit of their charter, and to endure no longer than until a
governor of his Majesty's appointment sliould consent to govern the colony
according to that instrument. This was in perfect accord with the profes-
sions of the colonies of respect and attachment, and dependence on Great
Britain. But the resolution now adopted spoke not of limitation to the powers
to be assumed by the people, neither as to their nature nor duration.
In seeking redress from British taxation, and denying to Parliament the
right for its unlimited exercise, great unanimity had prevailed. The old
parties forgot their animosities, and united to oppose a common oppression.
Whilst bound with the band of loyalty to the King, this union appeared indis-
soluble, but when armed resistance became necessary, still more, after it had
commenced, strong repulsive qualities discovered themselves in the mass.
The Quakers, opposed to every form of war, and strongly attached to the
parent state, and to their church, and family connexions therein, shrunk
with deep sensibility from the unnatural contest, and with horror from perma-
nent separation and independence. The royal officers, their dependents and
connexions, embracing a large proportion of the wealthy and distinguished
of the province, beheld in a change of government the loss of official emolu-
ment and influence. The great body of the people, however, led by enter-
prising spirits, who were not only impatient of oppression, but who saw even
in the vicissitudes of war the excitement they loved, and in independence
successfully maintained, bright visions of glory and wealth, hailed with rap-
ture the recommendation of Congress to take the first irrevocable step towards
political emancipation.
For these parties names were borrowed from English politics. The de-
votees of American freedom and independence assumed the title of whigs,
whilst they designated their opponents by that o^tories.
III. The provincial Congress of New Jersey, elected on the fourth Monday
in May, pursuant to the ordinance of the preceding Congress, convened at
Burlington on the 10th of June, 1776, and was organized by choosing
Samuel Tucker, Esq. president, and William Pattei'son, Esq. secretary. Before
the 21st of that month, many petitions were received from East Jersey, for
and against the formation of a new government ; and on the day last men-
tioned, the convention resolved, that a government be formed for regulating
the internal police of the colony, pursuant to the recommendation of the
continental Congress, of the 15th of May, by a vote of 54, against three mem-
bers. Messrs. Green, Cooper, Jonathan D. Sergeant, Lewis Ogden, Jona-
than Elmer, Hughes, Covenhoven, Symmes, Condict, and Dick, were
appointed a committee to prepare a constitution on the 24th of June, who
reported a draught on the 26th, which, after a very short and imperfect con-
sideration, was confirmed on the 2d day of July.
At this time Congress, impelled by the tide of public opinion, had gone far
beyond their resolutions of the 15th of May; and had, actually, resolved on
declaring the colonies independent states, thereby severing forever, all politi-
cal ties which had connected them with Great Britain. Yet, the convention
of New Jersey was not disposed to abandon all hopes of accommodation ;
providing in the last clause of their constitution, that if reconciliation between
her and the colonies should take place, and the latter be again taken under
the protection and government of the crown, the charter should be null and
void. This door of retreat was kept open by the fears of the president of
the convention, who, in a few months after, claimed the clemency of the
* June, 1775.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 181
enemy, with whom this clause gave him an interest.* Other clauses of the
constitution show also, that it was made for the colony. The laws were to
be enacted, and all commissions, writs, and indictments, were to be in the
name of the colony. On the 18th of July, 1776, the provincial Congress
assumed the title of the " convention of the state of New Jersey." And after
the declaration of independence, in practice, the commissions and writs ran in
the name of the state, the indictments concluded against the peace of the
state, and an act of Assembly of 20th September, 1777, substituted the word,
state, in all such cases for the word, colony.
The collision between the views of the continental Congress, and the New
Jersey convention did not escape the reprobation of some of the members of
the latter, who moved to defer the printing of the constitution for a few days,
that the last clause might be considered by a full House. The effort, how-
ever, was negatived, when not more than half the members were present. It
must not hence be inferred, that New Jersey was timid or backward in en-
gaging in the contest. She had kept pace with the foremost, and her spirited
conduct was the more meritorious, that it had less of the excitement of imme-
diate interest, inasmuch, as she had yet felt no burthen, and was not irritated by
the vexations of commercial restrictions. She had no ships, no foreign com-
merce. Her instructions to her delegates in Congress, chosen on the 21st of
June, empowered them to join in declaring the united colonies independent of
Great Britain. The convention consisted of sixty-five members, five from
each of the thirteen counties, and on the 2d of July when the motion for re-
considering the last clause was made, there were present only twenty-five
members ; of whom, Messrs. Camp, Hardenburg, Joseph Holmes, Mott, Sparks,
Cooper, Clark, Elmer, Harris, Bowcn, Leaming, Shaver, Shinn, Tallman,
Fennimore, Shreve, and Covenhoven, voted in the negative. And Messrs.
Frelinghausen, Paterson, Mehelm, Josiah Holmes, Ellis, Sergeant, Symmes,
and Dick, in the affirmative. Had the House been full on this vote, the adop-
tion of the constitution would have, probably, been delayed, and the character
of an independent state, at once fearlessly assumed.
IV. This instrument is st3ded in the proceedings of the convention, and
within itself, a constitution. But it is not such, in the present political sense of
this word, in America. A constitution of government may now be defined, a
written expression of the will of the people of a state, establishing and limiting
unalterably, except by themselves, the political powers therein created. Or
it may be deemed a power of attorney from the people to their agents, speci-
fying, distinctly, the powers assigned to cach.f The constitution and the
government arc frequently confounded, and treated as synonymous ; whereas,
they are essentially different; the former being the creator and the law of the
latter. The difference between them is not less, than that, between the whole
power of the people, and that of their special delegates. Every country has
a government, but few have a constitution. The government in England, is
by king, lords, and commons, but that nation has no constitution; that is,
no instrument restraining the political omnipotence of those agents. No act
of theirs can be compared with a designation of their powers, and be thereby
corrected or annulled. But, whatever they may do, however oppressive and
arbitrary, has necessarily the authority of law. A constitution may create
any form of government — may give any quantum of power, less than the
whole ; for if it give the whole, it destroys itself. And such is the defect,
* Votes of Assembly, 177G.
i It might be objected, that the convention which framed the constitution, exceeded
their powers, or had, in fact, no power to touch the subject — that they mistook in sup-
posing themselves the people, and that it is essential to the existence of a constitution,
that the people should formally and expressly pass upon it. But acquiescence must
be deemed assent.
182 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and such has been, partially, the fate, of the constitution of New Jersey. The
only restriction it contains, upon the agents to which it gave being, is found
in the twenty-third article, requiring each member of Council and Assembly,
to declare, upon oath or affirmation, that he will " not assent to any law,
vote or proceeding, which shall appear to him injurious to the public welfare;
nor that shall annul or repeal that part of the third section of the charter,
which establishes, that, the elections of members of the legislative Council
and Assembly, shall be annual; nor that part of the twenty-second section,
respecting the trial by jury; nor that shall annul, repeal or alter the
eighteenth and nineteenth sections;" which relate to the freedom of religious
worship. This specification of things, which the Legislature shall not alter,
admits its power to change all others, and puts within its control, the whole
form of the government, with the partition of its powers.
The powers of government are commonly divided into the legislative,
executive and judicial branches ; though the third is but a modification of the
second, since the making and executing the laws, comprise the whole duty of
every government. Most of the constitutions of the States of North America,
define the manner in which these branches shall be constituted, the powers
they shall, respectively, exercise, and protect each against the other. But,
by the constitution of New Jersey, the executive, and judiciary powers, may
be remodelled in any way. The office of governor may be vested in an in-
dividual for life, or made hereditary — the judges may be appointed for
months, for years, or for life — their number be increased or diininished, and
their compensation varied, and the courts continued or abolished, at the
pleasure of the Assembly — in a word, all the ordinate branches are depen-
dent on, and at the mercy of, the legislative. And, with the very inconsi-
derable restrictions already noticed, the whole power of the people, for all
purposes, is in the hands of their representatives; who are, thus created
universal and not special agents, and have no law but their own will.
We have seen with what extraordinary haste this instrument was formed.
Less than two days were employed by the committee in framing, and less
than six days by the convention, in considering and confirming, the govern-
ment of the state. This would be deemed extraordinary and unpi'ofitable
haste, at the present day, when political science is more generally under-
stood, the several powers more orderly classified, and models of tried con-
stitutions abound. At that period, resort could be had to two models, only,
of free government — those of England, and her colonics. In both, the pow-
ers of the state were divided between the king, or his representatives, and
the representatives of the people. But most of the powers which had been
exercised by the royal governors, were held by this convention to have been
taken from the people, and were, by it, restored to their representatives;
doubtless, in the conviction, that, they were thereby restored to the people.
The government of Great Britain was deemed too exceptionable to copy
from; and its hereditary executive and hereditary branch of the Legislature,
were not congenial with the habits and wishes of the people.
By the constitution of New Jersey, the legislative jjowcr is vested in an
assembly and council, annually elected by, and from, the people.
The council is composed of one representative from each county. This
allotment seems based upon no political principle. It has regard, neither to
extent of territory, nor amount of population ; but would seem to be, wholly,
arbitrary.
The minimum number of the Assembly, was fixed at thirty-nine. Three
members were given to each county, w^ith a like disregard of territorial
extent and population. But the Legislature was empuwcued fo diminish
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 183
the number or proportion of the representatives in the Assembly for any
county.
The quahfication for a member of the Legislature is, that he should be
for one whole year, before his election, an inhabitant and freeholder of the
county in which he is chosen. — If for council, that he should be worth one
thousand pounds. — If for the Assembly, five hundred pounds, in real or per-
sonal estate. Neither mature age, nor citizenship, nor oath of allegiance,
are required from the law-giver of the land. But notwithstanding the con-
stitution has thus defined the quahfication of the representative, the Legisla-
ture, exercising the power which it unquestionably possesses, but which
would not pertain to it, if the constitution were obligatory upon it, have de-
clared, that no alien should hold office; and that every officer shall take a
prescribed oath of allegiance. And it has, thus, by the requisition of qualifi-
cations not prescribed by the constitution, added to the instrument.
That the Legislature may be preserved as much as possible from all sus-
picion of corruption, no judge, sheriff', or other person possessed of any post
of profit, under the government, other than justices of the peace, may sit
in the Assembly. But, on taking his seat, his office is vacated. This re-
striction does not extend to the council, and was borrowed from the provin-
cial laws.
The electors are required to be of full age, worth fifty pounds, clear estate,
and to have resided within the county for twelve months previous to the
election. This qualification also, has been found in practice too broad; ad-
mitting all inhabitants, bond and free, white or black, male or female, native
or foreign, citizen or alien; and the Legislature has again exercised its
power, over the constitution, by limiting, more narrowly, the qualification of
electors; declaring that no person shall vote in any state or county election,
unless he be a free white male citizen of the state.
The property qualification required in the electors and elected, is a
striking, because the only aristocratic, feature in the constitution. It is
copied from the law of the colony, and was introduced, probably, into the
constitution, by proprietary infiuence, which still prevailed in both sections
of the province. But the people having since condemned the restriction, the
Legislature has removed it from the electors, by declaring, that, every person
who shall, in other respects, be entitled to a vote, and who shall have paid a
tax for the use of the county, or state, and whose name shall be enrolled on
any duplicate list of the last state or county tax, shall be adjudged by the
officers conducting the election, to be worth fifty pounds. In practice, the
property qualification of the elected, is almost wholly disregarded. Under
the royal government, a freehold estate was required in the voter. In the
convention, an effort was made to give this franchise to all who paid taxes,
and the qualification required by the constitution was probably a composition
between the parties.
The Assembly has power, under the constitution, to choose its officers —
to judge of the qualification and election of its members — to sit upon its own
adjournments — prepare bills — and to empower the speaker to convene the
members when necessary. Like powers are given to the council ; except,
that, it may not alter any money bill. In this restriction, we have a strikino-
evidence of the haste, and confusion of ideas, under which the constitution
was framed. In the British government, the right to grant mone}^ is claimed,
exclusively, by the commons, because the other branches of the Legislature
are presumed to have an interest, and to be subject to an influence, foreign to
the mass of the people. The principle was adopted in the colonies, and the
right of framing money bills reserved to the Assembly, for the same cause; —
the governor and council being creations of the crown. But the reason
184 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
ceasing, wholly, with the change of government, the rule should have ceased,
also. The members of council, in their relation to the people, differ in
nothing from the members of the Assembly. They are not like the senators
of the United States, the representatives of territorial divisions; removed in
a degree from the people by the mode of their creation, and less responsible
by the length of the term of office ; but arc annually elected, by the same
electors, at the same time, and in practice, from the same class, as the mem-
bers from the lower House. By the letter of the constitution a distinction is
made. More property is requisite to qualify them for office. But this dis-
tinction makes them safer guardians of the public purse, because it gives
them a deeper interest in it.
The Assembly and council have power to make the great seal : — They
are required to meet, separately, on the second Tuesday next after the day
of election ; and the consent of both Houses is necessary to every law. —
Seven form a quorum of the council ; and no law can pass, unless there be
a majority of all the representatives of each body, personally present, and
agreeing thereto.
The council and Assembly, in joint meeting, are empowered to elect the
governor, annually, by a majority of votes, at their first meeting after each
annual election ; to elect, in the same manner, the judges of the supreme and
inferior courts, justices of the peace, clerks of courts, the attorney general,
the secretary of state, the treasurer, and all general and field officers of
militia.
It is now a settled principle of political science, that, the legislative and
executive powers of government ought not to be in the same hands. That
government in which they are blended is u ftp-army in proportion to the
extent of the amalgamation; because, responsibility for the execution of the
laws is, proportionately, destroyed. Where the whole of the legislative and
executive powers are vested in the same person or persons, the government
is despotic ; and it may be the despotism of the one, or of the many. Every
executive act may be a new volition of the legislative power, and the law
may, nay, will be, changeable and uncertain ; and ofttimes never proclaimed,
never known, until its execution. In the classification of powers, that of
appointing the expounders and the subordinate executors of the law, is pro-
perly assigned to the executive branch of the government, co-ordinate with,
and independent of, the Legislature ; but the difficulty of producing a prompt
and adequate responsibility, of the executive to the people, has, in practice,
occasioned various restrictions on the exercise of this power. When the Le-
gislature appoints these officers, it assumes the functions of the executive.
But experience would seem to teach us, that the danger of corrupt adminis-
tration is equal, where the ministrative or judicial officer depends, for the
tenure of his office, upon the chief executive, or upon the legislative Assem-
bly. The corruption most common, and most to be dreaded, in popular
governments, is subservience to party spirit. Thus, we daily see officers de-
pendent upon the will of a single headed executive, a council of appointment,
or a legislative assembly, clianging their opinions, modelling their conduct,
or losing their offices, with the mutations of party — following all its phases,
or buried in the obscurity of forget fulness. To ])rescrve the Legislature,
whose purity is indisj)ens"able to the public weal, from every temptation, to
act under any other influence, than that of sound reason and disci-etion, h
should have, neither the power to appoint, nor remove, any other, than such
officers, as are necessary to the exercise of its functions. It is, wisely, object-
ed, that the power of appointment should not be exercised by a body com-
posed of several individuals; because responsibility for its deeds is diminished
or destroyed, by comminvttion ; and because consociated assemblies, every
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 185
where, take a latitude in morals, from wliich unprotected, unsupported indi-
viduals, would shrink with dismay. If such power be vested in an indivi-
dual, although he be not elevated above the temptation to abuse it, he is not
only legally responsible for its improper exercise, but he stands constantly
before the tribunal of public opinion, and may be instantly arraigned for
malversation in this, as in every other department of his olRce ; and when
the continuance of the appointee in office, is independent of the will of the
appointor, it would seem, that, the constitution, in this particular, possesses all
practical guarantees for honest administration.
But the constitution of New Jei'sey vests in the legislative power, to an
alarming degree, all the powers of government. Thus, the incumbents of
chief executive offices, including the judiciary, are not only dependent upon
the Legislature, for their commissions, but for the amount of their salaries,
which is subject to enlargement, or diminution, at its pleasure. The place-
men, therefore, moved by ambition or avarice, whether governor, judges,
secretary, treasurer, clerks, or chief officers of the army, are the creatures of
the Assembly, not of the people ; receiving from it, life and daily sustenance,
and following it, as the sunflower does the sun, whatever be its course.
Officers actuated by such motives, are always attainable; and when the
Legislature may be corruptly influenced, its power will be despotic in the
direct or indirect exercise of all the functions of the government. If the
constitution were, indeed, the supreme law of the land, unchangeable by the
Legislature, it would present, in the prescribed tenure of office for some of
the officers, a check upon legislative influence. Thus, judges of the Supreme
Court, hold their offices for seven — 'judges of the inferior courts, justices of
the peace, clerks of courts, the attorney-general, and secretary, for five
years. But the Legislature may alter the constitution, in this, as in other
particulars, and make the term of office in these cases annual, as in case of
the governor and treasurer; or at will, as in the case of the principal militia
officers.*
* The following is given, by Judge Griffiths, as the actual result, in the state, of
this commingling of powers. We cannot of our own knowledge, vouch for the truth
of the picture, but it has sufficient verisimilitude.
" One of tlie most threatening effects of the connexion of the legislative and e.xecu-
tive in the same body, is its apparent tendency to corrupt the Legislature.
" First. By placing the power of filling the offices of government in the Legisla-
ture, and permitting the choice from their own body, a temptation of the most direct
kind is offered to their virtue: offices will be erected for no other purpose, but to
gratify the expectations or promote the private ends of popular and ambitious leaders
in the Assembly.
" Second. But the most pernicious effect of this executive power in the Legislature,
is seen in the intrigues and party purposes, which it promotes and clierisheg in a body,
that ought to be free from every local and every interested consideration.
" It is impracticable here to enter into a detail of facts, to prove, that the virtue of
the Legislature has been, and will be, constantly assailed and overcome, by commit-
ting to it the nomination and appointment of the executive officers. It shows itself in
tlie very formation of the Legislature. No sooner does an election for a legislative
assembly and council approach, than the question is not, who are the wisest and most
disinterested, and of most integrity; but who will best answer the views of party, of
private ambition, or personal resentment. In every county, there will be constantly
a succession of people aspiring to appointments, civil or military : some desire to be
judges, some justices, some majors, and some colonels; some have interests depend-
ing in the courts of law, and some perhaps have resentments against existing officers,
and would fiiin oust them from their scats: all these, and a thousand more passions,
arc set to work, parties are formed, and nominations to the Legislature will be direct-
ed and supported, upon principles altogether beside those, which should form the
basis for a right election of legislative characters; the result must, of course, be un-
favourable to the public good. But tliis is not all; — not only are elections rendered
vicious, and the morals of'the people corrupted in these struggles for personal advan-
tages, but unhappily the candidates partake of the contamination They must promise
•2 A
186 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
By the constitution the governor has tlio supreme executive power; is
captain-general of all the militia and other military force; is chancellor, and
ordinary and surrogate-general; and as president of council, is judge of the
court of appeals, in the last resort ; presides in council, and has a casting
vote in their proceedings. The council choose a vice-president, who acts as
president, and governor, in the absence of the governor; and any three
members of the council, are at all times a privy council, to advise the
governor, in all Cases where he may find it necessarv to consult them.
Whilst the proper powers of the executive are given to the Legislature,
the governor is oppressed with various lieterogeneous duties, which have been
conlerrcd upon him; not because he is the proper organ for their exercise,
but because the inembers of the convention were habituated to behold them
lodged with the colonial governors; who engrossed them, that they might
increase their emoluments. As chancellor, surrogate, and president of the
court of appeals, the; governor is a high judicial officer, and as such, gives
decisions, which as an executive officer, he may be called upon to enforce.
As the president of council, he has a potential voice and influence in legisla-
tion, and, thus, exercises, in a limited degree, to be sure, all the powers of
government. Thus, in another of its branches, the government assumes
the essence of tyranny. This combination of powers, might prove very
dangerous, were not the governor so ephemeral in his existence, that he
has not space, in his official life, to inature and effectuate a plot ; and is
wholly dependent upon the Legislature for his compensation, which is, not
uncommonly, a principal mean of his subsistence. But, he is not deterred
from making his powers subservient to the dominant party of the Legislature,
allegiance to their party — you shall be a judge, and yon a justice — you a major, and
you a colonel — you a clerk, and you a commissioner, I will solicit your cause in the
court of errors, and will vote for your friend to fill a seat in the judiciary. Thus the
executive authorities confided to an annual legislature, lay the foundation of corrup-
tion at the threshold of its election; instead of being elected with a national view,
and for the purpose of forming general laws, for the more equal and salutary govern-
ment of the people, the persons go there to represent the interests and gratify the de-
sires of a few partisans in their different districts, upon the performance of which will
depend their reappointment at the ensuing election !
" When the Legislature is formed, and a joint meeting agreed upon, then begins a
scene of intrigue, of canvassing and finesse, which baffles all description, and is too
notorious to require proof, and too disgusting for exhibition. The members of a
county, in which an oflice is to be disposed of, are beset by friends and partisans of
the candidates ; their hopes and fears are excited, by all the arts whicli can be sug-
gested to influence their choice; from these, the attack extends itself, till it reaches
every member of the Legislature ; and so strong and so general does the contest be-
come, by the different representations, having each particular objects to attain, that
one grand scene of canvass and barter ensues; a vote for one, is made the condition
of voting lor another, without regard to qualifications; even laws which are to affect
the public interest, are made the price of these interested concessions; and not unfre-
quently almost the wliole sitting of the Legislature is spent in adjusting the preten-
sions, and marshalling the strength of the respective candidates for office. To such
a pitch has tJiis grown, that even the members of the Legislature complain of it, as
an intolernhlo evil These contests again, lay the foundation for new parties and
new resent inputs at the next election. To counteract the opposition which maybe
stirred up, all tiie appointments will be made, witli a view to strengtlien the interest
of the sitting members. New commissions, civil and military, judges and justices,
general officers, general staff and field officers, will be made with a reference to the
state of parties in the county, instead of being dictated by quite a contrary spirit.
" The result of all tliis, is seen and felt in every quarter. From hence proceed the
jars and divisions which destroy the pleasures of social life in every neighbourhood
and village; and from hence arises the instability of laws, the multiplication of magis-
trates, (he w(!akuess and divisions of the courts of justice, the heats and ill-directed
zeal at elections, and that general languor and (lerelictiim fif principle in every
department, whicli menaces the total depravation of the buly politic." — Eumenes,
pp. 130—182.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 187
and thus to submit himself to a corrupt influence. There is another point of
view in which this comminghng of powers is prejudicial to the state. It de-
mands qualities for their execution, which are so rarely found in the same
individual, as to seem incompatible. The qualifications for a commander-
in-chief, are not those of the legislator, much less those of the judge.
It is not the fault of the constitution of New Jersey, alone, to vest in the
chief executive officer, a portion of the legislative power. It is done by the
constitution of the United States, and by many of the states, with an ex-
pediency, which daily experience renders less than doubtful. The feature
is borrowed from the English government, where its chief use is to pi-eserve
the prerogative of the King, against the enci'oachments of the people.
The inferior executive officers, beside those abovenamed, who are cre-
ated by the constitution, are a shei'itF, and one or more coroners, elected,
annually, from each county ; who are eligible three years, successively, but
after which, not again for three years; — and a constable, and commissioners
of appeal, in case of taxation, also, annually elected in each township.
But in no particular, is the imperfection of this constitution more visible,
than in its provisions relative to the judiciary. Neilher the courts nor the
number of judges which shall respectively constitute them, are determined
by it. The power is given to appoint the judges of the Supreme Court, and
of the inferior courts of Common Pleas, of the several counties. These
courts, and the chancery, were established by an ordinance of the King, re-
cognised and confirmed by the acts of Assembly, and are continued under
the new constitution, by articles twelve and twenty-two; declaring, that all
the laws contained in Allinson's edition, and the common law of England,
and so much of the statute law, as had been theretofore practised, shall
continue in full force, until altered by the Legislature; such parts only ex-
cepted, as were incompatible with the charier. If any diiference of opinion
may exist, relative to the power of the Legislature over the constitution,
thei-e can be none, as to their power over the laws; — consequently, they
may alter or abolish, all or either of the courts, at their pleasure; and there-
fore the constitution has made no provision for the permanence of the judi-
ciary. The fixed term of office of the judges, supposing the constitution
unalterable by the Legislature, becomes no protection to their independence,
since the laws upon which the courts depend, may be repealed, and the
commissions of the judges fall with them. Of the manner in Avhich the
courts are at present constituted, there are many seemingly well founded
complaints, which it is no part of our province to examine or to judge. But
we may remark, with regard to the Court of Chancery, that we cannot con-
ceive, of a worse organization, than that, by which the highest law officer of
the state, is not only subject to annual change, but is actually and repeatedly
changed from year to year. The judge has no inducement to qualify him-
self for the duties of his place, since his labour will not be rewarded ; and
tlie business of the court must be ignorantly, slovenly and sluggishly exe-
cuted, inasmuch, as more than one chancellor may frequently intervene be-
tween the hearings of the same cause.*
* For the manner in whicli the system of tlic inferior courts works, we refer the
reader to the following remarks of Judge Griffiths — observing that the judges of these
courts are without limit as to number, have not a professional education, and receive
no compensation, save some inconsiderable bench fees.
" Let any man go into a county coin-t in New .Jersey, and one hour's observation
will satisfy him, that it is neither a place of common sense, nor of common justice.
He will see disputes maintained with great heat and prolixity, on questions which
none would hear debated, but those who feel difficulty in every thing, from tlieir
total ignorance of every thing, of .i legal complexion; h<; will see the most prepos-
terous decisions, after those preposterous pleadings; he will see cause after cause
188 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
The judges and other officers, chosen by the Assembly, are commissioned
by the governor, and may he reappointed at the end of their several terms,
and dismissed when adjudged guilty of misbehaviour, by the council, on im-
peachment of the Assembly.
By article ninth, the governor and council, (seven whereof shall be a
quorum,) form the Court of Appeals, in the last resort, in all cases at law, as
theretofore; and have power to grant pardons to criminals, after condemna-
tion. By statute, this court has also been made the Court of Appeals in
equity cases.
This feature is also copied from the colonial government, in which, it
was analogous, somewhat, to the judicial power of the House of Lords;
with this important and extraordinary ditference, that in England, the execu-
tive, or the King, is not a member of the court; and the court there, is
always aided by the great law officers of the state, and guided by their col-
lected wisdom and learning. Whilst in New Jersey, the executive forms a
part of the court, and the court consisting of members annually chosen, and
perhaps annually changed, whose education and pursuits do not qualify
them to determine legal questions, sits to revise — and perhaps, to reverse de-
cisions given under the best lights of the land.*
The iSth and 19th articles of the constitution, which are exempted from
the power of the Legislature, provide, that no person shall be deprived of the
privilege of worshipping Almighty God, in a manner agreeable to the dic-
tates of his own conscience, nor under any pretence, compelled to attend any
place of worship contrary to his own fliith and judgment, nor be obliged to
pay tithes, taxes, or any other rates, for the purpose of building or repairing
any church, or place of worship, or for the maintenance of any minister or
ministry, contrary to what he believes to be right, or has delibei'ately or
voluntarily engaged himself to perform.
"That there shall be no establishment of any one religious sect, in prefer-
ence to another; and that no protesfanf inhabitant shall be denied the enjoy-
ment of any civil right, merely on account of his religious principles; but,
that all persons professing a belief in the faith of any protestant sect, who
shall demean themselves peaceably under the government, shall be capable
of being elected into any office of profit or trust, or being a member of either
torn by piecemeal from their foundations ; the judges perplexed or dismayed with
every trifling occurrence, upon which a legal doubt arises; he will see the Judges
divided in opinion, looking round for liclp; and finally, lie will see the business of the
session abandoned where it began, and put off upon frivolous pretexts to a more con-
venient season; and when he has seen this at one court, at one term, he will have a
very accurate sample of the dignity and ability, which ])ervades the judiciary system
of his enlightened country. Those who are best acquainted witli the subject of tiiis
description, will allow that it is not exaggerated ; they know that there is little
dignity, and loss ability in most of the courts, to wliicli tJioir ])rofessional pursuits call
them; they know, it is sometimes a subject of ridicule, and oftencr of serious regret,
that the judges, instead of knowing tlie laws better tiian those wlio advocate them,
are generally ignorant of first principles, and instead of ilircrting Imsiness with tliat
manly confidence, which is always the attendant of knowledge, ihey are led away by
their deference to professional eminence, perliaps by the fallacious sophistry of a con-
cluding harangue. Far be it from me to apjdy tliis indiscriminately ; tliere are ex-
ceptions; and still farther it is from me, to place this general defection in the judi-
ciary, to a depravity of personal character; quite the contrary. It would be difficult
to find more private integrity in any equal number of men; but no qualities of the
heart, can comjjensate for the want of knowledge in any science; and in tliat of the
law, however paradoxical it may seem, mere goodness of heart is a dangerous pro-
pensity."— Eumenrx, p]>. 107, 108.
* Members of the bar are frequently elected to council. To them, of course, the
foregoing remark is not applicable. An increase of business in this court, would pro-
bably render it as necessary to have tiio councillors all hiwycrs, as it is that the
governor should be one.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 189
tiranch of the Legislature, and shall fully and freely enjoy every privilege
and immunity enjoyed by others, their fellow subjects."
This last clause, much less liberal than were the Concessions of the pro-
prietaries, stands a monument of British intolerance ; for it is modelled on the
laws of England, excluding Catholics Irom office ; yet whilst in Great Britain
this intolerance has ceased, it is continued here, and the Catholic christian,
together with all who do not profess a belief in the faith of a Protestant sect,
are excluded from full participation in civil rights. This restriction is far
behind the age, and calls loudly for removal ; although, to the honour of the
state, in no instance, has it been enforced. Yet, it is a foul blot on the polity
of the country.
By the 16th article of the constitution, all criminals were admitted to the
same privileges of witness and counsel, as the prosecutor; and by the 18th,
the estates of persons destroying their own lives, and chattels occasioning,
accidentally, the death of any one, are declared not to be subject to forfeiture.
We have thus given all the provisions of the existing constitution, with a
running commentary upon its leading features, in which the deficiency of
the instrument, as a constitution, has been chiefly considered. Compared
with what such an instrument should be, it has many faults of expediency,
which have been frequently noticed by eminent citizens of the state ; some of
which have been, and others may be, amended, by the Legislature. But as a
.constitution, the instrument is radically defective; first, that it is not obliga-
tory upon the Legislature, but may be, as it has been, altered, by the power
which makes the ordinary law; second, that it docs not separate and define
the powers of the several departments of the government; and third, that it
has made every department subject to, and dependent upon, the Legislature.
Consequently a despotic power lies in that body, which may be abused to
party purposes, and to the subversion of political liberty. That this power
has been so abused, is not less certain, than that every cause in action must
produce its appropriate effect. That such abuses have not been intolerable,
may be ascribed first, to the want of opportunity of working extensive evil ;
ibr no great convulsion of the people has yet arisen, in which individuals
could advance their interests, by the utter subversion oi" established principles,
and drawing to themselves as members of the Assembly, the actual exercise
of all political power; although a continued assumption of such power might,
perhaps, be traced in the Legislature, from the establishment of the state
government : 2dly, To the restraining power of public opinion, enlightened
by that political science, which sends more or less of its rays into every part
of our country, and to which the annual election of the members of the Legis-
lature makes them amenable. But, that the state is subject to all the evils
which may result from an unlimited and indefinite government, is as unques-
tionable, as that the man who dwells beneath the impending avalanche, or on
the slumbering volcano, is exposed to destruction from the fall of the one, or
irruption of the other. That he has not already been overwhelmed, can be
no protection against the next convulsion of nature.
The transition from a provincial to an independent state, was made with as
little pain and confusion, at the moment, as a modification might now be
effected in an American state, where the sense of a majority of the people,
forms the unresisted law. A simple resolution of the convention, "that the
judges, justices of the peace, sheriffs, coroners, and other inferior ofiicers of
the late government, proceed in the execution of the several offices under the
authority of the people, until the intended Legislature, and the several officers
of the new government should be settled and perfected, having respect to the
present constitution, and the orders of the provincial Congresses; and that
all suits of law should be continued, altering only the style and form thereof,"
190 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
was sufficient to continue without much embarrassment, the whole machmery
of society.
V. After the adoption of the constitution, the provincial Congress, pro-
ceeded by an ordinance, to carry it into effect. The second section of the
charter appointed the second Tuesday in August, for the election of the mem-
bers of the Legislature, sheriffs, and coroners. The ordinance ascertained the
places and manner of election, and created a new qualification for the mem-
bers of council and Assembly, and for the electors, which may be considei-ed
the second violation of the constitution just established ; requiring, from the
voter and member, respectively, an oath or affirmation, that he did not hold
himself bound to bear allegiance to George the Third, King of Great Britain,
and would not by any means, directly or indirectly, oppose the measures
adopted by the colony, or the continental Congress, against the tyranny
attempted to be established over the colonies by the Court of Great Britain ;
but would bear true allegiance to the government established in the colony,
under the authority of the people. The council and Assembly, when elected,
were directed to meet, the first time, at Princeton.
VI. The period of the revolution has been termed the " tiTne for trying
melt's souls ;" and this was emphatically true, at the moment of declaring
independence. The unanimity with which resistance against the measures
of the parent state had been continued, was then broken. The timid, the
interested, and the conscientious, were alike unwilling to sever irreparably,
the ties which connected thein with lier. The professions of loyalty and de-
pendence, were sincerely made by a large majority of the provincialists, and
they were adhered to by many, with religious tenacity, who truly believed
that political happiness and salvation existed, only, in the British empire. The
timid, and especially the timid rich, shrunk from the disgrace and pains of
treason — the placeman, and the expectant of place, who looked upon the
rising sun, struggling amid clouds as a portentous, but evanescent, meteor,
could not turn from the rays of meridian splendour, in which they had long
lived or hoped to bask ; whilst others united with their fellow subjects of the
European isles, by the tenderest charities of blood and affinity, of tastes and
business, could not summon resolution to break connexions, which were the
great pleasures of their existence. The wonder, therefore, is not that a great
many valuable men preserved their loyalty and became distinguished as
tories; but, that the declaration of independence had not more equally divided
the country. But there was, also, a class of men of desperate character,
opposed to American independence, who, confident in the strength and suc-
cess of Great Britain, availed themselves of her protection to prey upon
the country, and under pretence of loyalty and readiness to punish treason,
to gratify their own malignant passions, their foul revenge, and cupidity.
Bands of these maraiulcrs soon haunted the forests and shores of the eastern
part of the state, particularly of Monmouth, and the mountains of Morris and
Sussex counties; breaking out from time to time, and doing far greater evil,
than the regular inimical soldiery. New York, one of the largest, richest,
and most powerful of the royal colonies^ was thr most divided on the question
of independence. The tories, there protected by the English forces, were
numerous, wealthy, and active; they had many friends, relatives, and de-
pendents in East Jersey, over whom they exercised a dangerous influence.
During the whole interval from the commencement of hostilities until the
treaty of peace, New Jersey was a frontier state, and exposed to all the mise-
ries of border warfare ; at one time, the enemy lay upon her northern and
southern boundaries, and her losses in proportion to her wealth and popula-
tion, were probably greater than those of any other state, save South Caro-
lina.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 191
Upon the arrival of the British army in 1770, the disaffected in New York
and New Jersey, were embodied under officers selected from among them-
selves. Mr. Oliver Delancey, an infkiential officer of the late government,
in New York, was appointed brigadier-general, and empowered to raise
three battalions, to consist of fifteen hundred men. But, notwithstanding
great exertions on his part, his command did not exceed six hundred. Mr.
Courtlandt Skinner, late attorney-general, and speaker of the Assembly
of New Jersey, his brother, the late treasurer, who had receiitly been re-
ceived in the council, and every member of that family, adhered to the
enemy. Courtlandt was, also, appointed a brigadier, and directed to raise
two thousand five hundred men, but he could rarely bring into the field more
than five hundred.
VII. With the assumption of independent sovereignty, came the duty of
supporting it, by the denunciation of the pains and penalties of treason,
against such as should attempt its overthrow. An ordinance of the 18th of
July, 1776, therefore, prescribed, that, all persons abiding within the state,
deriving protection from its laws, owed allegiance to its government, and
were members of its community ; and, that, sojourners receiving like pro-
tection, owed like allegiance whilst within its limits ; that all persons, so
owing allegiance, who should levy war against, and within, the state, or be
adherent to the King of Great Britain, or others, the enemies of the state
within the same, or to the enemies of the United States of North America,
giving them aid or comfort, should be adjudged guilty of high treason, and
suffer the pains thereof (death) as by the ancient laws. This act transmitted
the cases of disaffected residents, en masse, to the ordinary tribunals.
VIII. To those opposed to the rising order of things, the loyalty of Go-
vernor Franklin afforded countenance. The torrent of public opinion was
too strong, for him to attempt to turn its course, and he was compelled to
stand by, an almost idle spectator, whilst it swept away all the powers and
services which, lately, pertained to him ; but which he was not disposed to
abandon without an effort for their maintenance. Before the resolution to
establish a new government had been formally adopted, by this state, the
whole political power had passed, by the voice of the people, to their dele-
gates in Convention ; which became the government de facto; and the
powers flowing from royal authority, were suspended by the exercise of
those derived from the people. This, however, was a conclusion which the
governor was very unwilling to attain, and he resolved to determine whether
it were indeed true, by attempting to collect and set in action the component
parts of his Majesty's government. Could this be effected, a powerful effort
might yet be made in the royal cause; and whatever might be the final
result, disunion and distraction in the proceedings of the state would be inevi-
table. Of the thirty members of Assembly, seven, only, were members of
the Convention ; and the governor may, probably, have supposed, as some
of the former body were distinguished royalists, that he might array one
popular Assembly against another. He, therefore, by proclamation of the
thirtieth of May, summoned the House, in the name of the King, to meet on
the twentieth of June. The provincial Congress, instantly, foresaw the mis-
chief of this measure, and prepared to defeat it. On the fourth of the last
month, they resolved, by a vote of thirty-eight to eleven, that the proclama-
tion of William Franklin, late governor, ought not to be obeyed ; and on the
sixteenth, by a vote of thirty-five to ten, that, by such proclamation, he had
acted in direct contempt, and violation, of the resolve of the continental Con-
gress of the fifteenth of May ; had discovered himself to be an enemy to the
liberties of the country ; and that, measures should be immediately taken to
secure his person: — And by a vote of forty-seven to three, they further re-
192 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
solved, that all payments of money, on account of salary, or otherwise, to
him, as governor, should thenceforth cease; and that the treasurers of the
■province should account for the moneys, in their hands, to the provincial
Congress, or to the future Legislature of the colony.
Immediately upon the adoption of these resolutions, the Congress issued
the following order to Colonel Nathaniel Heard, of the first battalion of the
Middlesex county militia. " The provincial Congress of New Jersey, re-
posing great confidence in your zeal and prudence, have thought fit to entrust
to your care, the execution of the enclosed resolves. It is the desire of Con-
gress, that this necessary lousiness, be conducted with all the delicacy and
tenderness which its nature can possibly admit. For this end you will find,
among the papers, the form of a written parole, in which there is left a blank
space for you to fill up, at the choice of Mr. Franklin, with the name of Prince-
ton, BordentoAvn, or his own farm at Rancocus. When he shall have signed
the parole, the Congress will rely upon his honour, for the faithful y^erform-
ance of his engagements; but should he refuse. to sign it, you are desired to
put him under strong guard, and keep him in close custody, until further
orders. Whatever expense may be necessary will be cheerfully defrayed
by the Congress. We refer to your discretion, what means to use for that
purpose, and you have full power and authority to take to your aid, what-
ever force you may require."
On the seventeenth. Colonel Heard and Major Deare, waited on the gover-
nor at Amboy, and desired him to comply with the order of Congress, and
sign the parole. Upon his refusal, they surrounded his house with a guard
of sixty men, and despatched an express to report their proceedings to, and
ask further instructions from, the Congress; who commanded, that Mr.
Franklin should be immediately brought to Burlington.
In the mean time, Mr. Tucker addressed a letter to Mr. Hancock, presi-
dent of the continental Congress, in the following terms : " Sir, our colony
has, of late, been alarmed with sundry attempts of disaffected persons, to
create disturbances. The proclamation of Mr. Franklin, our late governor,
for calling together the Assembly, is one of those we have thought deserving
the most serious attention. Enclosed, we have sent a copy of certain resolves-
which we have thought necessary to pass on the occasion, together with a
copy of our instructions to Colonel Heard. We, this minute, received, by
express from Colonel Heard, a letter, of which the enclosed is a copy. We
have ordered down to this place, Mr. Franklin, under guard ; and now beg
leave to submit, to the consideration of the Congress, whether it would not
be for the general good of the United Colonies, that Mr. Franklin should be
removed to some other colony. Congress will easily conceive the reasons
of this application, as Mr. Franklin, we presume, would be capable of doing
less mischief in Connecticut or Pennsylvania, than in New Jersey. What-
ever advice Congress may think proper to give us, we shall be glad to re-
ceive; and would further intimate, that the countenance and approbation of
the continental Congress, would satisfy some persons who might, otherwise,
be disposed to blame us."
President Hancock replied, transmitting the following resolution : " In
Congress, June 19th, 1776 — Resolved, that it be recommended to the Con-
vention of New Jersey, to proceed on the examination of Mr. Franklin ; and
if, upon such examination, they should be of opinion, tliat he should be con-
fined, to report such opinion to this Congress, and then this Congress will
direct the place of his confinement; they concurring in sentiment with the
Convention of New Jersey, that it would be improper to confine him in
that colony."
On the twenty-first (jf June, Mr. Franklin was, accordingly, called before
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 196
the provincial council, to be examined, touching such parts of hts conduct,
as were deemed inimical to the liberties of America. Ho refused to answer
all questions put to him; denying the authority of this body, which he
alleged had usurped the King's government in the province. Whereupon,
the Congress resolved, that as by this and his former conduct, in many in-
stances, he appeared to be a virulent enemy to this country, and a person
who might prove dangerous, he should be confined in such place and man-
ner, as the honourable continental Congress should direct ; and that Lieu-
tenant-colonel Bowes Read, should keep him under safe guard, until further
order of the continental Congress. That order was received on the twenty-
fifth of June, directing that the deposed governor should be sent, under guard,
to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, who was desired to take his parole,
and in case he refused to give it, to treat him agreeably to the resolutions of
Congress, respecting prisoners. This request was immediately complied with.
On his release, he sailed to England, where he received a pension for his
losses.*
IX. Towards the disaffected the conduct of the patriots was, at first, truly
lenient. Those taken in arms were treated as prisoners of war ; and no
other proceeding was had against those not in arms, from whom danger
was apprehended, than such as would prevent them from committing the
mischief they meditated. Congress had great confidence in the power of
reason and gentle treatment, on the presumption, that the disaffected were,
generally, the misinformed. Under this impression, resolutions were adopt-
ed, second January, 1776, recommending to the several township and county
committees, and other friends of American liberty, to explain to the honest
and misguided, the nature of the controversy, and the many, but fruitless
efforts which had been made to effect an accommodation ; but, at the same
time, to proceed with vigour, against active partizans fi'om whom danger
might be apprehended, disarming them, keeping them in safe custody, or
binding them with sufficient sureties to their good behaviour. Strong mea-
sures were not, however, immediately taken against them, in those parts of
the country where they were the most ])owerful. In Long and York islands,
where General Lee had been stationed, principally, to counteract their ma-
chinations, they maintained, even, after the arrival of the commander-in-
* Governor Franklin was born about the year 1731. He was a captain in the French
war, and served at Ticonderoga. After the peace of Paris he accompanied his father
to England. Going to Scotland he became acquainted with the Earl of Bute, on
whose recommendation, to Lord Halifa.x, he was appointed governor of New Jersey,
in 1763; from wiiich time he continued in office, until deposed in the manner above
stated. He died in England, November 17th, 1813, aged eighty-two years. By his
first wife, a West Indian, he had a son, William Temple Franklin, who edited the
works of iiis grandfather, suppressing, as it is said, at the instance of the British go-
vernment, some very important memoirs. He died at Paris, May 25th, 1823. Go-
vernor Franklin differed, essentially, in temperament from his illustrious father, pre-
fering ease to action, and gained a life of inglorious comfort, by the sacrifice of an
eternity of fame. His own conduct and the reputation of his fatjier, had made him
respected in New Jersey, and had he joined the popular party, he would, probably,
have attained high distinction among American patriots. Governor Franklin, as well
as Governors Bernard and Hutchinson, were Americans, and though sons of the soil,
their devotion to the parent state, and the royal cause, was right loyal ; and such was
the etFect of the royal favour, on them, as to give us occasion to rejoice, that it had
not been more bountifully dispensed among the patriots of 1776. To carry his points
in England, Lord North was profusely beneficent. Ten peers, at once, were called
up into the English House, and one day, the 22d of July, 1777, saw the Irish peerage
reinforced by eighteen new barons, seven barons further secured by being created
viscounts, and five viscounts advanced to earldoms. It was, perhaps, happy for Ame-
rica, that, at the dawn of the rebellion, the griefs of the complainants had not been
medicated by a patronage like this.
2B
194 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
chief, a regular intercourse with Governor Tryon, and devised plans for co-
operating with the enemy. When the contest assumed the form of active
hostility, disaffection to the American cause took a decided shape, and its
enemies united as a party; still numbers followed with the body of their
countrymen, and were not distinguishable until the declaration of indepen-
dence. That measure effectually separated the mass.
Where the previous measures of the continental and local governments
had been generally and cordially supported, the public mind was prepared
for independence. In New England, Virginia, and South Carolina, there
was scarce a dissentient voice. From New York to Maryland, inclusive, the
people were more divided. In North Carolina an efficient majority was
friendly, but there was a powerful minority, ready to seize the first oppor-
tunity to manifest their hostility. Georgia was weak and disunited.
In New York and New Jersey the British were received with open arms,
by the disafiiected, as their deliverers from oppression. The tories were so
numerous, that, as the army advanced into the country, the militia of the
islands were embodied for their defence ; and these states afforded corps of
regulars, equal to their quotas in the American army. Upon taking pos-
session of Long Island, General Howe assured his army, that they were
among friends, and prohibited, under the severest penalties, every species of
violence.* As he advanced to the White Plains, the state Convention enter-
tained fears of a dangerous insurrection, and seemed apprehensive of an
attempt to punish the disaffected, though actually engaged in enlisting men
for the British service. Much dread was felt, that they would seize the im-
portant passes of the highlands; and it was thought dangerous to march the
militia from some of the neighbouring counties for their protection, lest
their absence should encourage the loyalists to assemble in arms.
On entering the Jerseys, Lord Cornwallis gave orders similar to those of
General Howe, on Long Island. The proclamation, offering protection to
those who would come in and take the oaths of allegiance, within sixty
days, also, contained assurances, that the obnoxious laws, which had occa-
sioned the war, would be revised. The effect of these measures, with the
military success of the enemy, was to extinguish, nearly, the spirit of re-
sistance. A ix^w militia, only, were in arms, under General Williamson ;
whose indisposition, compelling him to leave the service, they were after-
wards commanded by General Dickenson ; but the great body of the
country was either with the enemy, or had too little zeal for the cause, to
hazard their lives and fortunes in its support. When urged to take up arms,
they answered, " that General Howe promised them peace, liberty, and
safety, and more they could not require."
The articles of association of 1775, may be deemed the entering wedge of
division, between the parties in New Jersey, as in other parts of America.
Those who refused to sign, or having signed, disobeyed, their requisitions,
were held enemies to their country, and as such, were not only denounced
by the county and townsliip committees, but were fined and imprisoned, as
well by the order of such committees, as by that of the provincial Conven-
tions and committees of safety. Notwithstanding these measures, counter
associations were attempted, resolving to pay no tax levied by order of the
provincial Congress, nor to purchase any goods distrained for such taxes, or
for non-attendance at militia musters. These, and like demonstrations of
hostility, induced the committee of safety of the province, on the fifteenth of
January, 1776, earnestly to recommend to the several county and town com-
mittees, the execution of the resolve of the continental Congress, of the
'" For violation of these orders some soldiers were condemned and executed.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 195
second of that month, recommending due moderation and prudence, and re-
questing all officers of militia to lend their assistance. Under this resolu-
tion several persons, from different parts of the state, were brought before the
committee of safety, and the provincial Congress, which sat from the thirty-
first of January to the second of March, 1776. Most of the prisoners con-
fessed their faults, craved pardon, and were either dismissed unscathed, or
subjected to a small pecuniary mulct, and to give security, in various sums,
for future good conduct. But with the progress toward independence, the
number of the disaffected, increasing rapidly, gave much employment to the
provincial Congress, which assembled on the tenth of June ; and which
framed the state constitution; and their proceedings assumed a greater de-
gree of severity. Memorials, from several counties, complaining of the hos-
tile intentions and proceedings of the disaffected, particularly, in Monmouth,
Hunterdon, Bergen, and Sussex, called forth a reiteration of previous in-
structions to the county committees, and formal summons to the inculpated,
to appear before the Convention. On the twenty-sixth of June, that body
having intelligence, that there were several insurgents in the county of Mon-
mouth, who took every measure in their power to contravene the regulations
of Congress, and to oppose the cause of American freedom, and that it was
highly necessary, that an immediate check should be given to so daring a
spirit of disaffection, resolved, that Colonel Charles Read should take to his
aid, two companies of the militia of the county of Burlington, and proceed,
without delay, to the county of Monmouth, to apprehend such insurgents as
were designated to him by the president of the Convention. Authentic
information was, at the same time, received, that other disaffected persons
in the county of Hunterdon had confederated for the purpose of opposing the
measures of Congress, and had even proceeded to acts of open and daring
violence; having plundered the house of a Captain Jones, beaten, wounded,
and otherwise abused the friends of freedom in the county, and publicly de-
clared, that they would take up arms in behalf of the King of Great Britain.
In order, effectually, to check a combination so hostile and dangerous. Lieu-
tenant-colonel Abraham Ten Eick and Major Berry were directed, with the
militia of the counties of Hunterdon and Somerset, to apprehend these insur-
gents. On the first of July the provincial Congress resolved, that the seve-
ral colonels of the counties, should, without delay, proceed to disarm all per-
sons within their district, who, from religious principles, or other causes, re-
fused to bear arms. Two days after the last, an additional order was given
to Colonel Charles Read, Lieutenant-colonel Samuel Forman, and Major
Joseph Haight, with two hundred militia of Burlington, and two hundred
of Monmouth county, to proceed, without delay, to quell an insurrection
in Monmouth, and to disarm and take prisoners, whomsoever they should
find assembled, with intent to oppose the friends of American freedom; and
to take such measures as they should think necessary for this service. On
the fourth of July, Congress resolved, that as divers persons, in the county
of Monmouth, who had embodied themselves, in opposition to its mea-
sures, had expressed their willingness to return to their duty, upon as-
surances of pardon, alleging, that they have been seduced and misled, by
the false and malicious reports of others; such persons as should, without
delay, return peaceably to their homes, and conform to the orders of Con-
gress, should be treated with lenity and indulgence, and upon their good
behaviour, be restored to the favour of their country ; providing, that such
as appeared to have been the leaders and principals in these disorders, and
who, to their other guilt, had added that of seducing the weak and the un-
wary, should yet be treated, accoi'ding to their demerits.
Under these and like resolutions many persons, among whom were save-
196 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
ral of large property and gi-eat respectability, were brought before Congress.
Some wei-e imprisoned, some fined, and otiiers suffered to go at large upon
their parole ; others were compelled to enter into recognizance with security,
conditioned for their good behaviour; and others were relegated to such
places within the province, as the Congress supposed could give them the
least opportunity of evil.*
When the state government was organized, under the constitution, the
Legislature enacted a law of like tenor, with the ordinance of the convention,
against treason; — and further declared, that any one awing allegiance to the
state, who should by speech, writing, or open deed, maintain the authority of
the King and Parliament of Great Britain, should be subject, by the first of-
fence, to fine, not exceeding three hundred pounds, and imprisonment, not
exceeding one year; and for the second, to the pillory, and the lilvc im-
prisonment ; — that reviling, or speaking contemptuously of the government
of the state, of the Congress, or United States of America, or of the
measures adopted by the Congress, or by the Legislature of the state, or
maliciously domg any thing whatever, which would encourage disaflection,
or manifestly tend to raise tumults and disorders in the state; or spreading
such false rumours, concerning the American forces, or the forces of the
enemy, as would tend to alienate the affections of the people from the govern-
ment, or to terrify or discourage the good subjects of this state, or to dispose
•them to favour the pretensions of the enemy, should, also, be punishable in
the same manner. By the same act, two justices of the peace were empow-
ered to convene by summons or warrant, any person, whom they should
suspect to be dangerous or disaffected to the government; and compel him
to take the oath of abjuration, and of allegiance, under penalty of being
bound with sufficient sureties to his good behaviour, or imprisoned until the
meeting of the Quarter Sessions ; when, upon refusal, he might be fined or
imprisoned, at discretion of the court. This act drew the cords around the
discontented much more closely, than they had hitherto been. But it became
necessary to strain them still tighter.
An act of June 5th, 1777, declaring, that divers of the subjects of the
state, having, by the arts of subtile emissaries from the enemy, been seduced
from their allegiance, and prevailed upon by delusive promises, to leave their
families and friends, and join the army of the King of Great Britain, and had
since become sensible of their error, and desirous of returning to their duty;
that many of such fugitives and others, who had been guilty of treasonable
practices against the state, secreted themselves to escape the punishment of
their crimes — and that, in compassion to their unhappy situation, the Legis-
* We could give a very long list of names of disaffected persons ; bnt we refrain
for very obvious reasons. Persons who are curious to revive the roineinbrance of
these scenes, may have recourse to the journals of the convention, and the columns
of the newspapers of the period, where they may find many a name whicli has since
been distinguished for good service to the state. Wc may, however, make the follow-
ing extract from the minutes of the Congress. — " The petition from sundry ladies,
from Perth Amboy, was read the second time, and ordered, that a copy of the follow-
ing letter, addressed to Mrs. Franklin, one of the subscribers, be signed by tlie presi-
dent and secretary — ' Madam : I am ordered, by Congress, to acquaint you, and
through you, the other ladies of Amboy, that their petition, in favour of Dr. John
L , has been received and considered. Could an)' application have promised a
greater indulgence to Dr. L , you may be assured yours could not have failed of
success. But, unhappily, madam, we are placed in such a situation, that, motives of
commiseration to individuals, must give place to the safety of the public. As Dr.
L , therefore, lias fallen under llio sus])icion of our gtmorals, wo are under the
necessity of abiding by tho stops whicli we liave taken;' tVc. The <!octnr was trans-
ferred to Morristown, on his parole, not to depart thence, more than six miles, without
leave of Congress."
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 197
lature was desirous that no moans should be left unemployed, to prevent the
etlusion of blood, and to give those an opportunity of returning to their alle-
giance, who should testify their desire to be restored to the inestimable rights
of freemen. To this end the act provided, That, such offender, on or before the
first of August, then next ensuing, might appear before a judge or justice of
the peace, and take the oaths to the state; and should, thereupon, be pardoned
his offence, and restored to the privileges of a citizen ; That, if he were so far
lost to every sense of duty to his country, his family, and his posterity, as to
decline the clemency so proffered, his personal estate should be forfeited to
the state ; and all alienations thereof, and of his real estate, subsequent to
the act, were declared void ; That commissioners should be appointed in the
respective counties, to make inventories of such personal estate, to dispose of
perishable parts, or whei-e in danger of falling into the hands of the enemy,
of the whole ; to keep the proceeds for the owner claiming the benefit of the
act, but paying the same to the treasiirer for the use of the state, in case of
the non-claim of the proprietor within the prescribed time.
This act was followed by another of 18th April, 1778, directing the com-
missioners of the several counties to make return to a justice of the peace, of
the name and late place of abode of each person whose personal estate they
should seize, and to obtain from the justice a precept for summoning a
jury of freeholders, to inquire whether he had, since the date of the act
against treason, (4th October, 1776,) and before the 5th June, 1777, joined
the army of the King of Great Britain, or otherwise offended against his al-
legiance to the state. The jury finding against the accused, their inqui-
sition was returned by the justice, to the next court of Common Pleas ; where
it might be traversed, either at the return, or the succeeding, term, by the
party, on entering into recognisance, to prosecute with effect. But in de-
fault, judgment of forfeitures was rendered, and the commissioners empower-
ed to sell all the personal estate of the fugitive, and to take possession of all
his books of account, bonds, mortgages, &c., in whose hands soever they
might be ; and to collect all debts due to him. Similar provisions were made,
relative to persons committing like offences, subsequent to the act of pardon,
of the 5th of June, 1777. The commissioners were, also, empowered to take
into their possession and management, all the real estate of the offender, and
lease the same for a term not exceeding a year, and to hold possession of
such estate, before inquisition found, when it had been abandoned by the
owner. Tenants in possession, were required to attorn to the commissioners.
All sales of real or personal estate, by any person, against whom inquisition
was found, made after the offence committed, were declared void.
This severity was carried still further by the act of December 11th, 1778,
directing, that all the real estate of offenders at the time of the offence, or
thereafter, acquired, in fee or otherwise, against whom inquisition and judg-
ment had been, or should be, rendered, should be forfeited to the state;
and that, every person, whether an inhabitant of this state, or of any other
of the United States, seized or possessed of real or personal estate, who
had, since the 19th day of April, 1775, (the day of the battle of Lexington)
and before the 4:th day of October, 1776, aided and assisted the enemies of
the state, or of the United States, by joining their armies within the state, or
elsewhere, or had voluntarily gone to, taken refuge or continued with, or en-
deavoured to continue with, the enemy, and aid them by council or otherwise,
and who had not since returned and become a subject in allegiance to the
present government, by taking the prescribed oaths or affirmations when re-
quired, to be guilty of high treason, and on inquisition and judgment, his
whole estate, real and personal, was forfeited to the state ; but such proceed-
198 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
ings affected the estate only, not the person of the offender. The real estates
so forfeited were sold, and title made therefor, by the commissioners, and
no error in the proceedings affected the purchaser, nor did pardon relieve the
forfeiture. The forfeited estates were held liable for the debts of the offender,
and some efforts, unsuccessful we believe, were made, to render them respon-
sible for such damages as the former owners might commit in their predatory
excursions.
The same act declared, every inhabitant of the state who had joined the
enemy by taking refuge among them, or affording them aid by counsel or
otherwise, and who should be convicted of high treason, or otherwise forleit
his estate, pursuant to the act, or should be duly convicted of treason, felony,
or misdemeanour, for going to, taking refuge with, or affording any aid and
assistance to the enemy, incapable of holding any office of trust or profit, or
of exercising the elective franchise, and deprived all persons within the state
who had suffered fine or imprisonment for refusing to testify their allegiance,
by taking the oaths, of the capacity to exercise any military office.
Under these acts, a large mass of property was brought into the market
and sold for the benefit of the state, and also of many of the commissioners.
In 1781, the market was probably glutted, and property was very greatly
sacrificed; when the act of June 26th, declaring, that the continuance of
the sales might prove injurious to the interests of the state, directed their
suspension until further order, and the authority of the commissioners to
cease. Another act of 1781, (20th December,) substituted a single agent, in
the respective counties, for the commissioners; and the act of December 16th,
1783, directed such agents to proceed in the sale of such estates, and to re-
ceive in payment any obligation of the state. Subsequently, various provi-
sions were made for satisfying the claims of the creditors of the offenders.
During the greater part of the war, the tory refugees from New Jersey
were embodied on Staten, Long, and York islands; and when the British
were in force in the state, they collected on the eastern and south-eastern
border, and occasionally appeared in otlier districts. Their hostility was
more malignant than that of the British soldiery, and being commonly
directed by revenge, was more brutally practised, and more keenly felt.
Intimately acquainted with the country, they could more suddenly enter it,
strike a barbarous stroke and retreat. This spirit was encountered by one
almost as fierce and ruthless, in which, however, there was the redeeming
quality of patriotism. Many a tale of the romantic daring of the invaders,
and of the fearless devotion of the defenders, is yet told, along the eastern
shores, and amid the cedar swamps, and pine forests of the -state.
The enterprise of the refugee royalists was frequently directed against the
persons of the distinguished patriots of the state. Among their first success-
ful attempts, was that on Mr. Richard Stockton. On the entrance of the
British army into New Jersey, after the capture of Fort Washington, that
gentleman withdrew from Congress in order to protect his family and pro-
perty, at his seat near Princeton. He removed his wife and younger children
into the county of Monmouth, about thirty miles from the supposed route of
the British army. On the 30th of November, he was, together with his friend
and compatriot John Covenhoven, at whose house he resided, dragged Irom his
bed by night, stripped and plundered, and carried by the way of Amboy to
New York. At Aml)ny he was exposed to severe cold weather in the common
jail, which, togotlu'r with subsequent barbarity in New York, laid the founda-
tion of disease, that terminated his existence in 1781. His release was
probably procured by the interference of Congrc'ss, in January.
We cannot more fully, nor more truly justify tiic measures of severity
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 199
adopted against the disaffected, than by the following extract from the speech
of Governor Livingston, to the Assembly, on the 29th of May, 1778.
"I have further to lay before you, gentlemen, a resolution of Congress of
the 23d of April, recommending it to the Legislatures of the several states,
to pass laws, or to the executive authority of each state, if invested with suffi-
cient power, to issue proclamations offering pardon, with such exceptions and
under such limitations and restrictions as they shall think expedient, to such
of their inhabitants or subjects as have levied war against any of these states,
or adhered to, aided or abetted the enemy, and shall surrender themselves
to any civil or military officer of any of these states, and shall return to the
state to which they may belong, before the tenth day of June, next ; and
recommending it to the good and faithful citizens of these states, to receive
such returning penitents with compassion and mercy, and forgive and bury
in oblivion their past failings and transgressions.
" Though I think it my duty to submit this resolution to your serious con-
sideration, because it is recommended by Congress, I do not think it my
duty to recommend it to your approbation, because it appears to me both
unequal and impolitic. It may, consistently, with the protbundest veneration
for that august Assembly, be presumed, that they are less acquainted with
the particular circumstances and internal police of some of the states, than
those who have had more favourable opportunities for that purpose. There
seems, it is true, something so noble and magnanimous in proclaiming an
unmerited amnesty to a number of disappointed criminals, submitting them-
selves to the mercy of their country; and there is in reality something so
divine and christian in the forgiveness of injuries, that it may appear rather
invidious to offer any thing in obstruction of the intended clemency. But as
to the benevolent religion to which we are under the highest obligations to
conform our conduct, though it forbids at all times and in all cases the indul-
gence of personal hatred and malevolence, it prohibits not any treatment of
national enemies or municipal offenders, necessary to self preservation, and
the general weal of society. And as to humanity, I could never persuade
myself that it consisted in such lenity towards our adversaries, either British
or domestic, as was evidently productive of tenfold barbarity on their part,
when such barbarity would probably have been prevented by our retaliating
upon them the first perpetration; and consequently our apparent inhumanity
in particular instances, has certainly been humane in the final result. Alas,
how many lives had been saved, and what a scene of inexpressible misery
prevented, had we from the beginning treated our bosom traitors with proper
severity, and inflicted the law of retaliation upon an enemy, too savao-e to
be humanized by any other argument. As both political pardon and punish-
ment ought to be regulated by political considerations, and must derive their
expedience or impropriety from their salutary or pernicious influence upon
the community, I cannot conceive what advantages are proposed by invitino-
to the embraces of their country, a set of beings from which any country, I
should imagine, would esteem it a capital part of its felicity to remain for-
ever at the remotest distance. It is not probable that those who deserted us
to aid the most matchless connoisseurs in the refinements of cruelty, (who
have exhausted human ingenuity in their engines of torture,) in introducino-
arbitrary power, and all the horrors of slavery; and will only return from
disappointment, not from remorse, will ever make good subjects to a state
founded in liberty, and inflexibly determined against every inroad of lawless
dominion. The thirty-one criminals lately convicted of^ the most flan-rant
treason, and who, by the gracious interposition of government, were upon
very hopeful signs of penitence, generously pardoned, and then with hypo-
critical cheerfulness enlisted in our service, have all to a nnan deserted to the
200 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
enemy, and are again in arms against their native country, ^vith the accu-
mulated guilt of its being now not only the country that first gave them lite,
but which hath, after they had most notoriously forfeited it, mercillilly res-
cued them from death. Whence it is probable, that a real tory is by any
human means absolutely inconvertible, having so entirely extinguished all
the primitive virtue and patriotism natural to man, as not to leave a single
spark to rekindle the original flame. It is indeed, against all probability, that
men arrived at the highest possible pitch of degeneracy, the preferring of
tyranny to a free government, should, except by a miracle of omnipotence,
be ever capablc^jOf one single virtuous impression. They have, by a kind of
gigantic effort of villany, astonished the whole world, even that of transcend-
ing in the enormities of desolation and bloodshed, a race of murderers before
unequalled, and without competitor. Were it not for these miscreants, we
should have thought, that for cool deliberate cruelty and unavailing undeci-
sive havoc, the sons of Britain wex*e without parallel. But considering the
education of the latter, which has familiarised them to the shedding of inno-
cent blood from the mere thirst of lucre, they have been excelled in their own
peculiar and distinguished excellence by this monstrous birth and offscouring
of America, who, in defiance of nature and of nurture, have not only by a
reversed ambition chosen bondage before freedom, but waged an infernal war
against their dearest connexions for not making the like abhorred and abo-
minable election. By them, have numbers of our most useful and meritorious
citizens been ambushed, hunted down, pillaged, unhoused, stolen, or butcher-
ed; by them has the present contest on the part of Britain been encouraged,
aided and protracted. They are therefoi-e responsible for all the additional
blood that has been spilt by the addition of their weight in the scale of the
enemy. Multitudes of them have superadded perjury to treason. At the
commencement of our opposition, they appeared more sanguine than others,
and like the cracldlng of thorns under a pot, exceeded in blaze and noise, the
calm and durable flame of the steady and persevering. They have associ-
ated, subscribed, and sworn to assist in repelling the hostile attempts of our
bowelless oppressors; they have, with awful solemnity, plighted their faith
and honour, to stand with their hves and fortunes by the Congress, and their
general, in support of that very liberty, which, upon the first opportunity,
they perfidiously armed to oppose, and have since sacrilegiously sworn, utter-
ly to exterminate. This worthy citizen has lost a venerable father; that
one a beloved brother ; and a third, a darling son, either immediately by their
hands or by their betraying him to the enemy, who, from a momentary unin-
tentional relapse into humanity, were sometimes inclined to spare, when these
pitiless wretches insisted upon slaughter, or threatened to complain of a re-
lenting officer, merely because he was not diabolically cruel."
X. From the actual assumption of political independence, to that of a formal
declaration, the interval could not be long. On the very day that Congress
adopted the resolution recommending to the colonies a change in their form of
government; the convention in Virginia resolved unanimously, that their
delegates in Congress shoidd propose to that body, to declare! the United O)lo-
nies free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence
on the King and Parliament of Great Britain. The public mind was now
fully prepared for this measure. The Assemblies of Maryland, Pennsylvania,
and New York, which had displayed the greatest reluctance and forborne the
longest, at length assented to it. The proposition was made in Congress, on
the 7fh of June, 1776, by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, and seconded by
Mr. John Adams of Massachusetts, '■'■that the United Colonies are, and of
right oughl to he, free and. independent states, and that all political con-
nexioa between them and the state of Great Britain, is, and ought to be,
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 201
totally dissolved.'''' This resolution was referred to a committee of the whole
Congress, where it was daily debated. In favour of the resolution, Messrs.
Lee and Adams were the most distinguished speakers. The latter has been
characterized as " the ablest advocate" of independence. Its most formida-
ble opponent was Mr. John Dickenson, whose " Farmer's Letters," had sig-
nally served to awaken the resistance of the people to British oppression.
Mr. Dickenson's views were those of a sincere, but timid patriot. He lived
to discover that his fears were groundless, and to give his aid in maturing and
perfecting the institutions of independent America. In resisting the declara-
tion of independence, he was actuated by no ignoble personal fears ; his appre-
hension was for his country. For at this period, no man could be more ob-
noxious to British statesmen, than the author of the Farmer's Letters, who
now, bore a colonel's commission, and was, in the month of July, 1776, upon
the lines of New Jersey, and New York. The considerations which weighed
upon his mind affected the minds of others; among whom were Wilson of Penn-
sylvania, R. R. Livingston, of New York, E. Rutledge, and R. Laurens, of
South Carolina, and William Livingston, of New Jersey; who, if they did
not doubt of the absolute inexpediency of the measure, believed it j)remature.
On the first day of July, the resolution declaratory of independence, was
approved in committee of the whole, by all the colonies, except Pennsylvania
and Delaware. Seven of the delegates from the former were present, four
of whom voted against it. Mr. Rodney, one of the delegates from the latter,
was absent, and the other two, Thomas M'Kean and Gorge Read, were di-
vided in opinion ; M'Kean voting for, and Read against, the resolution. On
the report of the committee to the House, the further consideration of the
subject was postponed until the next day, when the resolution was finally
adopted, and entered on the journals.* Pending this memorable discussion, a
committee, consisting of Messrs. Jefferson, John Adams, Franklin, Sherman,
and R. R. Livingston, was appointed to prepare the dclaration of inde-
pendence. Messrs. JefTerson and Adams were named a sub-committee,
charged especially with that duty ; and the original draught of that eloquent
manifesto was made by the former. It was adopted by the chief committee
without amendment, and reported to Congress on the twenty-eighth of June.
On the fourth of July, having received some slight alterations, it was sanc-
tioned by the vote of every colony."]"
The delegation in Congress, from New Jersey, during part of the time,
employed in the consideration of the question of independence, had been
elected by the Convention, on the fourteenth of February, 1776. It con-
sisted of Messrs. Livingston, De Hart, Richard Smith, John Cooper, and
Jonathan Dickenson Sergeant. After the proposition of the fifteenth of May
for organizing provincial governments, it would seem that nearly all these
gentlemen were reluctant to assume the responsibility of measures which led,
eventually, to independence. Richard Smith, alleging indisposition, re-
signed his seat on the twelfth, John De Hart on the thirteenth, and Mr. Ser-
geant on the twenty-first of June. Mr. Cooper appears to have taken no
part in the proceedings of this Congress. His name, with that of Mr. Ser-
geant, is regularly on the minutes of the State convention, from the 10th of
June, to the 4th of July. Mr. Livingston was withdrawn, on the 5th of
June, to assume the duty of brigadier-general of the New Jersey militia.
Messrs. Richard Stockton, Abraham Clarke, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson,
and Dr. John Witherspoon, were substituted for the previous delegation, on
the 21st of June; and were, probably, all present at the time of the final votes
upon the resolution, and the declaration of independence. It is certain, that
" Journals of Congress. \ Ibid.
2C
202 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
on the 28th of June, Mr. Hopkinson appeared in the continental Congress,
and presented instructions empowering him and his colleagues to join in
declaring the united colonies independent of Great Britain, entering into
a confederation for union and common defence, making treaties with foreign
nations, for commerce and assistance, and to take such other measures as
might appear necessary lor these great ends."*
On the 17th of July, the provincial Congress resolved, that, " Whereas,
the honourable, the continental Congress have declared the United Colonies
free and independent States, We, the deputies of New Jersey, in provincial
Congress assembled, do resolve and declare, That we will support the freedom
and independence of the said States, with our lives and fortunes, and with
the whole force of New Jersey." And on the succeeding day they changed
the style and title of the " provincial Congress of New Jersey," to that of the
" Convention of the State of New Jersey."
* Journals of Congress, vol. ii. p. 230.
We are careful in noting these circumstances, as Mr. Samuel Adams, in a letter,
dated 15th July, 1776, to Richard Henry Leo, observes, " We were more fortunate
than we expected, in having tvvelve of the thirteen colonies in favour of tlie all-impor-
tant question. Tlie delegates of New Jersey were not empowered to give their voice
on either side. Tlieir convention has since acceded lo the declaration, and published
it, even before they received it from Congress." — Mem. of Richard Henry Lee, vol. i.
p. 183. This error has been further promulged by the tbllowing note, in Mr. Sedg-
wick's Life of Livingston, page 104. — " This delegation, consisting of Witherspoon,
Stockton, and others, arrived after the declaration had been signed, but were allowed
to fix their names to it." We do not find on the Journal of Congress, the name of any
other of the delegates, than Mr. Hopkinson, between the 21st of June, and 4th of
July. But the following statement given in the life of R. H. Lee, vol. i. 17G, upon, we
know not what authority, shows, if correct, that another of the Jersey delegates was
present, at the adoption of the declaration. " In the clause of the original draught,
that upbraids George HL, with the hiring and sending foreign mercenary troops to in-
vade America, among tliose mentioned, the Scotch are specified. It was said that Dr.
Witlierspoon, the learned president of Nassau Hall College, who was a Scotchman by
birth, moved to strike out the word, ' Scotch,' which was accordingly done."
The following extract from the life of Mr. Stockton, in tiie Riography of the Signers
of the Declaration of Independence, proves, that he, also, was present. — '• Mr. Stock-
ton immediately took his seat in the continental Congress, and was present at the
debates which preceded the promulgation of that memorable charter of national inde-
pendence, to which liis name is affixed. It has been remarked by Dr. Benjamin Rush,
who was a member of the same Congress, that Mr. Stockton was silent during the
first stages of this momentous discussion, listening with thoughtful and respectful at-
tention to the arguments that were offered by the supporters and opponents of the
important measure then under consideration. Although, it is believed, tliat, in the
commencement of the debate, he entertained some doubts as to the policy of an imme-
diate declaration of independence, yet in the progress of the discussion, his objections
were entirely removed, particularly by the irresistible and conclusive arguments of
the honourable John Adams, and he fully concurred in the final vote, in favour of that
bold and decisive measure. This concurrence he expressed in a short and energetic
address, which he delivered in Congress, towards tin- close of the debate." It may be
true, but is not probable, that Mr. Stockton doubted, in Congress, u|)on this measure.
It is certain, that he was instructed by the convention, which appointed liim, to
supjiort it, and in so doing, performed a delegated trust, which he was too honest to
betray. This State had decided the question before she sent him to announce her
consent.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 203
CHAPTER XIII.
I. Military Proceedings in Canada. — II. Measures adopted in Great Britain. — III. Ob-
jects proposed for tlie Campaign of 177G. — IV. Operations against New York,
and the surrounding Country- — V. Proposals for accommodation, by the British
Commissioners. — VI. Condition of the American Forces, at New York — Landing
of Lord Howe, on Long Island. — VII. Battle of Brooklyn. — VIII. Retreat of
the American Army from Long Island. — IX. Unhappy Effect of the Defeat of
the American Army. — X. Lord Howe renews his Attempts for accommodation
of the Quarrel — Proceedings of Congress. — XI. Military Movement of the Ar-
mies, after the Battle of Brooklyn. — XII. American Array, by advice of General
Lee, quit York Island.— XIII. Battle of White Plains.— XIV. Capture of Fort
Washington. — XV. Abandonment of Fort Lee, and retreat of the American
Army — ^Its condition — Inhabitants join the British. — XVI. Washington crosses
the Delaware — The enemy possess themselves of the left bank. — XVII. Cap-
ture of General Lee. — XVIII. New efforts of the Commander-in-Chief — The
enemy retire into Winter Quarters. — XIX. Battle of Trenton. — XX. The Bri-
tish re-open the Campaign. — XXI. The American Army re-enters Jersey. —
XXII. Battle of Princeton. — XXIII. The American Army retreat to Morris-
town — Beneficial results of the late actions. — XXIV. Firmness of Congress. —
XXV. Condition of New Jersey. — XXVI. The American Army innoculated
for the Small Pox. — XXVII. Measures for reclaiming the disaffected of New
Jersey. — XXVIII. License of American Troops — restrained.
I. The early successes of General Montgomery, had induced Congress to
reinforce the army under his command; and on the intelligence transmitted
previous to the assault on Quebec, they resolved, that nine battalions should
be maintained in Canada.* Nor did the repulse extinguish this ardour.
The council of war, of the army before Boston, resolved, that as no troops
could be spared from Cambridge, the colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut,
and New Hampshire, should forward their regiments to Canada; and Con-
gress, in addition to the reinforcements previously ordered, directed four bat-
talions from New York. The indispensable articles, blankets, were pro-
cured by contributions of householders, from their family stocks, and specie,
by the enthusiasm of patriots, who readily exchanged, at par, their Mexican
dollars, for the paper bills of Congress. It was resolved, also, to raise a corps
of artillery for this service, and to take into pay one thousand Canadians, in
addition to Colonel Livingston's regiment, and to place them under the com-
mand of Moses Hazen, a native of Massachusetts, Mdio had resided many
years in Canada. A stimulating address to the inhabitants, was published
by Congress; and a printing press, and a priest, were despatched, that the
cause might have the powerful aid of letters and religion. Dr. Franklin,
and Mr. Chase, members of Congress, and Mr. Carrol, who was of the
Roman Catholic persuasion, proceeded to Canada, with the design of gaining
over the people; having authority to promise them admission to the union of
the colonies, upon equal terms, with the full enjoyment of their liberty, and
ecclesiastical property. Such was the diligence exerted, that, in despite of
the season, the first reinforcements reached the American army, before
Quebec, on the eleventh of April, one thousand seven hundred and seven-
ty-six.
Notwithstanding these exertions of the United States, their interest in
Canada had daily declined, from the fall of Montgomery. The unsuccessful
* January Sth, 1776.
204 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
assault on Quebec, had dispirited the friendly Canadians, and Indians. The
small pox, which had been communicated to the army by a woman who had
been sent, voluntarily or compulsorily, from the city, so disabled the troops,
that, of three thousand men, nine hundred only were fit for duty. The af-
fections of the people were aliened by the misconduct of the continental
soldiery, which, in many instances, officered by men from obscure life,
without education, or morals, abandoned themselves to plunder, and other
crimes, not more disgraceful to themselves than injurious to the cause they
were sent to support. And, finally, the early opening of the St. Lawrence,
and the arrival of the British succours, compelled the Americans to com-
mence their retreat, very early in the month of May,* with so much precipi-
tation, as to leave their artillery, military stores, and some of their sick,
behind. To the last, as well as to such stragglers as were apprehended, or
came in, the humanity of General Carlton was exemplary ; and more adapted
to injure the American cause, than the cruelly of other British commanders.
He dismissed his prisoners, after liberally supplying their wants, with the
recommendation, " to go home, mind their farms, and keep themselves and
their neighbours from all participation in the unhappy war."
A disastrous retreat was pursued, during which, General Thomas, the
chief in command, fell a victim to the small pox. On his death, the direc-
tion of the army devolved, first on General Arnold, and afterwards on Gene-
ral Sullivan. Brigadier-general Thompson made an unsuccessful attempt
on the British post at Trois Rivieres, in which he was made prisoner,
though little other loss was sustained. On the first of July, the whole army
reached Crown Point, where the first stand was made. The retreat was
rendered more painful, by the reproaches of those Canadians, who had united
with the invaders, and who were about to be abandoned to the penalties of
unsuccessful insurrection, and by the plunder of the merchants of Montreal,
by the avaricious and profligate Arnold.
II. Notwithstanding the universal resistance, in Amei'ica, to the measures
of the ministry, the Parliament and people of Great Britain, could not be
made to believe, that it would be maintained against a determined spirit on
the part of the government, and a Cew thousand ti-oops to aid the established
authorities. This erroneous opinion was confirmed by the royal officers,
who were, probably, themselves deceived by their wishes. The military
operations, therefore, of the year 1775, were adopted, more to strengthen
the civil authority, than to support a contest for empire. But the battles of
Lexington, Breed's Hill, and the measures subsequently adopted by Con-
gress, awakened the nation from this delusive dream, and produced an ear-
nest resolution, at all hazards, to establish its supremacy over the colonics.
The speech from the throne, on the opening of the Parliament, twenty-
fourth October, 1775, declared, that his Majesty's subjects, in America,
" meant, only, to amuse, by vague expressions of attachment to the parent
state, while they were preparing for a general revolt;" "that the rebel-
lious war, now levied by them, was become more general, and, manifestly,
carried on for the purpose of establishing an independent empire ; and that it
was become the part of wisdom, and in its eflccts, of clemency, to put a
speedy end to these disorders, by the most decisive exertions." The senti-
ments of the speech were echoed in the addresses of both Houses of Parlia-
ment, but not without a spirited protest in the Lords. Nineteen dissenting
members declared the approaching war to be " unjust and impolitic in its
principles, and fatal in its consequences," and that they could not approve an
address " which might deceive his Majesty and the public, into a belief of
* On the 4th.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. ^205
their confidence in the present ministers, who had disgraced Parliament, de-
ceived the nation, lost the colonies, and involved them in a civil war, against
their dearest interests, and on the most unjustifiable grounds, v/antonly spilling
the blood of thousands of their fellow subjects."
With the sanction of Parliament, estimates for the public service were
made on the basis of operations against a foreign armed power. Twenty-
eight thousand seamen and fifiy-five thousand land forces were immediately
voted ; authority was soon afterwards given to employ foreign mercenaries ;
and to give full efficacy to these measures, an act of parliament * interdicted
all trade with the Americans; authorized the capture of their property,
whether of ships or goods, upon the high seas; and directed, " that the mas-
ters, crews, and other persons found on board captured American vessels,
should be entered on board his Majesty's vessels of war, and there considered
to be in his Majesty's service, to all intents and purposes, as if they had en-
tered of their own accord. And this, worse than Mahommedan slavery,
was insolently represented, as a merciful substitution of an act of grace and
favour, for the death which was due to rebellion. This bill, also, authorized
the crown to appoint commissioners, with power to grant pardon to indivi-
duals, to inquire into general and particular grievances, and to determine
whether any colony or part of a colony was returned to that state of obe-
dience, which might entitle it to be received within the King's peace and
protection; in which case the restrictions of the law Avere to cease. In the
debate on the bill, Lord Mansfield, whose ability and legal knowledge were
known and admired in America, declared, " that the questions of original
right and wrong were no longer to be considered — that they were engaged
in a war, and must use their utmost efforts to obtain the ends proposed by
it — that they must either fight or be pursued — and that the justice of the
cause must give way to their present situation." This declaration, justified
by circumstances, from the mouth of a ministerial partisan, excited the asto-
nishment, and aided to cement the union, of the colonists; and the act was,
justly, characterized by a member of the opposition, as " a bill for carrying
more eflectually, into execution, the resolves of Congress." By treaties, ap-
proved by Parliament, with the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel, the Duke of
Brunswick and the hereditary prince of Hesse Cassel,f sixteeen thousand of
their subjects were engaged to reduce the rebellious colonies to submission.
In the selection of a general for the royal forces, the command, as a matter
of right, was offered to General Oglethorpe, the first on the list of general
officers. To the surprise of the minister, the gallant veteran readily accepted
the proffer, on 'Condition, that he should be properly supported. A nume-
rous and well appointed army and fleet were promised him. " I will assume
the charge," replied he, " without a man or vessel of war, provided, I am
authorized, to proclaim to the colonists, that you will do them justice." " I
know the people of America well," he added^ " and am satisfied that his
Majesty has not, in any part of his dominions, more obedient and loyal sub-
jects. You may secure their obedience by doing them justice, but you will
never subdue them by force of arms." A commander-in-chief, with such
opinions, was unacceptable to the ministry, and the command was given to
Sir William Howe.
III. It was resolved, to open the campaign with a force that would look
down opposition, and produce submission without bloodshed; and to direct it
to three objects : 1 . The relief of Quebec ; the recovery of Canada ; and
the invasion of the adjacent provinces: 2. The chastisement of the southern
colonies ; and — 3. To seize New York with a force sufficient to keep pos-
* 20th Nov. 1775. t Feb. 29th, 1766.
206 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
session of the Hudson river, to maintain the communication with Canada, or
to overrun the adjacent country. The partial success of the first we have
ah-eady noticed. The execution of the second, was committed to General
Clinton and Sir Peter Parker, and eventuated in their repulse, from Charles-
ton, by the vigorous efforts of the colonists, at Fort Moultrie ; and the exer-
tions of General Lee, who had charge of the southern department. The
third, which involves the operations in New Jersey, asks from us particular
detail.
IV. The command of the force, consisting of about three thousand men,
destined against New York, was given to Admiral Lord Howe, and his
brother. Sir William, officers, high in the confidence of the British nation ;
who were, also, appointed commissioners for restoring peace to the colonies.
On evacuating Boston, General Howe, as we have seen, retired to Halifax,
designing, there, to await reinforcements from England. But his situation
proving uncomfortable, and the arrival of succours being delayed, he at
length (June 10th, 1776) resolved to sail for New York. On the fourth of
July his whole force was established on Staten Island, where he resolved to
await the arrival of the troops from Europe. The inhabitants received him
with great demonstrations of joy, took the oath of allegiance to th6 crown,
and embodied themselves under the command of the late Governor Tryon.
He received, also, strong assurances from Long Island, and the neighbouring
parts of New Jersey, of the favourable disposition of the greater proportion
of the people to the royal cause. Admiral Lord Howe, after touching at
Halifax, arrived, with the fleet and auxiliary forces, on the twelfth of the
same month.
It had early been conceived by General Washington, that the British
would endeavour to possess New York. Its central position, contiguity to
the ocean, and capacity of defence, made it highly desirable to both parties.
While the English were yet in Boston, General Lee had been detached from
Cambridge, to put the city and Long Island in a posture of defence. As
the departure of General Howe from Boston became certain, the probability
of his going to New York, increased the necessity of collecting a force for
its defence. By a resolution of a council of war, (March 13th, 1766) five
regiments, with a rifle battalion, were marched upon it, and the states of New
York and New Jersey, were requested to fiirnish — the former two thousand,
and the latter one thousand men, for its immediate defence. General Wash-
ington soon afterwards followed, and early in April, fixed his head quarters
in that city.
The experience which the American commander already had of the mate-
rial that must necessarily compose his army, determined him to pursue the
Fabian mode of war, a war of posts; to hazard nothing, but to hover round
the enemy, watching his motions, cutting off his supplies, and perpetually
harassing him with small detachments, until his own army had became accus-
tomed to military fatigue and danger. With this view, works were erected,
in and about New York, on Long Island, and the heights of Hacrlem. Con-
gress on the opening of the campaign, had a force far inadequate to its objects.
And though feeling the inconvenience of the temporary armies formed of the
militia, on short tours of service, they, or the country, probably both, were
not prepared to enlist men for periods that would render tiicm efficient sol-
diers, and therefore they adopted middle expedients. They instituted a flying
camp, composed of one thousand men from the states of Pennsylvania, Dela-
ware, and Maryland, eniiaged until the first day of the ensuing December,
and at the same time, called out 13,800 of the ordinary militia. The ranks
of the first were chiefly filled, but great deficiencies occurred in those of the
second. The difficulty of providing the troops with arms which had hitherto
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 207
been distressingly great, was now much increased. By the returns of April,
the garrison at Fort Montgomery in the Highlands, composed of two hundred
and eight privates, had only forty -one guns fit for use ; and that at Fort Con-
stitution of one hundred and thirty-six men, had only sixty-eight guns.
Flints were scarce, and the lead for musket balls was obtained, by strip-
ping the dwellings.
V. Notwithstanding independence had been declared, the British com-
manders and commissioners resolved before commencing military operations,
to try the influence of their powers for pacification. On the 14th of July,
Lord Howe sent on shore, by a Hag, a circular letter, addressed severally,
to the late governors under the crown, enclosing a declaration which he re-
requested them to publish, announcing to the people his authority to grant
pardon to all, who having departed from their allegiance, would, by speedy
return to duty, merit the royal favour; to declare any colony, town, port, or
place, in the peace, and under the protection of the crown, and excepted from
the penal provisions of the act of Parliament, prohibiting trade and intercourse
with the colornes ; and to give assurances, that the services of all persons
aiding in the restoration of public tranquillity, should be duly considered.
These papers were transmitted to Congress, who caused them to " be pub-
lished in tlie several gazettes, that the good people of the United States might
be informed of what nature were the powers of the commissioners, and what
the terms," otfcred by them. About the same time, his lordship addressed a
letter to " George Washington, Esq.," which the general refused to receive, be-
cause his public character was not, thereby, recognised, and in no other, could
he have intercourse with the writer. This reason, unquestionably sound, was
approved by the Congress. The commissioners, earnest in their purpose,
sent Colonel Patterson, adjutant-general of their army, to the American com-
mander, with another letter, directed to "George Washington, &c. «Sjc. &c."
When introduced to the general, he addressed him by the title of "Excellen-
cy ;" and presented the regrets of General Howe, for the difficulty which had
arisen witli respect to the direction of the letter; observing, that the mode
adopted was deemed consistent with propriety, and was founded on prece-
dent in cases of di])lomates, when disputes had been made about rank; that
General Washington had, in the preceding summer, addressed a letter to " the
honourable William Howe ;" that the commissioners did not mean to dero-
gate from his rank, or the respect due to him, and that they held his person
and character in the highest esteem ; but that, the direction, with the addition
of &c. &c. &c. implied every thing which ought to follow. The colonel,
then, produced a letter, which he said was the same that had been before
sent, and which he laid upon the table. But the general declined to receive
it. He still urged, that, the address of a letter to one in a public character,
should indicate such character, and remarked, that though the et ceteras im-
plied every thing, they also implied any thing: That, his letter to General
Howe was an answer to one he had received from him under a like address,
and that he would decline any letter relating to his ofiicial station, directed
to him as a private person. During the subsequent conference, which the
adjutant-general wished to be considered as a first advance towai'ds concilia-
tion, he remarked, that " the commissioners were clothed with great powers,
and would be very happy in eflecting an accommodation." But he received
for answer, that " from appearances, they had power only to pardon those,
who having never transgressed, sought no forgiveness." Soon after this
interview, a letter from General Howe respecting prisoners, properly address-
ed to General Washington, was duly received.
These seductive efforts of the British agents were repaid by Congress in
kind. A resohition of the 14th of August, ofTered to all foreigners who should
208 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
leave the armies of his Britannic Majesty in America, and become members
of any of the states, protection in the free exercise of their religion, the en-
joyment of the privileges of natives, together with fifty acres of land.
VI. The amount of the American force rendered the British comman-
ders cautious in commencing their operations by land. Their fleet, how-
ever, gave them great advantages, and soon demonstrated the total ineffi-
ciency of the American obstructions to the passage of the North river.
Frigates and smaller vessels passed the batteries of New York, Paules Hook,
Red Bank, and Governor's Island, almost with impunity. The American
army in the vicinity of New York, on the 8th of August, consisted of not
more than seventeen thousand men, mostly new recruits, distributed in small
and unconnected posts, some of which were fifteen miles distant from others.
It was soon after increased by Smallwood's regiment from Maryland, two
regiments from Pennsylvania, and a body of New England and New York
militia, to twenty-seven thousand ; of whom, however, one-fourth were un-
fitted for duty by sickness. A part of this force was stationed on Long
Island, where Major-general Greene had originally commanded, but becom-
ing extremely ill, had been succeeded by Major-general Sullivan.
As the defence of Long Island was intimately connected with that of New
York, a brigade had been stationed there, whilst the army was assembling ;
and had taken a strong post at Brooklyn, where an extensive camp had been
marked out and fortified. The village is on a small peninsula, formed by
the East river, the Bay, and Gowan's Cove, into which a creek empties itself.
This encampment fronted the main land of the island, and the works stretch-
ed quite across the peninsula, from Waaleboght Bay in the East river, on
the left, to a deep marsh on the creek emptying into Gowan's Cove on the
right. The rear was covered by the batteries on Red Hook, Governor's
Island, and on the East river. In front of the camp was a range of hills,
crowned with thick woods, which extended from east to west, near the
length of the island ; and though steep, they were every where passable by
infantry.
The whole of the English force having at length arrived, General Howe
indicated his intention to remove to Long Island — a battle for its possession
became inevitable. To this selection he was induced by its abundant pro-
duct of the supplies which his forces required. He landed on the 22d of
August, between the small towns, Utrecht and Gravesend, without opposi-
tion; Colonel Hand, with a Pennsylvania regiment, retiring before him to
the woody heights commanding the pass leading through Flatbush to the
works at Brooklyn. Lord Cornwallis immediately marched to seize this
pass, but finding it occupied, took post in the village.
VII. On the 25th of August, Major-general Putnam took command at
Brooklyn, with a reinforcement of six regiments. On the same day. Gene-
ral de Heister landed with two brigades of Hessians; and on the next, took
post at Flatbush. In the evening, Lord Cornwallis drew ofl^ to Flatland.
General Washington passed the day at Brooklyn, making arrangements for
the approaching action, and returned at night to New York.
The Hessians, under de Heister, composed the centre of the British army
at Flatbush; Major-general Grant commanded the left wing extending to
the coast; and the greater part of the forces, under General Clinton, Earl
Percy, and Lord Cornwallis, turning to the right, approached the opposite
shore at Flatland.
The armies were now separated by the range of hilts already mentioned.
The British centre was scarce four miles from the American lines, at Brook-
lyn. A direct road, from the one to the other, led across the heights.
Another, but n)ore circuitous road ran from Flatbush, by the way of Bedford,
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 309
a small village on the Brooklyn side of the hills. The right and left wino-s
of the British were nearly equidistant, five or six miles from the American
works. The road from the Narrows, along the coast, and by Gowan's Cove,
was the most direct route to their lei't ; and their right might either return by
the way of Flatbush, and unite with the centre, or take a more circuitous
course, and enter a road leading from Jamaica to Bedford. These roads
united between Bedford and Brooklyn, a small distance in front of the
American lines.
In the hills, on the direct road from Flatbush to Brooklyn, near the for-
mer, the Americans had reared a fortress, which had a body of troops with
several pieces of artillery, for its defence. The coast and Bedford roads
were guarded by detachments, posted on the hills, within view of the English
camp, which were relieved daily, and were engaged in obstructing the ways
by which the enemy might advance. General VVoodhuU, with the militia
of Long Island, was ordered to take post on the high grounds, as near the
enemy as possible; but he remained at Jamaica, scarcely recognising the
authority of the officer commanding on the island. Light parties of volun-
teers patrolled the road from Jamaica to Bedford; about two miles from
which, near Flatbush, Colonel Miles, of Pennsylvania, was stationed with a
regiment of riflemen.
On the 26th, Colonel Lutz, of the Pennsylvania militia, commanded on the
coast road ; and Colonel Williams, from New England, on the road leading
from Flatbush to Bedford. Colonel Miles, with his regiment, remained
where he had been, originally, placed. About nine at night. General Clin-
ton, silently drew the van of the army from Flatland, in order to seize a pass
in the heights, about three miles east of Bedfoi'd, on the Jamaica road. In
the morning of the 27th, about two houi's before day, within a half mile of
the pass, he captured an American party, which had been stationed on the
road, to give notice of the approach of the enemy. He possessed himself of
the unoccupied pass, and with the morning light, the whole column passed
the heights, and advanced into the level country between them and Brooklyn.
They were immediately followed by another column, under Lord Percy.
Before Clinton had secured the pass. General Grant proceeded along the
coast, with the left wing, and ten pieces of cannon. As his first object was
to draw the attention of the Americans from their left, he moved slowly,
skirmishing with the light parties in his front.
As it had been determined to defend the passes through the hills. General
Putnam, apprized of these movements, reinforced his advance parties, and
as the enemy gained ground, employed stronger detachments on this service.
About three o'clock in the morning, Bi'igadier-general Lord Stirling, with
the two nearest regiments, was directed to meet the enemy, on the road lead-
ing from the Narrows. Major-general Sullivan, who commanded all the
troops without the lines, proceeded at the head of a considerable body of
New Englandmen, on the road leading directly to Flatbush, while another
detachment occupied the heights between that place and Bedford.
About break of day, Lord Stirling reached the summit of the hills, where
he was joined by the troops which had been already engaged, and were re-
tiring slowly before the enemy, who almost immediately ap])cared in sight.
Having posted his men advantageously, a warm cannonade commenced on
both sides, which continued several hours; and some sharp, but not very
close skirmishing took place between the infantry. Lord Stirling being
anxious, only, to defend the pass, could not descend in force from the heights;
and General Grant did not wish to drive him thence, imtil the part of the
plan intrusted to Sir Henry Clinton, should be executed.
2D
210 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
In the centre, De Heister, soon after daylight, began to cannonade the
troops under Sullivan; but did not remove from Flatbush, until the British
right had approached the left and rear of the American line. In the mean
time, the more effectually to draw attention from the point where the gi'and
attack was intended, the fleet was put in motion, and a heavy cannonade
commenced on the battery at Red Hook.
About half past eight o'clock, the British right having then reached Bed-
ford, in the rear of Sullivan's left, De Heister ordered Colonel Donop's corps
to advance to the attack of the hill, following himself with the centre. The
approach of Clinton was now discovered by the American left, which imme-
diately endeavoured to regain the camp at Brooklyn. They were retiring
from the woods by regiments, M'ith their cannon, when they encountered the
front of the British, consisting of the light infantry and light dragoons, who
were soon supported by the guards. About the same time, the Hessians
advanced from Flatbush, against that part of the detachment which occupied
the direct road to Brooklyn.* Here General Sullivan commanded in per-
son ; but he found it difficult to make his troops sustain the first attack.
The firing towards Bedford had disclosed to them the alarming fact, that the
British had turned their left flank, and were getting into their rear. Per-
ceiving, at once, their danger, they sought to escape, by regaining the camp
with the utmost celerity. The sudden route of this party enabled De Heister
to detach a part of his force against that engaged near Bedford. In that
quarter, too, the Americans were broken and driven back into the woods,
and the front of the column led by General Clinton, continuing to move for-
ward, intercepted and engaged those who were retreating along the direct
road from Flatbush. Thus attacked in front and rear, and alternately driven
by the British on the Hessians, and by the Hessians on the British, a succes-
sion of skirmishes took place in the woods, in the course of which, some
parts of corps forced their way through the enemy, and regained the lines of
Brooklyn, and several individuals saved themselves under cover of the
forest; but a greater proportion of the detachment was killed or taken. The
fugitives were pursued to the American works, and such was the ardour of
the British soldiery, that their cautious commander could scarce prevent an
immediate assault.
The fire towards Brooklyn gave the first intimation to the American right,
that the enemy had gained their rear. Lord Stirling perceived that he
could escape only by instantly retreating across the creek, near the Yellow
Mills, not far from the cove. Orders to this effect were immediately given,
and the more effectually to secure the retreat of the main body of the de-
tachment, he determined to attack, in person, a corps of the British, under
Lord Cornwallis, stationed at a house somewhat above the place at which lie
proposed crossing the creek. About four himdred of Smallwood's regiment
were drawn out for this purpose, and the assault was made with great spirit.
This small corps was brought several times to the charge, and Lord Stirling
was on the point of dislodging Lord Cornwallis, when the force in his front
increasing, and General Grant also advancing on his rear, he could no lon-
ger oppose the superior numbers which assailed him, on every quarter; and
the survivors of this brave party, with their general, became prisoners of
war. This bold and well judged attempt, though unsuccessful, was not
without its advantages; giving an opportunity to a large part of the detach-
ment, to save themselves by crossing the creek.
The loss sustained by the American army on this occasion was conside-
rable, but could not be accurately ascertained. Numbers were supposed to
* General Howes Letter.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 211
have been drowned in the creek, or suffocated in the marsh ; and exact ac-
counts from the militia could not be procured. General Washington did not
admit it to exceed a thousand men, but in this estimate he could only have
included the regular troops. General Howe states the prisoners to have
amounted to one thousand and ninety-seven, among whom were Major-gene-
ral Sullivan, and Brigadiers Lord Stirling, and Woodhull, by him named
Udell. He computes the loss of the Americans at three thousand three hun-
dred, but this computation is, probably, excessive. He supposes too, that the
troops engaged on the heights, amounted to ten thousand; but it is impossi-
ble they could have much exceeded half that number. His own loss, he
states at twenty-one officers, and three hundred and Ibrty-six privates killed,
wounded, and taken.
As the action became warm. General Washington passed over to the camp
at Brooklyn, where he saw with inexpressible anguish, the destruction in
which his best troops were involved, and from which it was impossible to ex-
tricate them. He could direct his efforts only to the preservation of those
which remained.
Believing the Americans to be much stronger than they were in reality,
and unwilling to commit any thing to hazard. General Howe made no imme-
diate attempt to force their lines. He encamped in front, and on the twenty-
eighth, at night, broke ground in form, within six hundred yards of a redoubt
on the left.
VIII. Successful resistance to the victorious enemy being now hopeless,
and the Amei-ican troops, lying in the lines without shelter from the heavy
rains, becoming daily more dispirited, the resolution was taken to withdraw
the army from Long Island. This difficult movement was effected on the
night of the 28th, with such silence and despatch, that all the troops and
military stores, with a gi-eater part of the provisions, and all the artillery ex-
cept some heavy pieces, which, in the state of the roads, could not be drawn,
wei*e carried over in safety. Early the next morning, the British outposts
perceived the rear-guard crossing the East river, out of reach of their fire.
If the attempt to defend Long Island, so disastrous in its issue, impeach the
judgment of the commander-in-chief, his masterly retreat, justly, added to his
reputation among military men.
IX. But the effect of this defeat was most ijijurious to the American
cause. It took from the troops the confidence which preceding events had
created, and planted in its place, a dread of the enemy, to whom the perfec-
tion of military skill was now ascribed.
In a letter from General Washington to Congress, the state of the army,
after this event, was thus feelingly described. " Our situation is truly dis-
tressing. The check our detachment sustained on the 27tli ultimo, has
dispirited too great a proportion of our troops, and filled their minds with
apprehension and despair. The militia, instead of calling forth their utmost
efforts to a brave and manly opposition, in order to repair our losses, are
dismayed, intractable, and impatient to return. Great numbers of them
have gone off, in some instances, almost by whole regiments, in many, by
half ones, and by companies at a time. This circumstance of itself, inde-
pendent of others, when fronted by a well appointed enemy, superior in num-
ber to our whole collected force, would be sufficiently disagreeable: but
when it is added, that their example has infected another party of the army;
that their want of discipline, and refusal of almost every kind of restraint
and government, have rendered a like conduct but too common in the whole;
and have produced an entire disregard of that order and subordination neces-
sary for the well doing of an army, and which had been before inculcated as
well as the nature of our military establishment would admit ; our condition
212 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
is still more alarming, and with tho deepest concern I am obliged to confess
my want of confidence in the generality of the troops.
" All these circumstances fully confirm the opinion I ever entertained, and
which I, more than once, in my letters, took the liberty of meniioning to
Congress ; that no dependance could be put in a militia, or other troops than
those enlisted and embodied for a longer period than our regulations have
hitherto prescribed. 1 am persuaded, and am as fully convinced as of any
one fact that has happened, that our liberties must, of necessity, be greatly
hazarded, if not entirely lost, if their defence be lefl to any but a permanent
army.
" Nor would the expense incident to the support of such a body of troops,
ds would be competent to every exigency, far exceed that which is incurred
by calling in daily succours, and new enlistments, which when effected, are
not attended with any good consequences. Men who have been free, and
subject to no control, cannot be reduced to order in an instant; and the pri-
vileges and exemptions they claim, and will have, influence the conduct of
others in such a manner, that the aid derived from them is nearly counter-
balanced by the disorder, irregularity, and confusion they occasion."
The frequent remonstrances of the commander-in-chief, the opinions of
all military men, and the severe correcting hand of experience, at length,
produced their effect on the government of the union ; and soon after the
defeat on Long Island, it had been referred to the committee composing
the board of war, to prepare a plan of operations for the next succeeding
campaign. Their report, which was adopted, proposed a permanent army
to be enlisted for the war, and to be composed of eighty-eight battalions, to
be raised by the several states in proportion to their ability.* As induce-
ments to enlist, a bounty of twenty dollars Avas allowed to each recruit, and
small portions of vacant lands promised to every officer and soldier."j'
X. Lord Howe, in his character of commissioner, sought, immediately, to
avail himself of the impression, which he supposed the victory of the twenty-
seventh might have made on Congress. For this purpose. General Sullivan
was sent on parole, to Philadelphia, with a verbal message, purporting, that
though his lordship could not, at present, treat with Congress as a political
body, yet he was desirous to confer with some of its members, as private
gentlemen, and to meet them at such place as they would appoint : That,
with General Howe, he had full powers to compromise the dispute between
Great Britain and America; the obtaining of which had delayed him near
two months in England, and prevented his arrival at New York before the
declaration of independence : That he wished a compact to be settled, at
this time, when no decisive blow was struck, and neither party could feel
compulsion to enter into an agreement : That, if Congress were disposed to
treat, many things which they had not yet asked, might, and ought to be,
granted; and that if, upon conference, there should be a probability of
accommodation, the authority of Congress would be recognised, as indispen-
sable to the completion of the compact.
This proposition was embarrassing. Absolute rejection might give colour
to the opinion, that, if independence were waved, restoration of the ancient
connexion, on principles, formerly deemed constitutional, was practicable;
* New Hampshire 3, Massachusetts 15, Rhode Island 9, Connecticut 8, New York
4, New Jersey 4, Pennsylvania 12, Delaware 1, Maryland 3, Virginia 15, North Caro-
lina !), South Carolina G, Georgia 1. — 88.
t To a colonel 500 acres, lieutenant-colonel 450, major 400, captain 300, lieutenant
200, ensign 150, and a non-conimissionod officer or private 100 acres.
The resolution was afterwards changed so as to give the option to enlist for three
years, or during the war. Those enlisting for three years not to be entitled to land.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 213
whilst to enter upon negotiation under existing circumstances might impair
confidence, in the determination of Congress, to maintain the independence
they had declared. The difficulty was, in a measure, surmounted by the
reply, " that Congress, being the representatives of the free and independent
states of America, could not, with propriety, send any of its members to con-
fer with his lordship in their private characters; but, that ever desirous of
establishing peace upon reasonable terms, they would send a committee of
their body, to know whether he had authority to treat with persons autho-
rized by Congress for that purpose, on behalf of America ; and what that
authority is ; and to hear such propositions as he shall think proper to make
respecting the same." General Washington was, at the same time, instruct-
ed, that no proposition for peace ought to be regarded, unless made in
writing, and addressed to the representatives of the United States in Con-
gress, or to persons authorized by them ; and that if application were made
to him, on the subject, bv any of the British commanders, he should inform
them, that the United S^tates having entered into the war, only, for the de-
fence of their lives and liberties, would cheerfully agree to peace on reasona-
ble terms, whenever it should be so proposed to them. These resolutions
had the appearance of maintaining independence, without making it the con-
dition of peace.
Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge, the committee of Con-
gress, met Lord Howe on Staten Island. The conference was fruitless. The
committee, in their report, gave a summary of its matter, saying, " It did
not appear, that his lordship's commission contained any other authority
than that expressed in the act of Parliament ; namely, that of granting par-
dons, with such exceptions as the commissioners should think proper to make ;
and of declaring ^America, or any part of it, to be in the King's peace on
submission : for as to the power of inquiring into the state of America, which
his lordship mentioned to us, and of conferring and consulting with any per-
sons the commissioners might think proper, and representing the result of
conversation to the ministry, who, provided the colonists would subject them-
selves, might, after all, or might not, at their pleasure, make any alterations
in the former instructions to governors, or propose, in Parliament, any
amendment of the acts complained of; we apprehended any expectation from
the effect of such a power, would have been too uncertain and precarious to
be relied on by America, had she still continued in her state of dependence."
XL A council of war, convoked by Washington, resolved to act on the
defensive, and not to risk the army for the state of New York ; but a middle
line between abandonment and defence, was, for a short time, adopted.
The public stores were removed to Dobb's Ferry, about twenty-six miles
from New York. Twelve thousand men were ordered to the northern ex-
tremity of York Island, and four thousand five hundred returned for the de-
fence of the city : the remainder occupied the intermediate space, with direc-
tions to support the city or the camp, at King's Bridge, as exigencies might
require. As it was impossible to determine where the British would attempt
to land, it was necessary, pursuant to the system of procrastination, and the
determination to gain time to raise works for defence at various points. At
length, (September 12th) another council of war directed the abandonment
of the city. General Mercer, who commanded the flying camp on the Jersey
shore, also, moved up the North river, to a post opposite Fort Washington.
On the fifteenth General Howe commenced to land his forces, under cover
of some ships of war, on the East river, between Kipp's and Turtle Bays.
The works, at this point, were capable of defence for some time ; but the
troops, stationed in them, terrified at the fire from the ships, abandoned them
without waiting an attack, and fled with precipitation. When the cannonade
214 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
had commenced, the brigades of Generals Parsons and Fellows were put in
motion, and marched to the support of the lines, and General Washington,
himself, rode towards the scene of action. The panic of the fugitives, from
the works, was communicated to the advancing troops, and the commander-
in-chief, had the extreme mortification to meet the whole retreating in the
utmost disorder, despite the great efforts of their generals to check the dis-
graceful fiight; and whilst he, himself, attempted to rally them, a small corps
of the enemy coming in sight, they again broke and fled in the utmost con-
fusion. The usually firm and equable mind of this admirable man, seems,
on this occasion, to have been swayed by a gust of natural passion ; and for
the first, and perhaps, the only time, he despaired of the cause in which he
had embarked his fortune, his life, and his fame. In the rear of his das-
tardly ti'oops, with his face to the enemy, he appeared willing to bury the
pangs of the present, and the dreaded infamy of the future, in an honourable
grave. His aids and friends, who surrounded his person, by indirect vio-
lence, compelled him to retire, and preserved a life, perhaps, indispensable
to the independence of his country.*
The only part remaining to be taken after this dereliction, was to withdraw
the ijew remaining troops from New York, and to secure the posts on the
heights. For the latter purpose, the lines were instantly manned, but no
attempt was made on them. The retreat from New York was effected with
an inconsiderable loss of men, in a skirmish at Bloomingdale ; but all the
heavy artillery, and a large portion of the baggage, provisions, and military
stores, were unavoidably abandoned. No part of this loss was more severely
felt, than that of the tents. In this shameful day, one colonel, one captain,
three subalterns, and ten privates, were certainly killed; one lieutenant-
colonel, one captain, and one hundred and fifty-seven privates were missing.
The conduct of the troops on this occasion, calls for remarks which are alike
applicable to the prior and subsequent armies of the United States. They
had not the experience which teaches the veteran to do his duty, whei-ever
he may be placed ; in the assurance, that others will likewise do theirs ; and
to rely, that those who direct the whole will not expose him to useless hazard
nor neglect those precautions which the safety of the whole may require.f
Unfortunately, there existed in many parts of the army, other causes beside
the shortness of the terms of enlistment, and the inefficiency of the militia,
which prevented the ac(|Liisition of these military sentiments. In New Eng-
land, whence the war had been principally supported, the zeal excited by the
revolution had taken such a direction, as in a great measure to abolish those
distinctions between the platoon officers and the soldiers, which are indispen-
sable to the formation of an efficient army. Many of these officers, liere, as
in other parts of the union, were elected by the men, and were, consequently,
disposed to associate with them on the footing of equality. In some instances,
those were chosen who had agreed to put their pay in common stock with
that of the soldiers, and to divide equally with them. It is not cause of
wonder, that among such officers, the most disgraceful and unmilitary prac-
tices should sometimes prevail ; nor that privates should fail in respect, sub-
\ * Ramsay's American Revolution, vol. i. p. 392. Mr. Marshall does not notice, to
affirm or deny, this statement of Mr. Ramsay. If tiie suppression have been made
for the purpose of agcrrandizlng the hero of the bioirrapher, it is reprehensible. —
The office of apotheosis belongs to the poet or the slave. It is above or below the
historian. And no liuinan character can suffer less, from full disclosure, tlian that
of General Washington. Such shades, as this, are but tlii^ foil of the l)rilliant, serv-
inc to perfect its lustre. Such instances of weakness, improve the exemplar which
hia life affords. Were it marked by unvarying wisdom, it would be rejected in
despair, as unattainable.
t Marshall's Washington, vol. ii. 434.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 215
ordination, and obedience. Orders of this period show, that several officers
of inferior grade were not themselves exempt from the general spirit of pil-
lage, which then disgraced the American troops.*
Having possessed himself of the city, (15th September, 1776,) the British
general stationed a ikw troops in tlie town, and with ihe main body of the
army encamped near the American lines. His right was at Horen's Hook,
on the East river, and his left reached the North river, near Bloomingdale,
so that his encampment extended quite across the island, here, about two
miles wide, and his flanks were both covered by his ships. The strongest
point of the American lines was at King's Bridge, preserving their commu-
nication with the continent. They also occupied in considerable force,
M'Gowan's Pass, and Morris' Heights, which were fortified and I'cndered
capable of defence against superior numbers. On the heights of Haerlem,
still nearer the British lines, within a mile and a half of them, a strong de-
tachment was posted in an intrenched camp.
The present position of the armies favoured the wishes of the American
commander, to habituate his soldiers by a scries of successful skirmishes, to
meet the enemy in the field. Opportunities for this purpose were not long
wanting. The day after the retreat from New York, the British appeared
in considei'able force in the plains between the camps. Washington ordered
Colonel Knowlton of the volunteer corps of New England rangers, and
Major Leitch with three companies of the third Virginia regiment, which
had joined the army only the pi-eceding day, to endeavour to get into their
rear, whilst he amused them with demonstrations of an attack in front. The
plan was successful; the British advanced eagerly to an advantageous posi-
tion in front, and a firing commenced, but at too great a distance for execu-
tion. In the mean time, Colonel Knowlton, unacquainted with their new
position, made his attack rather on their flank, than their rear. Very soon.
Major Leitch, who had gallantly led the detachment, was brought off the
gi'ound mortally wounded, and not long afl;erwards. Colonel Knowlton also
fell, bravely fighting at the head of his troops. Not discouraged by the loss
of their field officers, the captains maintained their ground, and continued
the action with great animation. The British were reinforced, and General
Washington ordered on detachments from the adjacent regiments of New
England and Maryland. The Americans thus strengthened, charged the
enemy, drove them from the woods into the plains, and were pressing them
still further, when the general apprehending the approach of a large body ot
the foe, recalled his troops to their entrenchments. In this sharp conflict,
many who had so disgracefully fled on the preceding day, now, with much
inferior force, had engaged a battalion of hght infantry, another of Highland-
ers, and three companies of Hessian riflemen, sustaining a loss in killed and
wounded of not more than fifty men, whilst the British lost more than double
that number. The effect of this first success of the campaign, was visible
upon the spirits of the men, restoring them in some measure to their own
esteem.
The armies did not long retain their position. General Howe, sensible ot
the strength of the American camp, had no inclination to force it. His plan
was, to compel General Washington either to abandon it, or to fight in a
position, where defeat would result in a total destruction of his army. With
this view, after throwino- up intrenchments on M'Gowan's Hill, for the pro-
tection of New York, he proposed to gain the rear of the American camp,
and to possess himself of the North river, above King's Bridge. To ascer-
tain the practicability of the latter, three frigates passed up, under the fire of
* Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. ii, 43-1.
216 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Forts Washington and Lee, without injury from the batteries, or impediment
from the chevaux-de-frise, which liad been sunk in the channel, between
those forts. This point being attained, the greater part of his army passed
through Hellgate, into the Sound, and landed on Frog's Neck, in West Ches-
ter county, about nine miles from the camp, on the heights of Haerlem.*
He continued here some days, quietly waiting for his artillery, military
stores, and reinforcements, from Staten Island, which were detained by un-
favourable winds.
XII. In the mean time. General Lee arrivcd,t from his late successful
command, to the southxyard ; and finding a disposition prevalent among the
officers of the American army, to continue on York Island, he induced the
call of a council of war, to consult on its propriety. He urged its entire re-
linquishment— dwelling upon the impracticability of stopping the ascent of
the enemy's ships, upon the river, the possession of Frog's Neck, on the
Sound, by the British, the absolute impossibility of preserving the communi-
cation with the country, and the imminent danger that the army must fight
under disadvantages, or become prisoners of war. His views, so far as they
regarded the army, were adopted ; but unfortunately, the representations of
General Greene prevailed, in relation to Fort Washington, the occupation of
which, he contended, would divert a large portion of the enemy's force from
the main body, and in conjunction with Fort Lee, would cover the trans-
portation of supplies, up the river, for the service of the American troops.
He further represented, that the garrison could be brought off", at any time,
by boats from the Jersey shore.
XIII. On the 18th of October, General Howe moved forward his whole
army, except four regiments destined for New York, towards New Rochelle.
Some skirmishing took place, near East Chester, with part of Glover's bri-
gade, in which the conduct of the Americans was courageous. As Howe
took post at New Rochelle, Washington occupied the heights between it and
the North river. The British general received here, the second division of
Germans, under General Knyphausen, and an incomplete regiment of caval-
ry, from Ireland. Both armies now moved towards the White Plains, a
strong piece of ground, where a large camp had been marked out, and occu-
pied by a detachment of militia, sent to guard some magazines there collect-
ed. The main body of the Americans formed a long line of entrenched
camps, extending from twelve to thirteen miles, on the heights from Valen-
tine's Hill, near King's Bridge, to the White Plains; fronting the British line
of march, and the Brunx, which lay between them, so as to collect in full
force at any point, as circumstances might require. While the British army
lay about New Rochelle, Major Rodgers, with his regiment (of tories), was
advanced eastward towards Mamoraneck, on the Sound, where he was be-
lieved to be covered by the position of the other troops. An attempt was
made to surprise him in the night; but it was not wholly successful. About
sixty of his corps were killed or taken, with a loss to the Americans of two
killed, and eight or ten wounded; among the latter, was Major Green, of
Virginia, a brave officer, who led the advance, and who received a ball
through his body. Not long after, a regiment of Pennsylvania riflemen,
under Colonel Hand, fell in with and engaged an equal number of Hessian
chasseurs, over whom they obtained some advantage.
The caution of the English general was increased by these evidences of
enterprise in his adversary. His object seems to have been to avoid skir-
mishing, and to bring on a general action, if that could be effected under
favourable circumstances; if not, he knew too well, the approaching dissolu-
- October 12th, 177G. t October I4tli.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 317
tion of the American army, and calculated, not without reason, on deriving
from that event nearly all the advantages of a victory. He proceeded there-
fore slowly. His marches were in close order, his encampments compact,
and well guarded with artillery ; and the utmost circumspection was used
not to expose any part which might be vulnerable.*
As the sick and baggage reached a place of safety. General Washington
gradually drew in his out-posts, and took possession of the heights on the
east side of the Brunx frontmg the head of the British columns. He was
there joined by General Lee, who, after securing the sick and the baggage,
had, with considerable address, brought up the rear division of the army.
General Washington was encamped on high, broken grounds, with his
right flank covered by the Brunx, which also covered the front of his right
wing, extending along the road on the cast side of that river, towards New
Rochelle, as far as the brow of the hill where his centre was posted. His
left, forming almost a right angle with his centre, and nearly parallel to his
right, extended along the hills northwardly, so as to keep possession of the
commanding ground, and secure a retreat should it be necessary, from the
present position, to one still more advantageous in his rear.
On the right of the army, and on the west side of the Brunx, about one
mile from the camp, on the road leading from the North river, was a hill, of
which General M'Dougal took possession, for the purpose of covering the
right flank. His detachment consisted of about sixteen hundred men, prin-
cipally militia; and his communication with the main army was perfectly
open; that part of the river being every where passable, without difficulty.
Hasty intrenchments were thrown up to strengthen every part of the fines,
and to make them as defensible as possible.
On the 25th of October, General Howe, who had advanced from New
Rochelle and Mamaroneck, prepared to attack General Washington in his
camp. Early in the morning, the British approached in two columns, the
right commanded by Sir Henry Clinton, and the left by General Knyphau-
sen, accompanied by General Howe, in person. Their advanced parties
having encountered, and driven in the patroles, their van appeared, about
ten o'clock, in full view of the American lines ; a cannonade commenced,
without much execution, on either side. The British right formed behind a
rising ground, about a mile in front of the American camp, and extended
from the road leading fi-om Mamaroneck, towards the Brunx ; so that it was
opposed to the centre of the American army.
On viewing General Washington's situation, Howe determined to possess
himself of the hill occupied by M'Dougal. He directed Colonel Rawle, with
his corps of Hessians, to cross the Brunx, and by a circuit, to gain a posi-
tion from which he might annoy the right flank of M'Dougal, while Briga-
dier-genei"al Leslie, with the second brigade of British troops, the Hessian
grenadiers under Colonel Donop, and a Hessian battalion, should attack him
in front. When Rawle had gained the designated position, the detachment
under Leslie also crossed the Brunx, and commenced a vigorous attack on
the Americans. t The militia immediately fled; but the regulars behaved
with great gallantry. Colonel Smallwood's regiment of Maryland, and
Colonel Reitzimar's of New York, advanced boldly towards the foot of the
hill to meet Leslie ; but after a sharp encounter, were overpowered by num-
bers, and compelled to retreat. Leslie then attacked the remaining part of
M'Dougal's forces, consisting of his own brigade, the Delaware battalion,
and a small regiment of Connecticut militia. They were soon driven from
* Annual Register. t Greneral Howe's letter
2 E
218 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the hill, but kept up, for some time, an irregular fire from the stone walls,
and other enclosures about the scene of action. General Putnam, with
Deal's brigade, was ordered to support them; but not arriving while they
were in possession of the hill, he deemed it improper to attempt to regain it,
and the troops retreated to the main army.
In this engagement, which, during its continuance, was very animated on
both sides, the loss was supposed to have been about equal. That of the
Americans was between three and four hundred in killed, wounded, and
taken. Colonel Smallwood was among the wounded.
General Washington continued in his lines, expecting to be attacked. His
sick and baggage were removed into his rear. But a considerable part of
the day having been spent in gaining the hill, which had been occupied by
M'Dougal, all attempts on his intrenchments were postponed until the next
morning; and the whole British army lay on their arms the following night,
in order of battle, and on the ground they had taken during the day.
This interval was employed by General Washington in strengthening his
works, removing his sick and baggage, and preparing, by changing the ar-
rangement of his troops, for the expected attack. His left maintained its
position, but his right was drawn back to stronger ground. Perceiving this,
and unwilling to leave any thing to hazard, Howe resolved to postpone fur-
ther oflensive operations, until Lord Percy should arrive with four battalions
from New York, and two from the post at Mamaroneck. This reinforce-
ment was received on the evening of the 30th, and preparations were then
made to attack the American intrenchments the next morning. In the night
and during the early part of the succeeding day, a violent rain fell, which
induced a further postponement of the assault.* The ])rovisions and heavy
baggage being now removed, and apprehensions being entertained, that the
British general, whose left wing extended along the height taken from
M'Dougal, to his rear, might turn his camp, and occupy the post to which
he designed to retreat, if an attempt on his lines should terminate unfortu-
nately. General Washington changed his position in the night, and withdrew
to the heights of North Castle, about five miles from White Plains. At the
same time he detached Beal's brigade to take possession of the bridge on
Croton river, a few miles in his rear, and over which is the road leading up
the Hudson.
This position was so strong, that an attempt to force it was deemed im-
prudent. General Howe, therefore, gave a new direction to his etibrts.f
XIV. The anxiety to preserve, if possible, the navigation of the Hudson,
above King's Bridge, had induced the American general to maintain the posts
of Forts Washington and Lee, on either side of that river. They essentially
checked the movements of General Howe, who justly deemed the complete
possession of York Island an object of too much importance to be longer
neglected. He, therefore, directal General Knyphauscn to cross the coun-
try from New Rochelle, and to take possession of King's Bridge, where a
small party of Americans were stationed in Fort Independence. This was
effected without opposition ; — the Americans retiring to Fort Washington,
and Knyphauscn cncmnping between that place and King's Bridge.
In the; mean time, Howe broke up his camp at White I'lains, and marched
to Dobbs' Ferry, whence he retired slowly down the North river, towards
King's Bridge. The American general was immediately aware of the de-
sign against h'ort Washington, and the Jerseys; but, apprehending that his
adversary might return suddenly, and endeavour by a rapid movement, to
execute the original plan of getting in his rear, he observed great caution,
* General Howe's letter. < Ibid.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 219
and maintained his position, until assured that the movement towards King's
Bridge, was not a feint.
On the movement of the British army towards New York, General Wash-
ington perceived the neccessity of throwing a part of his troops into New
Jersey, should Howe design to change the scene of action. A council of
war, therefore, was immediately called, (November 6th,) which determined,
unanimously, should Howe continue his march, that all the troops raised on
the west side of the Hudson, should cross that river, to be afterwards follow-
ed, if necessary, by those raised on the eastern part of the continent; and
that, for the preservation of the highlands, about the North river, three
thousand men should be stationed at Peck's-kill, and in the passes of the
mountains.
General Washington addressed a letter to Governor Livingston, advising
him of the movement then making, and expressing a decided opinion that
Genei-al Howe would not content himself with investing Fort Washington,
but would invade the Jerseys. He urged the governor to put the militia in
condition to reinforce the continental army, and to take the place of the new
levies, a term designating a body of men between militia and regulars,
raised to serve until the first of December, who could not be depended on to
continue with the army one day longer than the time for which they were
engaged. He also pressed, very earnestly, the removal of all the stock, and
other provisions, of which the enemy might avail himself, from the sea-coast,
and the neighbourhood of New York.
Immediate intelligence of this movement was likewise given to General
Greene, who commanded in the Jerseys ; and his attention was particularly
pointed to Fort Washington. He was advised to increase his magazines
about Princeton, and to diminish those near New York ; as experience had
demonstrated the difficulty of removing them on the advance of the enemy.
Some apprehension was also entertained, that Howe would attempt to cross
at Dobbs' Ferry, and envelop the troops about Fort Lee, as well as those in
Fort Washington. Of this, too. General Greene was advised, and thereupon
drew in his parties from about Amboy, and posted a body of troops on the
heights to defend the passage at Dobbs' Ferry.
On the 13th of November, General Washington crossed the North river,
with the selected portion of the army, leaving the eastern regiments under
the command of General Lee, with orders, also, to cross the river, should
General Howe effect it ; but in the mean time, to assume the strong grounds,
behind the Croton, at Pine Bridge.
Discretionary orders had been given to General Greene, to abandon Fort
Washington, but which, for the reasons alre.ady stated, he delayed to exe-
cute, this fort was on a high piece of ground, near the NortJi river, very
difficult of ascent, especially," on the northern side. It was capable of con-
taining about a thousand men ; but the lines and out-works, chiefly on the
southern side, were drawn quite across the island. The position was natu-
rally strong, the approaches difficult, and the fortifications, though not suffi-
cient to resist heavy artillery, were believed capable of sustaining any at-
tempt at storm. The garrison containing some of the best troops of the
American army, was commanded by Colonel Magaw, a brave and intelli-
gent officer.
General Howe, who had retired slowly from the White Plains, encamped
at a small distance from King's Bridge, on the heights of Fordham, with his
right towards the North river, and his left on the Brunx. Detachments
from his army having previously taken possession of the ground about West
Chester, works were erected at Haerlem creek, to play on the opposite
works of the Americans, and every preparation being made for an assault,
220 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the garrison was summoned (on the 15th of November,) to surrender on
pain of being put to the sword. Colonel Magaw replied, that he should de-
fend the place to the last extremity. The summons was immediately com-
municated to General Greene, at Fort Lee, and by him to the commander-
in-chief, then at Hackensack. He immediately rode to Fort Lee, and though
late in the night, was proceeding to Fort Washington, where he expected to
find Generals Putnam and Greene, when, in crossins the river, he met those
officers, returnmg from visiting that post. They reported that the garrison
was in high spirits, and would make a good defence; on which, he returned
with them to Fort Lee.
Early next morning. Colonel Magaw posted his troops partly in the outer-
most lines, partly between those lines, on the woody and rocky heights,
fronting Haerlcm river, where the ground being extremely difficult of ascent,
the works were not closed ; and partly on a commanding hill, lying north of
the fort. Colonel Cadwalader, of Pennsylvania, commanded in the lines,
Colonel Rawlmgs, of Maryland, on the hill towards King's Bridge, where
his regiment of riflemen was posted among trees, and Colonel Magaw, him-
self, in the fort.
The strength of the place did not deter the British general from attempting
to carry it by storm. A desire to save time, at this late season of the year,
was the principal inducement to this determination. About ten o'clock, the
assailants appeared before the works, and moved on to the assault in four
quarters. Their first division, consisting of two columns of Hessians and
Waldeckers, amounted to about five thousand men, under the command of
General Knyphauscn, advanced on the north side of the fort against the hill
where Colonel Rawlings commanded, who received them with great gal-
lantry. The second, on the east, consisting of the first and second battalions
of British light infantry, and two battalions of guards, was led on by Briga-
dier-general Mathews, supported by Lord Cornwallis, at the head of the
first and second battalions of grenadiers, and the thirty-third regiment.
These troops crossed Haerlem river, in boats, under cover of the artillery
planted in works which had been erected for the purpose, on the opposite
side of the river, and landed within the third line of defence, which crossed
the island. The third division was conducted by Lieutenant-colonel Stirling,
who passed the river higher up ; and the fourth, by Lord Percy, accompa-
nied by General Howe, ia person. This division was to attack the lines in
front, on the south sitfe.*
The attacks on the north, and south, by General Knyphauscn, and Lord
Percy, were made about tho. game instant on Colonels Rawlings and Cad-
walader, who mamtained their ground for a considerable time; but while
Colonel Cadwalader was engaged in the first line against Lord Percy, on
the south, the second and third divisic^vs, which had crossed Haerlem river,
made good their landing, and soon dispersed the troops fronting that river,
as well as a detachment sent by Colonel Cadwalader, to support them.
These being overpowered, he deemed it necessary to abandon the lines, and
a retreat was commenced towards the fort, which, being conducted with con-
fusion, a part of his men were intercepted by the division under Colonel
Stirling, and made prisoners. The resistance on the north, was conducted
with more courage, and was of longer duration. Rawlings maintained his
ground with firmness, and his riflemen did vast execution. A three o-un
battery, north of the fort, also played on Knyphauscn, with much effect.
The Germans were repulsed several times with great loss; and, had every
other part of the action been equally well maintained, the assailants, if ulti-
* General Howe's letter
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 221
mately successful, would have had much reason to deplore their victory. At
length, by dint of perseverance and numbers, the Hessian columns gained the
summit of the hill ; after which, Colonel Rawlings, perceiving the danger
which threatened his rear, retreated under the guns of the fort.
Having carried the lines, and all the strong ground adjoining them, the
British general again summoned Colonel Magaw to surrender. While the
capitulation was progressing. General Washington sent him a billet, request-
ing him to hold out until the evening, when he would endeavour to bring off
the garrison ; but Magaw had already proceeded too far to retract ; and it is
probable the place could not have resisted an assault from so formidable a
force as threatened it on every side. The most essential difficulties had been
overcome : the fort was too small to contain all the men ; and their ammuni-
tion was nearly exhausted. Under these circumstances, the garrison sur-
rendered prisoners of war.
The loss on this occasion was the greatest the Americans had sustained.
The garrison was stated by General Washington, at about two thousand
men ; yet, in a report pubhshed as from General Howe, the number of pri-
soners is stated at two thousand six hundred, exclusive of officers. Either
General Howe must have included in his report, persons who were not sol-
diers, or General Washington, in his letter, must have comprised only the
regulars. The last conjecture is most probably correct. The loss of the
assailants is variously stated, at from eight to eleven hundred men. It fell
heaviest on the Germans.
XV. The surrender of Fort Washington, induced a determination to
evacuate Fort Lee ; and a removal of the stores to the interior of Jersey,
immediately, commenced. But on the 19th of November, before this could
be completed, a detachment of the enemy, commanded by Lord Cornwallis,
amounting to about six thousand men, crossed the North river, below Dobbs'
Ferry, and endeavoured by a rapid march, to enclose the garrison between
the Hudson and the Hackensack rivers. The safety of the garrison required
its instant withdrawal from the narrow neck of land, which was with great
difficulty effected, by a bridge over the latter river. With Fort Lee, alt the
heavy cannon, except two twelve pounders, together with a large quantity of
provisions and military stores, fell into the hands of the enemy. The want
of wagons rendered this loss inevitable.
After crossing the Hackensack, General Washington posted his troops
along the western bank ; but ho could not defend it with an army of only
three thousand effectives, exposed, without tents, to the inclement season
which already prevailed, in a level country without an entrenching tool, and
among people no wise zealous for the American cause; and being still en-
closed by two rivers, the Hackensack and Passaic, his position was, thereby,
rendered more dangerous. This gloomy concUtion was not cheered bv the
prospect of the future. No reliance could be placed on reinforcements from
any quarter. The general made every exertion to collect an army, and in
the mean time to impede, as much as possible, the progress of the enemy.
General Carleton having retired from before Ticonderoga, he directed Ge-
neral Schuyler to hasten to his assistance, the troops of Pennsylvania and
New Jersey. But the march was long, their term of service nearly expired,
and they refused to re-enlist. General Lee was directed to cross the North
river, and hold himself in readiness, if the enemy should continue the cam-
paign, to join the commander-in-chief; but his army, too, from the same
fatal cause, was melting awav, and would soon be totally dissolved. Gene-
ral Mercer, who commanded part of the flying camp stationed about Bergen,
was called in, but these troops had engaged to serve, only, until the first of
December, and like other six months' men, had abandoned the army in great
222 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
numbers. No hope existed of retaining the remnant, after they should
possess a legal right to depart.
Under these circumstances, no serious design could be entertained of de-
fending the Hackensack. A show of resistance was momentarily preserved,
with a view of covering the few stores which could be removed. General
Washington, with Beal's, Heai-d's, and part of Irvine's brigades, crossed at
Acquackanonck Bridge, and took post at Newark, on the south side of the
Passaic. Soon alter he had marched. Major-general Vaughan, at the head
of the British dragoons, grenadiers, and light infantry, appeared before the
new bridge over Hackensack, and the American detachment in the rear being
wholly unable to defend it, could only break it down, and retire before him
over the Passaic.
General Washington having entered the open country, halted for a few
days, to endeavour to collect such a force, as might preserve the semblance
of an army. The better to effect this, he despatched General Mifflin to Penn-
sylvania, where he possessed great influence, and Colonel Joseph Reed, his
adjutant-general, long known and highly valued in New Jersey, to Governor
Livingston, to press upon him the absolute and immediate necessity of
making further exertions to prevent the whole state from being overrun.
In this perilous state of things, he found it necessary to detach Colonel
Forman of the New Jersey militia, to suppress an insurrection which threat-
ened to break out in the county of Monmouth, where great numbers were
well disposed to the royal cause. Nor was this the only place from which
there was reason to expect the enemy might derive aid. Such an indisposi-
tion to further resistance began to be manifested throughout the state, as to
excite serious fears respecting the conduct which might be observed when
Lord Cornwallis should penetrate further into the country.*
Unable to make eflective resistance, as the Britisli crossed the Passaic,
General Washington abandoned his position behind it ; and on the 28th of
November, as Lord Cornwallis entered Newark, he retreated thence to
Brunswick. The time had now come, (December 1,) when the Maryland
and Jersey levies in the flying camp, became entitled to their discharge, and
he had the extreme mortification to behold his small army, still more en-
feebled by the abandonment of these troops almost in sight of an advancing
enemy. The Pennsylvania militia of the same class had engaged to serve
until the first of January; but so many of them deserted, that it became ne-
cessary to place guards on the roads and ferries over the Delaware to appre-
hend the fugitives.
From New Brunswick, the commander-in-chief, again, urged upon Gover-
nor Livingston, that the intention of the enemy was, to pass through New
Jersey to Philadelphia, and that some efiicacious measures should be adopted
to call out the strength of the state to his support, and its own defence. But
it was not in the power of the governor to furnish the aid required. The
Legislature, which had removed from Princeton to Trenton, and from Tren-
ton to Burlington, had now adjourned, and the members had returned to their
homes to protect their own more peculiar interests. The well affected part
of the middle counties was overawed by the British army. The lower coun-
ties were haunted by tories, or paralyzed by their non-combatting Quaker
population, and the militia of Morris and Sussex turned out slowly and re-
luctantly.f Washington, also, again urged General Lee to hasten to his
assistance.
The troops were continued in motion for the purpose of concealing their
weakness, and of retarding the advance of Cornwallis, by creating an opinion
* Marshall, Wash. Lett. t Ibid.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 223
that the Americans meditated to attack him ; but as the British van came in
view, and approached the opposite side of the bridge, he was compelled to
quit New Brunswick. Leaving Lord StirHng in Princeton with two brigades
from Virginia and Delaware, amounting to twelve hundred men, to watch the
enemy, he continued his march with the residue of the army to Trenton.
Directions had already been given to collect and place under sutiicient guard,
all the boats on the Delaware, from Philadelphia upwards, for seventy miles,
so that a hope might be reasonably entertained that the progress of the ene-
my would be stopped at this river; and that in the mean time, reinforcements
might arrive, which would enable him to dispute its passage. Having, with
great labour, transported the few remaining military stores and baggage over
the Delaware, he determined to remain as long as possible with the small
force which still adhered to him on the northern banks of that river.*
This retreat into, and through New Jersey, was attended with almost every
circumstance that could embarrass and depress the spirits. It commenced
immediately after the heavy loss at Fort Washington. In fourteen days
after that event, the whole flying camp claimed its discharge, and other troops
also, whose engagements terminated about the same time, daily departed.
The two Jersey regiments which had been forwarded by General Gates,
under General St. Clair, went off to a man, the moment they entered their
own state. A few officers without a single private, were all of these regi-
ments which St. Clair brought to the commander-in-chief. The troops who
were with Washington, mostly of the garrison of Fort Lee, were without
tents, blankets, shoes, and the necessary utensils to dress their provisions.
In this situation, the general had the address to prolong a march of ninety
miles, to the space of nineteen days. During his retreat, scarce an inhabit-
ant joined him, whilst numbers daily flocked to the royal army, to make
their peace, and beg protection. On the one side, ^as a well appointed full
clad army, dazzling by its brilliance, and imposing by its success ; on the
other, a few poor fellows whose tattered raiment but too well justified the
soubriquet oi" ^' ragamuffins," with which the sneering torics reproached them,
fleeing for their safety. The British commissioners issued a proclamation
commanding all persons assembled in arms against his Majesty's government,
to disband and return to their homes ; and all civil officers to desist from their
treasonable practices, and to relinquish their usurped authority. A lull par-
don was ofTered to all, who within sixty days would appear before an officer
of the crown, claim the benefit of the proclamation, and subscribe a declara-
tion of his submission to the royal authority. Seduced by this proclamation, not
only the ordinary people shrunk from the apparent fate of the country in this
its murkiest hour, but the vapouring patriots who sought office and distinction
at the hands of their countrymen, when danger in their service was distant,
now crawled into the British lines, humbly craving the mercy of their con-
querors; and whined out, as justification, that though they had united with
others, in seeking a constitutional redress of grievances, they approved not
the measures lately adopted, and were at all times opposed to independence.f
General Washington having secured his baggage and stores, and finding
Cornwallis pause at Brunswick, he, on the 6th of December, detached twelve
hundred men to Princeton, in hope, that by appearing to advance, he might
not only delay the progress of the British, but in some degree, cover the
country and re-animate the people of New Jersey.
XVI. The exertions of General Mifflin, though making little impression
* Marshall.
t Dr. Ramsay hus given to political intamy, the names of Galloway and Alien, of
Penjisylvania, lie miglit have added those of Tucker, and others, of New Jersey.
224 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
on the state of Pennsylvania at large, were highly successful in Philadelphia.
A large proportion of that city, capable of bearing arms, had associated for
the defence of the country; and fifteen hundred now marched to Trenton. A
German battalion was also ordered by Congress to the same place. On re-
ceiving this reinforcement, Washington commenced his march to Princeton;
but before he could reach it, he received intelligence that Lord Cornwallis,
also, strongly reinforced, was rapidly advancing from Brunswick by different
routes to get into his rear. Thus a retreat even across the Delaware, became
indispensable.
On the 8th of December, having secured the boats, and broken down the
bridges on the roads leading along the Jersey shore, he posted his army on
the western bank in such a manner, as to observe the fords by which the
enemy must pass. As the American rear guard crossed the river, the British
army came in sight. The main body halted at Trenton, whence detach-
ments were thrown out above and below, so as to render uncertain where
they might attempt to pass. Small parties, unimpeded by the people of the
country, reconnoitred the river for a considerable distance. If the British
general as reported, had brought boats with him, it would have been impos-
sible for Washington, with his small force, to prevent the passage. From
Bordentown, four miles below Trenton, the Delaware turns westward, and
forms an acute angle with its upper course, so that Cornwallis might cross
high up and be as near Philadelphia as the American army. For this reason,
Washington advised, that lines of defence should be drawn from the Schuyl- .
kill about the heights of Springetsbury, eastward to the Delaware, and Gen-
eral Putnam was ordered to superintend them. General Mifflin, who had
just returned to camp, was again despatched to the city to take charge of the
numerous stores it contained.
Cornwallis made some unsuccessful attempts to seize a number of boats,
guarded by Lord Stirling, about Coryell's Ferry ; and having repaired the
bridges below Trenton, advanced a strong detachment to Bordentown, de-
monstrating the design of crossing the river at points above and below
Trenton, and to march in two columns, directly, to Philadelphia; or com-
pletely to envelope the American army.
To counteract this plan, some galleys were stationed, so as to communi-
cate the earliest inteUigence of movements below, and to afibrd aid in repel-
ling an attempt to cross the river, whilst the commander-in-chief made other
dispositions to prevent the passage above, which, he believed, the real object
of the enemy. Four brigades under Generals Lord Stirling, Mercer, Ste-
phens, and De Fcrmoy, were posted from Yardley's to Coryell's Ferry, in
such manner as to guard every suspicious point of the river, and to assist each
other in case of attack. General Irvine, with the Pennsylvania remnant of
the flying camp, and some Jersey militia under General Dickenson, were
posted from Yardley's down to the ferry opposite Bordentown. Colonel
Cadwalader, brother of him taken at Fort Washington, with the Pennsyl-
vania militia, occupied the ground on cither side of the Neshanfmy as far as
Dunk's Ferry, where Colonel Nixon was posted with the third Philadelphia
battalion. Precise orders were given to the commanding oflicer of each de-
tachment for his conduct, directing his route in case he should be driven
from his post, and the passes he should endeavour to defend, on his way to
the high grounds of Germantown, where the army was to rendezvous if
forced from the rivcu-.
In the mean time, General Washington continued his exertions to aug-
ment his army. Expresses were sent through the counties of Pennsylvania,
and to the governments of Delaware and Maryland, urging them to forward
their militia without delay. General Mifflin, whose popular eloquence had
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 225
been most serviceable, was again directed to repair immediately to the neigh-
bouring counties, and Congress declared it of the highest importance, that he
should make a progress through the state of Pennsylvania, to rouse its free-
men to the immediate defence of the city and country ; naming a committee
to assist him in the good and necessary work. General Armstrono- of Penn-
sylvania, was, at the same time, despatched by General Washino-ton, into
that part of the state, where he possessed most influence. In the hope of
thus obtaining adequate force, even for offensive operations. General Heath
was called from Peck's-kill, and General Gates ordered on with regulars of
the northern army.
XVII. Although General Lee had been frequently directed to join the
commander-in-chief, he tardily obeyed, manifesting a strong disposition to
retain his separate command, and rather to hang on, and threaten the
rear of the British army, than to strengthen that in their front. With this
view, in opposition to the judgment of Washington, he proposed to establish
himself at Morristown. Again urged to march, still declaring his opinion in
favour of his own proposition, he proceeded, reluctantly, towards the Dela-
ware. Whilst passing through Morris county, near Baskingridge, at the
distance of about twenty miles from the British encampment, he, very indis-
creetly, quartered, under a slight guard, in a house about three miles from his
troops. Information of this circumstance was given, by a countryman, to
Colonel Harcourt, then, with a body of cavalry, watching his movements,
who, immediately, formed and executed the design of seizing him. Early in
the morning of the twelfth of December, by a rapid march, his corps reached
Lee's quarters. The general, receiving no intimation of his approach, until
the house was surrounded, became a prisoner, and was borne off in triumph
to the British army ; where, for some time, he was treated, not as a prisoner
of war, but as a deserter from the British service.
This misfortune made a painful impression throughout America. The
confidence, originally placed in General Lee, alike due to his experience and
talents, had been increased by his success, whilst commanding the southern
department, and by the conviction, that his advice, to which was ascribed the
operations in New York, which defeated the plans of General Howe, would,
if more closely followed, have prevented the losses at Fort Washington and
Fort Lee. No officer, save the commmandcr-in-chief, had so large a share
of the confidence of the army and country, and his capture was universally
bewailed, as the greatest calamity which had befallen the American arms.
XVIII. General Sullivan, on whom the command devolved after the loss
of Lee, promptly obeying the orders which had been given to that officer,
joined Washington, by the way of Phillipsburg, on the twentieth of Decem-
ber. On the same day. General Gates arrived with some northern troops.
By these and other reinforcements, the American army was augmented to
about seven thousand effective men.
Having failed to obtain boats for crossing the Delaware, the British gene-
ral determined to close the campaign, and retire into winter quarters. About
four thousand men were cantoned, on the Delaware at Trenton and Borden-
town, at the White Horse and Mount Holly ; and the remainder of the army
was distributed from that river to the Hackensack. Still, Washington be-
lieved, that an attempt to gain Philadelphia would be made, should the ice
become sufficiently firm to bear the army. He supposed, also, that one of
the objects of General Howe, in covering so large a portion of New Jersey,
was to impede the recruiting service. To counteract this, three regiments
marching from Peck's-kill, were halted at Morristown, and united with about
eight hundred Jersey militia, who had collected at the same place, under
Colonel Ford, the whole being placed under the command of General Max-
2F
226 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
well of New Jersey. He had orders to watch the motions of the enemy, to
harass their marches, give intelligence of their movements, especially, of
such as might be made from Brunswick towards Princeton or Trenton, to
keep up the spirits of the militia, and to prevent the inhabitants from going
within the British lines, from making their submission, and taking protec-
tions.
Whilst these measures were in progress, the commander-in-chief laboured
to impress upon Congress, the necessity of still further exertions to form a
permanent army, particularly, to increase the cavalry, artillery, and engi-
neers, and, also, to enlarge his own powers, which were incompetent to
many cases that daily occurred. The moment was certainly one of fearful
interest. The existing army, except a few regiments from Virginia, Penn-
sylvania, Maryland, and New York, affording an effective force of about
fifteen hundred men, would dissolve in a iJew days. New Jersey had, in a
great measui-e, submitted, and the militia of Pennsylvania had not displayed
the alacrity which had been expected; and should the frost bridge the Dela-
ware, it was to be dreaded, that General Howe would seize Philadelphia,
and that its capture might induce the belief, that the contest had become
desperate.
XIX. But even this deepest gloom had its ray of hope, — the first beam of
a rising sun of unparalleled brightness. In the dispersed situation of the
British army. General Washington perceived the opportunity of striking a
blow which might retrieve the holy cause, in the public opinion, and recover
the ground he had lost. Pie formed the daring plan of attacking, at the same
instant, all the British posts on the Delaware. If successful in whole or in
part, he would erase the impression made by his losses and retreat, would
compel his adversary to compress himself so, as no longer to cover New
Jersey, and would remove from Philadelphia the imminent danger which
threatened it. The merit of having originally suggested this attack, may,
according to Dr. Gordon, be claimed for General Joseph Reed.*'
Washington proposed to cross the river, in the night, at M'Konky's Ferry,
about nine miles above Trenton, with four thousand troops, under his own
immediate command, assisted by Generals Sullivan and Greene, and Colonel
Knox, of the artillery ; to march down in two divisions, one by the river, and
the other by the Pennington road, both leading to the town, — and that they
might reach their destination by five o'clock of the next day, to pass them
over the river by twelve o'clock. General Irvine was directed to cross at
the Trenton Ferry, and to secure the bridge below the town, to prevent the
escape of any part of the enemy by that road ; and General Cadwalader to
pass at Dunks' Ferry, and carry the post at Mount Holly. It had been de-
signed to unite the troops engaged in fortifying the city of Philadelphia, with
those of Bristol, and to place them under the command of General Putnam ;
but there were such indications, in that city, of an insurrection in favour of
the royal cause, that it was deemed unsafe to withdraw them.
The weather, on the night of the twenty-fifth of December, was very
severe ; mingled snow, hail, and rain, fell in great quantities, and so much
ice was made in the river, that, the division passing at M'Konky's Ferry
could not be gotten over, before three o'clock, and it was near four, before
the line of march could be taken up. As the distance by either road to
Trenton was the same, it was supposed that each column would arrive there
about the same time. Orders were, therefore, given to attack at the instant
of arrival, and after driving in the out-guards, to press rapidly af\er them into
the town, so as to prevent the main body from forming.
* Gordon's American Revolulion, vol. ii. p. 391.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 227
General Washington accompanied the upper column ; and arrived at the
out-post on that road precisely at eight o'clock. He immediately drove it in,
and in three minutes heard the discharge from the column on the river road.
The picket guard kept up a fire from behind houses as they retreated, but the
Americans tbllowed with such ardour and rapidity, that they could make no
stand. Colonel Rawle,* a gallant officer who commanded in Trenton, pa-
raded his men, in order to meet the assailants. In the conmiencement of the
action he was mortally wounded ; upon which his troops attempted to file oif
from the right, and gain the road to Princeton. Washington threw a de-
tachment in their front, and at the same time advanced rapidly on them in
person. Being surrounded, and their artillery already seized, they laid
down their arms, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war.
Unfortunately, the quantity of ice rendered it impracticable for General
Irvine to execute the part of the plan allotted to him. He was unable to
cross the river; and of consequence the lower road towards Bordentown
remained open. About five hundred men, among whom was a troop of
cavalry, stationed at the lower end of Trenton, availed themselves of this
circumstance, and crossing the bridge in the commencement of the action,
escaped. The same cause prevented General Cadwalader from attacking
the post at Mount Holly. With infinite difficulty, he got over a part of his
infantry ; but it being impracticable to transport the artillery, the infantry
returned."!"
Although in consequence of the extreme severity of the night, the plan
failed in many of its parts, the success attending that assumed by General
Washington in person was complete. One thousand of the enemy were
made prisoners, and as many stands of arms, with six field pieces, wei'e se-
cured. About twenty of the enemy were killed, including officers. On the
part of the Americans, two privates were killed, two frozen to death, and
one officer, and three or four privates, were wounded.
Had the divisions of General Irvine and Cadwalader crossed the river, the
British would, probably, have been swept from the banks of the Delaware,:}:
and Washington would have taken a position in the Jerseys. But it was
now deemed unadvisable to hazard the loss of the advantage already gained,
and the general crossed the river with the prisoners and stores he had taken.
XX. The British commander was greatly astonished by this unexpected
display of vigour on the part of the American General. Knowing the en-
feebled condition of his army, and the expectation of its immediate dissolu-
tion, he had supposed the war almost at an end ; and, probably, looked for-
ward to a triumph at Philadelphia, so soon as the river Delaware should be
rendered passable by frost, when this energetic apparition, as if from the
dead, awakened him from a delightful dream. He determined, though in the
depth of winter, to recommence active operations; and Lord Cornwallis,
who had retired to New York, for the purpose of embarking for Europe,
suspended his departure and returned, to the Jerseys, in great force, for the
purpose of regaining the ground which had been lost.
Meanwhile, Count Donop, who commanded the troops posted below
* Quere? Rahl.
t Marshall. Wash. Lett.
t How practicable this would have been, appears from the following fact. Colonel
Reed, who was with the division of Cadwalader, passed the ferry with the van of the
infantry. He immediately despatched some trusty persons to examine the situation of
the troops at Mount Holly. The report made by his messengers was, that they had
looked into several houses in which the soldiers were quartered, and had found them,
generally, fast asleep, under the influence, as was conceived, of the spirituous liquors
they had drank the preceding day, w-hich was Christmas. That there appeared to be
no apprehension of danger, nor precautions against it.
228 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Trenton, learning the disaster which liad befallen Colonel Rawle, imme-
diately commenced his retreat by the road leading to Amboy, and joined
General Leslie at Princeton. The next day General Cadwalader took post
on the Jersey shore, with orders to harass the enemy if he coidd do so safely,
but to put nothing to hazard until he should be joined by the continental bat-
talions. General Mifflin now joined General Irvine with a detachment of
Pennsylvania militia, amounting to about fifteen hundred men, who were also
ordered to cross the Delaware.
XXV. Once more at the head of a force with which he might attempt
something, the general-in-chief resolved not to remain inactive. Inferior as
he was to the enemy, he yet determined to employ the winter in endeavour-
ing to recover the whole, or the greater part of Jersey.
With this view, he ordered General Heath, at Peck's-kill, on the North
river, to leave a small detachment of troops at that place, and, with the main
body of the New England militia, to move into Jersey, and approach the
British cantonments. General Maxwell was directed to collect the militia,
to harass their flank and rear, and to attack their out-posts. Having made
these dispositions, Washington again crossed the Delaware, with his conti-
nental regiments, and took post at Trenton. Here he exerted all his influ-
ence to prevail on the troops from New England, whose terms of service ex-
pired on the last day of December, to continue during the present exigency,
and, with infinite difficulty, and a bounty of ten dollars, many were induced
to re-engage for six weeks.
The British were now (January, 1777) collected in force at Princeton,
under Lord Cornwallis, where some works were thrown up; and, as they
advanced a strong corps towards Trenton, and knew that the troops from
New England were entitled to be discharged, it was justly expected they
would attack the American army.
Generals Mifflin and Cadwalader, who lay at Bordentown and Cross-
wicks, with three thousand six hundred militia, on the night of the first of
January, joined the commander-in-chief, whose whole efiective force, with this
addition, did not exceed five thousand men.
Lord Cornwallis advanced the next morning. About four o'clock in the
afternoon, after some slight skirmishing with a small party detached to
Maidenhead to harass and delay his march, his van reached Trenton, while
the rear was at Maidenhead, about half way between Princeton and Trenton.
On his approach. General Washington retired across the Assunpink, a
creek which runs through the town, behind which he drew up his army.
The British attempted to cross at several places, but the fords being guarded,
they halted and kindled their fires. The American troops kindled their fires
likewise, and a cannonade was kept up on both sides until dark.
The situatioit" of General Wsshington was, now, again extremely critical.
If he maintained his present position, it was certain that he would be attack-
ed, next morning, by a force, in all respects, superior to his own ; and the
result would, most probably, be the destruction of his little army. If he at-
tempted to retreat over the Delaware, now covered with ice, which, in con-
sequence of a few mild and foggy days, was not firm enough to march upon,
a considerable loss, perhaps a total defeat, would be sustained. In any event,
the Jerseys would once more be entirely in possession of the enemy; the
public mind would again be depressed, recruiting be discouraged by his ap-
parent inferiority; and Philadelphia would a second time be in the grasp of
General Howe. It was obvious, that the one event or the other would deduct
greatly from the advantages promised by his late success; and, if it should
not render the American cause, absolutely, desperate, would very essentially
injure it.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 229
XXII. In this state of things, he formed the bold and judicious design
of abandoning the Delaware, and marching silently in the night by a circui-
tuous route, along the left flank of the British army, into their rear at Prince-
ton, where he knew they could not be very strong. After beating them
there, he proposed to make a rapid movement to Brunswick, where their
baggage and principal magazines lay, under a weak guard.
A council of war having approved this plan, preparations were imme-
diately made for its execution. As soon as it was dark, the baggage was
removed silently to Burlington ; and about one o'clock in the morning of the
third, after renewing their fires, and leaving their guards at the bridge and
other passes over the creek, the army decamped with perfect secrecy, taking
the Quaker road to Princeton. Here, three British regiments had encamped
the preceding night, two of which commenced their march early in the morn-
ing to join the rear of their army at Maidenhead. About sunrise,* when
they had proceeded about two miles, they saw the Americans advancing on
the left, in a direction which would enter the road in their rear. They im-
mediately faced about, and, repassing Stonybrook, moved under cover of a
copse of woods towards the Americans, whose van was conducted by Gene-
ral Mercer. A sharp action ensued, which, however, was not of long dura-
tion. The militia, of which the advanced party was principally composed,
soon gave way, and the few regulars attached to them were not strong
enough to maintain their ground. While gallantly exerting himself to rally
his broken troops. General Mercer was mortally wounded, and the van was
entirely routed. But the fortune of the day was soon changed. The main
body of the army, led by General Washington in person, followed close in
the rear, and attacked the enemy with great spirit. Persuaded that defeat
would irretrievably ruin the affairs of America, he advanced in the very
front of the battle, and exposed himself to the hottest fire of the enemy. He
was so well supported by the same troops who, a few days before, had served
at Trenton, that the British, in turn, were compelled to give way. Their
line was broken, and the two regiments separated from each other. Colonel
Mawhood, who commanded that in fi'ont, and who, being, therefore, on the
right, was nearest the rear division of the army under Lord Cornwallis, re-
tired to the main road and continued his route to Maidenhead. The fifty-
fifth regiment, which was on the British left, being hard pressed, fled, in con-
fusion, across the fields and great road, into a back road leading between
Hillsborough and Kingston towards Brunswick. f The vicinity of the British
forces at Maidenhead, secured Colonel Mawhood from pursuit, and General
Washington pressed forward to Princeton. The regiment remaining in that
place took post in the college, and made some show of resistance ; but the
artillery being brought up, it was abandoned, and the greater part of them
were made prisoners. A few saved themselves by a precipitate retreat to
Brunswick.
In this action, upwards of one hundred of the British were killed, and
near three hundred were taken piisoners. The loss of the Americans in
killed was somewhat less, but in this number was included General Mercer,
* " Tlie march of the army liad been rendered much more expeditious, than it could
otherwise have been, by a fortunate change of weather. On the evening of the
second, it became excessively cold, and the roads wliich had become soft, were ren-
dered as hard as pavement."
t " This account of the battle of Princeton varies, in some of its circumstances,
especially in the manner of meeting the enemy, from that originally given. The
papers in possession of the author do not state the relative situation of the armies
when the action commenced. He is indebted for that information to a very intelli-
gent friend, to whom he feels great obligation, which it gives him much gratification
to acknowledge." — Marshall.
230 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
a very valuable officer from Virginia, who had served with the commander-
in-chief in the war against the French and Indians, which terminated in
1763, and was greatly esteemed by him. Colonels Haslett and Potter,
brave and excellent officers from Delaware and Pennsylvania; Captain
Neal of the artillery. Captain Fleming, who on that day commanded the
seventh Virginia regiment, and five other valuable officers, were also among
the slain.
On the appearance of daylight,* Lord Cornwallis discovered that the
American army had moved off in the night, and immediately conceived the
plan of Washington. He was under extreme apprehension for Brunswick,
where were magazines of great value, with the military chest containing
about seventy thousand pounds. Breaking up his camp, he commenced a
rapid march to that place, for the purpose of affording it protection; and was
close in the rear of the American army before it could leave Princeton.
XXIII. General Washington was again in a very perilous situation. His
small army was exhausted with extreme fatigue. His troops had been
without sleep, all of them one night, and some of them two. They were
without blankets ; many of them barefooted, and otherwise thinly clad ; and
he was eighteen miles from his point of destination. He was closely pursued
by an enemy, much superior in point of numbers, well clothed and fresh,
and who must necessarily come up with him before he could accomplish
his designs on Brunswick, if any opposition should there be made to him.
He, therefore, wisely, determined to abandon the remaining part of his plan ;t
and breaking down the bridges over Millstone Creek, between Princeton and
Brunswick, he took the road leading up the country to Pluckemin, where
his troops were permitted to refresh themselves, and to take that rest which
they so greatly required. Lord Cornwallis continued his march to Bruns-
wick, which he reached in the course of that night. General Matthews, who
commanded at that place, had been greatly alarmed; and while he took
measures to defend himself, the utmost industry was used to remove the
military stores to a place of greater safety.
The sufferings of the American army had been so great, from the seve-
rity of the season, and the active service in which they had been engaged ;
* " The time when this movement of the American army was discovered by Lord
Cornwallis, is taken from the British accounts. In the United States it was under-
stood that the firing towards Princeton gave him the first intimation of the skilful
manoeuvre of the preceding night. It was also generally said at the time, that in the
preceding evening, when the British army reached Trenton, Sir William Erskine
urged an immediate attack, but Lord Cornwallis was disposed to defer it until the
next morning, as his troops were fatigued by their day's march from Princeton, and
the Americans were so hennned in by the Delaware, filled with ice, on one side, and
Crosswick's Creek, which is navigable for sloops, in their rear, that a retreat was
impossible, and he could make sure work in tlie morning. To tliis observation, Sir
William is said to have replied, " If Washington is the general I take Jiini to be, his
army will not be found on its present ground in the morning." The author has lately
received this anecdote in a manner which induces him to think it worthy of more
credit, than he had supposed it to be entitled to, while he received it merely as the
report of the day." — Marshall.
" It is also an additional proof of the secrecy with which this manoeuvre was exe-
cuted, that some militia field officers who had retired into the rear, to get a good night's
sleep, were, next morning, absolutely unable to say, what had become of the American
army." — ll^id-
t " A council was held orn horseback, and some gentlemen advised that ho should
file off to the southward. On crossing the Millstone river at Kingston, the guides
were directed to take the road leading to the northward, through Hillsborough, but
before they reached Somerset court-house, many of the infantry, worn out with fa-
tigue, fasting and want of rest, lay down and fell asleo]) by tlie way. But the object
of Lord Cornwallis being to save Brunswick, he did not turn aside to molest the Ame-
rican army." — Ibid.
FIISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 231
their complaints, especially on the part of the militia, were so loud, their
numbers were reducing so fast, by returning home, and by sickness, that
General Washington tbund it impracticable, further to prosecute offensive
operations. It was, therefore, deemed absolutely necessary to retire to Mor-
ristown, in order to put his men under cover, and to give them some repose.
The affairs of Trenton and Princeton were represented, and considered
as great victories. They were believed, by the body of the people, to evi-
dence the superiority of their army, and of their general. The opinion that
they were engaged in a hopeless contest, yielded to a confidence that proper
exertions on their part, would be crowned with ultimate success.
This change of opinion relative to the issue of the war, was accompanied
with an essential change in conduct; and although the regiments required
by Congress were not completed, they were made much stronger than, before
this happy revolution in the aspect of public affairs, was believed to have
been possible.
XXIV. The firmness manifested by Congress throughout the gloomy and
trying period which intervened between the loss of Fort Washington, and
the battle of Princeton, gives the members of that period a just claim to the
admiration of the world, and to the gratitude of their fellow citizens. Un-
awed by the dangers which threatened them, and regardless of personal
safety, they did not for an instant admit the idea, that the independence they
had declared was to be surrendered, and peace to be purchased by return-
ing to their ancient colonial situation. As the British army advanced through
Jersey, and the consequent insecurity of Philadelphia rendered an adjourn-
ment of Congress from that place to one further removed from the seat of
war, a necessary measure of precaution, their exertions seemed to inci'ease
with their difficulties. They sought to remove the despondence which was
seizing and paralyzing the public mind, by an address to the states, in which
evei-y argument was suggested which could rouse them to vigorous action.
They made the most strenuous efforts to animate the militia, and impel them
to the field, by the agency of those whose popular eloquence best fitted them
for such a service.
When reassembled at Baltimore, their resolutions exhibited no evidences
of confusion or dismay ; and the most judicious efforts were made, by col-
lecting, as soon as possible, a respectable military force, to repair the mis-
chief produced by past errors.
Declaring, that in the present situation of things, the very existence of
civil liberty depended on the right execution of military powers, to a vigorous
direction of which, distant, numerous, and deliberative bodies were entirely
unequal, they authorized General Washington to raise sixteen additional
regiments, and conferred upon him, for six months, powers for the conduct
of the war, which were almost unlimited.*
XXV. And that no doubt might be entertained among foreign nations,
and, particularly, in France, whose aid they were soliciting. Congress de-
clared their determination, to listen to no terms founded on their resumption
of the character of British subjects: but trusting the event to Providence, and
risking all consequences, they resolved to adhere to the independence they
had declared, and to the freedom of trade they had proposed to all nations.
Copies of these resolutions were sent to the principal courts in Europe, and
proper persons appointed to solicit their friendship to the new formed states.
These despatches fell into the hands of the British, and by them were pub-
lished ; a circumstance, by no means, unacceptable to the Congress, who
were persuaded, that an apprehension of an accommodation with Great
* Marshall.
232 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Britain, was a principal objection to the interference of foreign courts, in
what was represented to be no more than a domestic quarrel. A resolution,
adopted in the worst fortune, that Congress would listen to no terms of re-
union with the parent state, would, it was believed, convince those who
wished for the dismemberment of the British empire, that it was sound policy
to prevent the conquest of the United States.
XXVI. The favourable change in the affairs of the Americans, was in no
place so sensibly felt as in New Jersey, where the people suffered all the
horrors which could flow from a licentious and almost unrestrained soldiery.
When the royal army entered Jersey, the inhabitants, pretty generally,
remained in their houses, and many thousands received printed protections,
signed by order of the British commander-in-chief. This event, in the lan-
guage of C4overnor Livingston, " enabled the patriots more effectually to
distinguish their friends from their enemies. It winnowed the chafi'from the
grain. It discriminated the temporizing politician, who, on the first appear-
ance of danger, determined to secure his idol — property, at the hazard of the
general weal, from the persevering patriot, who, having embarked his all in
the common cause, chose rather, to risk, rather, to lose that all for the pre-
servation of the more inestimable treasure Liberty, than to possess it upon the
ignominious terms of tamely resigning his country and posterity to perpetual
servitude." But it did more, "It opened the eyes of those who were made to
believe that their impious merit in abetting the persecutors, would exempt them
from being involved in the common calamity."* Neither the proclamation
of the commissioners, nor protections, saved the people from plunder, or in-
sult. Their property was taken and destroyed without distinction of persons.
They exhibited their protections, but the Hessians could not read and would
not understand them, and the British soldiers deemed it foul disgrace that the
Hessians should l)e the only plunderers. Discontents and murmurs increased
every hour with the ravages of both, which were almost sanctioned by ge-
neral orders,"!" and which spared neither friend nor foe. Neither age nor sex
protected from outrage. Infants, children, old men, and women, were left
naked and exposed, without a blanket to cover them from the inclemency of
winter. Furniture which could not be carried away, was wantonly destroyed;
dwellings and out-houses burned, or rendered uninhabitable; churches, and
other public buildings consumed; and the rape of women, and even very
young girls filled the measure of woe. Such miseries are the usual fate of
the conquered, nor were they inflicted with less reserve, that the patients
were rebellious subjects. But even the worm will turn upon the oppressor.
Had every citizen been secured in his rights, protected in his property, and
paid for his supplies, the consequence might have been fatal to the cause of
independence. What the earnest commendations of Congi-ess, the zealous
exertions of Governor Livingston, and the state authorities, and the ardent
supplications of Washington could not effect, was produced by the rapine and
devastations of the royal forces.
The whole country became instantly hostile to the invaders. Sufferers
of all parties rose as one man to revenge their personal injuries. Those who
from age and infirmities were incapable of military service, kept a strict
watch upon the movements of the royal array, and from time to time, com-
* Livingston's Address to the Assembly, 28th February, 1777.
\ The orders of General Howe to Count Donop, directed that "all salted and meal
provisions, whieli may bo jiulged to exceed tlie quantity necessary for the subsistence
of an ordinary family, sliali he considered a magazine of tlie eneni3',and seized for the
King, and given to the troops as a saving for the public/' Under such an order, the
pickling tubs, and garners of every Jersey farmer became lawful prize; the captor
being judge of the necessary quantity for the family subsistence.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 238
municated information to their countrymen in arms. Those who lately de-
dined all opposition though called on by the sacred tie of honour, pledged to
each other in the declaration of independence, cheerfully embodied, when
they found submission to be unavailing for the security of their estates. This
is not to be attributed wholly to the victories of Trenton and Princeton. In
the very moment of these actions, or before the results were known, indi-
viduals, ignorant of Washington's movements, concerted insurrections to re-
venge their peculiar injuries. The contest had its source in the unrighteous
claim of the British statesmen, to appropriate the property of the colonists
against their consent. It was reanimated by a new and direct application of
the principle by the British army. Men who could not apprehend the con-
sequences of British taxation, nor of American independence, could feel the
injuries inflicted by insolent, and cruel, and brutal soldiers. The militia of
New Jersey, who had hitherto behaved shamefully, from this time forward,
generally, acquired high reputation ; and throughout a long and tedious war,
conducted themselves with spirit and discipline scarce surpassed by the regu-
lar troops.* In small parties they now scoured the country in every direc-
tion, seized on stragglers, in several slight skirmishes behaved unexceptionably
well, and collected in such numbers as to threaten the weaker British posts,
with the fate which those at Trenton and Princeton had already experienced.
In a Cew days, indeed, the Americans had overrun the Jerseys. The enemy
was forced from Woodbridge; General Maxwell surprised Elizabethtown,
and took near one hundred prisoners with a quantity of baggage; Newark
was abandoned, and the royal troops were confined to New Brunswick and
Amboy, judiciously selected for the double purpose of again penetrating the
country, and of keeping up a safe communication with New York. Within
four days after the affair at Princeton, between forty and fifty Waldeckers
were killed, wounded, or taken, at Springfield, by an equal number of the
same Jersey militia, which but a month before, had abandoned all opposition.
This enterprise was conducted by Colonel Spencer, whose gallantry was re-
warded with the command of a regiment. On the 20th of January, General
Dickenson, with about four hundred militia, and fifty of the Pennsylvania
riflemen, defeated near Somerset court-house, on the Millstone river, a forag-
ing party of the enemy of about equal number, and took forty wagons,
upwards of one hundred horses, and many cattle and sheep, which they had
collected. They retreated so precipitately, that he made but nine prisoners,
but many dead and wounded were carried off" in light wagons. The general
received much praise for his courage and conduct; for though his troops
were raw, he led them through the river middle deep, and charged with so
much impetuosity, that the enemy, notwithstanding he had three field pieces,
gave way and left the convoy. About a month after this affair, Colonel
Neilson of New Brunswick, with a detachment of one hundred and fifty
militia, surprised and captured Major Stockton, (one of the numerous family
of that name, who, from his treachery, was called "double Dick,") at the
head of fifty-nine privates, refugees, in British pay.
The three months which followed the battle of Trenton, passed away
without any important military enterprise, other than we have described.
Major-general Putnam took post at Princeton, in order to cover the country
in the vicinity. He had only a few hundred troops, though he was no more
than eighteen miles distant from the strong garrison of the British at Bruns-
wick. At one period, he had fewer men for duty, than miles of frontier to
guard. The situation of General Washington at Morristown, was not more
eligible. His force was inconsiderable, compared with that of the British ;
* Ramsay.
2G
234 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
but the enemy and his own countrymen believed the contrary. Their de-
ception was cherished and artfully continued by the specious parade of a
numerous army. The officers, in positions difficult of access, by a constant
communication with each other, secured themselves from insult and surprise.
XXVI. While the enemy was thus surrounded, and harassed by an al-
most imaginary army, whose parts disappeared at the approach of any con-
siderable force, but instantly presented themselves when that force retreated,
General Washington came to the hazardous, but judicious, resolution, of de-
livering himself and his future force from the dread of a calamity, which he
could not elude, and which had been more fatal in his camp, than the sword
of the enemy.
The small-pox, of all the agents of death, was the most painful and hideous.
Inoculation had not yet in America, stripped it of its terrors ; nor vaccina-
tion rendered it impotent. In despite of the utmost vigilance, it had pene-
trated to the northern and middle armies, and impaired the strength of both.
In the northern, especially, its havoc had been so great, that the delay, re-
quisite to obtain the command of Lake Champlain, alone, prevented the Bri-
tish army from reaching the Hudson. To neutralize the virulence of the
pest, inoculation was now resorted to. With all possible secrecy, prepara-
tions were made to give the infection to the troops in camp, at Philadelphia,
and other places ; and thus an army was procured exempt from a calamity,
the very fear of which endangei-ed the most important operations.
XXVII. The hostile spirit which now displayed itself in the State of New
Jersey, was encouraged by a politic and humane proclamation, issued by the
commander-in-chief, about the last of January, directed to those who had
submitted to, and taken protection from, the enemy ; discharging the obliga-
tions created by their oaths of allegiance to the king, and requiring them to
repair to head quarters, or to the quarters of the nearest general officer, and
to swear allegiance to the United States, as the condition of a full pardon.
An act of Assembly, conceived in the same spirit, was passed a few
months after. The beneficial effects of these measures were soon visible.
The people flocked in from every quarter, to take the oaths ; but the Legis-
lature could not, yet, be induced to pass an act, to bring the militia certainly
into the field.
XXVIII. Amid these testimonies of reviving patriotism, it is painful to
record the crimes which were committed by American soldiers, and which
were but too much encouraged by the heterogeneous organization of the
army; for the correction of which. General Washington found it necessary,
by proclamation, to prohibit, " both in the militia and continental troops, in
the most positive terms, the infamous practices of plundering the inhabitants,
under the specious pretence of their being tories. It is our duty," continued
the proclamation, " to give protection and support to the poor, distressed
inhabitants, not to multiply their calamities. After this order, any officer
found plundering the inhabitants, under the pretence of their being tories,
may expect to be punished in the severest manner."
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 235
CHAPTER XIV.
I. Organization of the New Jersey State Government — II. First Address of the
Governor — Other principal Officers. — III. Condition of the State at this period.
IV. State of the Northern Department — Operations on the Lakes. — V. The Bri-
tish seize Rhode Island. — VI. Demonstration of General Heath, on Long Island.
— Condition of the American Army, in New Jersey — Skirmishing. — VII. Early
eflfbrts of Sir William Howe, to destroy the American Magazines — Stores burned
at Peck's-kill — at Danbury. — VIII. Successful enterprise of Colonel Meigs,
against Sagg Harbour. — IX. Movements of General Washington, on opening the
Campaign — Removal of the Army to Middlebrook — Disposition of the Troops.
X. Operations of the Army under General Howe — Feint to cross the Delaware —
Retreat from New Jersey — Returns, and attacks the American Army. — XI. Per-
plexity of Washington, caused by the Movements of the British Forces. — XII. Cap-
ture of Major-general Prescott, by Major Barton. — XIII. General Howe embarks
for the southward — Measures of Washington thereon. — XIV. Attempt of General
Sullivan, with Colonel Ogden, upon the Tories on Staten Island. — XV. Arrival of
the British Army at Elk River — its Progress — Operations of the American Army —
Battle of Brandy wine. — XVI. Subsequent movement of the Armies. — XVII. Se-
cond encounter of the hostile Armies — they are separated by rain. — XVIII. Af-
fairs of Paoli. — XIX. The British enter Philadelphia. — XX. Congress remove to
Lancaster, thence to York. — XXI. Attack and defence of the Fortifications on the
Delaware — XXII. Battle of Germantown. — XXIII. Operations in New Jersey. —
XXIV. Further proceedings on the Delaware. — XXV. Repulse of Count Donop,
from Fort Mercer. — XXVI. General Greene despatched to New Jersey. —
XXVII. Capture of Fort Mifflin, and abandonment of Fort Mercer.— XXVIII. At-
tempt of General Dickenson on Staten Island. — XXIX. American Army rein-
forced.—XXX. Attacked at White Marsh, by the British.— XXXI. The Ameri-
can Army retires into Winter Quarters. — XXXII. English plans for the North-
ern Campaign. — XXXIII. Condition of the American Northern Department. —
XXX IV. Burgoyne captures the Forts on the Lakes, and disperses the American
Army. — XXXV. Recuperative measures of General Schuyler. — XXXVI. Re-
pulse of St. Leger, from Fort Schuyler. — XXXVII. Defeat of Colonel Baum,
at Bennington. — XXXVIII. Beneficial result of these fortunate Events. —
XXXIX. Battles on the Hudson, and Capture of Burgoyne. — XL. Movements
of Sir Henry Clinton, in the Highlands. — XLI. Effect of the Capture of Bur-
goyne— at home and abroad. — XLII. Congress refuse to e.xecute the Articles of
Capitulation — their reasons.
I. The first Legislature of independent New Jersey, convened at Prince-
ton, on the 27th of August, 1776. John Stephens was elected vice-president
of the Council, and John Hart, speaker of the House of Representatives ;
and on the 31st of the month, William Livingston, Esq., was chosen in joint
ballot, governor of the new State. This appointment removed him from a
military command, at Elizabethtown, alike incompatible whh his years, his
habits, and his previous studies, to one, for which the employments of his life
had admirably prepared him. On the first ballot, the votes were equally
divided, between him and Richard Stockton ; but on the second, on the suc-
ceeding day, he had a majority, of how many does not appear.* His rival,
* Dr. Gordon, (Hist. Revolution, vol. ii. p. 300,) says—" There was an equal num-
ber of votes for him and Mr. Stockton; but the latter having, just at the moment,
refused to furnish his team of horses, for the service of the public, and the Legislature
coming to the knowledge, the choice of Mr. Livingston took place immediately." —
Mr. Sedgwick, in his life of Governor Livingston, very properly repudiates this rea-
son, and observes—" I am told by a person formerly intimate with John Cleve Symmes,
at this time a member of council, that he had often said between jest and earnest,
' that he had made Mr. Livingston governor.' Whether by this, is meant, that, on the
236 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
who, previous to the revolution, held a seat on the bench of the Supreme
Court, was named chief-justice, but he refused the office. Governor
Livingston continued to lulfil the duties of the executive, from this period
until his death, a space of fourteen years, being annually re-elected, either,
unanimously, or by large majorities.
II. His first address to the Assembly, displays that deep devotion to liber-
ty, that religious confidence in final success, that inextinguishable hatred of
British oppression, with that attention to aflairs, which made him one of the
most efficient agents of American deliverance. " Let us, gentlemen," so
closes this earnest call for their warmest sympathy, and most vigorous exer-
tions, in the American cause, " both by precept and practice, encourage a
spirit of economy, industry and patriotism, and that public integrity and
righteousness, which cannot fail to exalt a nation ; setting our faces, at the
same time, like a fint, agamst that dissoluteness of manners and political
corruption, which will ever be the reproach of any people. May the founda-
tion of our infant State, be laid in virtue and the fear of God — and the super-
structure will rise glorious, and endure for ages. Then may we humbly
expect the blessing of the Most High, who divides to the nations their inhe-
ritance, and separates the sons of Adam.* In fine, gentlemen, whilst we
are applauded by the whole world, for demolishing the old fabric, rotten and
ruinous as it is, let us unitedly strive to approve ourselves master builders,
by giving beauty, strength and stability to the new."f
The other principal officers chosen for the organization of the govern-
ment were, John De Hart, chief justice, Samuel Tucker, second, and Francis
Hopkinson, third justices, and Jonathan D. Sergeant, clerk of the Supreme
Court ; Charles Petit secretary of state, and Richard Smith treasurer. Mr.
De Hart refusing the office of chief justice, Mr. Robert Morris was appointed ;
the place of Mr. Tucker upon his declination, was given to Isaac Smith, and
that of Mr. Hopkinson, on his acceptance of the admiralty in Philadelphia,
was filled by John Cleves Symmes ; Mr. Sergeant refusing to act as clerk,
Bowes Reed was appointed.
III. The officers however, were continually changing, both military and
civil; and for the services of the latter, there was at this period, but too little
occasion. The campaign of 1776, was the most trying period of the war,
and drew largely upon the ability and fortitude of the governor and other
constituted authorities of the state. On the 15th September, the city of New
York fell into the hands of the enemy. Two months were consumed by the
hostile armies on the east bank of the Hudson. But when, on the 10th of
November, the fall of Fort Washington was followed by the passage of the
North river, by the British forces under Cornwallis, by the abandonment of
Fort Lee, and the rapid retreat of the American army, the scene of action
was immediately transferred to the heart of New Jersey.
Governor Livingston made the most strenuous exertions with the Assem-
bly and with the people, to have the militia in the field to oppose the invading
force. But it was not practicable to control the panic which had seized upon
the mass of the population. The barefooted, and almost naked continental
final vote, Governor Livingston had only a bare majority, or that Mr. Symmes in-
duced the adlierents of Mr. Stockton to join those who were in favour of his rival, I
doubt whether there are now any means of ascertaining." — p. 20G. n.
* Deut. xxxii. 8.
t Votes of Assembly. From an expression in this paragraph, and his inflexible dis-
position, the governor was, for some time after this, known by the name of Dr. Flint;
and an anecdote is told of Mr. Ames, who, in some momentary confusion of ideas, at
a dinner in New York, where he met Governor Livingston, asked Dr. Flint, whether
the town of Trenton was well or ill disposed to the new constitution. — Sedgjoick's
Livingston, 207.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 237
army, retreating before the well appointed battalions of the enemy, impaired
the confidence of the people, not less in the commander-in-chief, than in their
own resources. The defenceless Legislature, with the governor at their
head, removed from Princeton to Burlington, where they adjourned on the
2d of December, each man retiring to his home, to take charge of his pecu-
liar interests. There scarcely remained a vestige of the lately constituted
government, or any who owed it allegiance; and until the battle of Trenton,
(25th December) New Jersey might have been considered a conquered
country.*
IV. Although the Americans had been driven from Canada, and the hope
of its conquest, was, for the present abandoned, the defence of the northern
department of the United States was of the greatest importance. The pos-
session of lakes Champlain and George, by the enemy, might induce that of
Albany and all the upper parts of the Hudson, and opening a free communi-
cation between the northern British army, and that in New York, sever the
eastern from the middle and southern states, and encourage the royalists of
the middle and upper cotmtry, who were numerous, to show themselves in
force. Under these impressions, such detachments were made from the ar-
my under Washington, on the opening of the campaign of 1776, as to expose
him to the gi-eatest hazards.
The northern department had been entrusted to General Schuyler, who,
with high talents, possessed great influence in the country. General Gates
had been named to the army in Canada, and though that army was now in
the department of Schuyler, his senior officer, he still claimed the command.
But Congress removed this difficulty by declaring, it was not their intention
to place the former over the latter, and recommending them to co-operate
harmoniously.
When expelled from Canada, the Americans had retired to the strong post
of Crown Point, at the south end of Lake Champlain, whither General
Carleton, for want of vessels, was unable immediately to follow them. But
this obstacle was removed by the incredible exertions, with which a consider-
able fleet was built and equipped. General Schuyler, on his part, strenuously
endeavoured to strengthen his little fleet, and to preserve the command of the
lakes ; but it was impracticable to obtain artillery, materials for ship building,
or workmen, and his force was consequently much inferior to that of the
enemy. Its command was given to the intrepid Arnold, from whom every
thing was expected which courage could perform.
The small pox, which had made such ravages in the preceding campaign,
still infected the army, and communicating itself to the reinforcements, ren-
dered it necessary to stop many on their march : and mortality from this and
other causes, induced the general officers in council, in the month of July, to
resolve on evacuating Crown Point, and to concentrate their forces about Ti-
conderoga, a strong post, twelve miles from the former. This measure, ap-
parently unavoidable, gave great chagrin to Congress, who entertained hopes
of extending their operations to lakes Erie, and Ontario.
The British, by the "first of October, had upon the lake, a fleet carrying
more than an hundred guns, navigated by seven hundred prime sailors, and
conducted by Captain Pringle ; on board of which was General Carleton him-
self. On the 11th it proceeded to attack Arnold, then very advantageously
* The case of Samuel Tucker strongly illustrates the panic which prevailed among
some of the whigs, on the invasion of the British. President of the convention which
formed the constitution of the State — Chairman of the committee of safety, treasurer,
aud subsequently, Judge of the Supreme Court, he took a protection of the British,
and thus renounced allegiance to the state, and vacated his offices. Journal of Assem-
bly, 17th December, 1777, and votes passim. Sedgwick's Livingston, 20Q, &c.
238 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
posted with a much inferior force, in the passage between the island of Vali-
cour, and the western main. The wind favouring him, he was enabled to
keep up the engagement for several hours, during which, his best schooner
was burnt, and another vessel was sunk ; but the enemy did not suffer less.
Finding it impossible to renew the action with hopes of success, Arnold made
his escape during the night, and was the next morning out of view of his pur-
suers, hastening to obtain shelter under the guns of the fort at Ticonde-
roga. But the enemy came up with him at noon, and he was compelled, after
a spirited resistance of two hours, and the loss of another of his ships, with the
second in command on board, to run the greater part of his vessels on shore,
a few leagues from Crown Point, where he landed their crews in safety. A
portion of his squadron passed Crown Point, and escaped to Ticonderoga.
Those run on shore he burned, to prevent their capture by the conquerors.
Crown Point was seized by General Carleton, who advanced part of his
fleet into Lake George, within view of Ticonderoga, and his army approached
that place as if to lay siege to it. But after reconnoitering the works, and
observing the steady countenance of the garrison, which consisted of be-
tween eight and nine thousand men, he concluded that it was too late in the
season to invest the fortress, and returned to Canada, placing his troops in
winter quarters, and making the Isle aux Noix his most advanced post.
This retreat relieved the apprehensions of the Americans, and enabled Gene-
ral Gates, as we have seen, to march with a detachment of the northern
army, to aid the commander-in-chief on the Delaware.
V. With the view of making his power more extensively felt, and of im-
peding the march of the troops about to be raised in New England, for the
reinforcement of the army of General Washington, General Howe despatch-
ed an expedition consisting of a land force of three thousand men, under Sir
Henry Clinton, and a fleet commanded by Sir Peter Parker, to take posses-
sion of Rhode Island, which was accomplished about the last of November,
without material opposition. This diversion was effective in its main object ;
and the English derived permanent advantage, and the Americans sustained
lasting inconvenience, from their possession of this post. The last were de-
prived of a harbour, admirably adapted to serve their maritime expeditions.
VI. With these concise notices of events in the northern and eastern sec-
tions of the country, we proceed to a more particular detail of those in New
Jersey and the neighbouring states. Whilst Philadelphia was supposed to
be in imminent danger, the militia of New England, in considerable num-
bers, had been ordered to the Delaware ; and although many were detained
by the invasion of Rhode Island, a few regiments reached the camp of Gene-
ral Heath, upon the North river, where they were arrested by the order of
the commander-in-chief, for the purpose of making a diversion on the side
of New York. The army in New Jersey, with the detachment to Rhode
Island, it was supposed, had greatly reduced the British force in the city.
About two thousand men were in the neighbourhood of King's Bridge, and all
the other troops on the island were not estimated at a greater number. On
Long Island, it was said, there was only Delancy's brigade of American
loyalists, amounting to less than one thousand men. Under these circum;
stances, it was presumed, that the New York and New Jersey militia might
form a respectable army, with which General Heath might alarm, and, per-
haps, more than alarm that important post. He was directed to approach
King's Bridge, to carry ofT the forage and provisions with which the enemy
might be supplied, and if circumstances should justify, to attack the forts
which guarded the entrance into the island. In such event, it was anticipated,
that fears for New York would induce General Howe, either to abandon the
Jerseys entirely, when his troops would sufl'er extremely through the winter,
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 239
for fuel, forage and provisions, or so to weaken his posts at Brunswick and
Amboy, as to permit General Washington to attack them with advantage.
Should neither of these results be produced, some advantages might be gained
on York or Long Island.
Pursuant to these views. General Heath marched* towards West Chester,
and summoned Fort Independence; but the garrison refusing to surrender,
he did not venture an assault with militia. Receiving intelligence that the
British army had embarked from Rhode Island, and might, by entering the
Sound, land in his rear, he was compelled to withdraw into the Highlands;
not however, without the acquisition of considerable quantities of forage and
cattle.
VII. In the mean time, repeated skirmishes on the lines increased the
distress of the enemy, and the confidence of the Americans in themselves.
The British found it totally unsafe to foi'age but with large covering parties,
which were often attacked with advantage, and their horses frequently taken.
Their miserable appearance evinced the scarcity which prevailed in the camp.
In these skirmishes, prisoners were often made ; and frequent small successes,
the details of which filled the papers throughout America, served to animate
the people at large, who even supposed that the British would be driven to
their ships for protection, so soon as the season would permit the armies to
take the field. Yet the real situation of General Washington, happily
concealed, both from the enemy and from his own countrymen, was ex-
tremely critical. He was often abandoned by bodies of the militia, before
their places were filled by others ; and, thus, left in a state of dangerous weak-
ness, with all his positions exposed to imminent hazard. This was not the
only inconvenience resulting from this fluctuating army. The soldiers car-
ried off arms and blankets which had been unavoidably delivered to them, to
be used while in camp, and thus wasted in advance, the military stores col-
lected for the ensuing campaign.f
While exposed to these embarrassing inconveniences, the general received
intelligence, that reinforcements were arriving from Rhode Island, and
that the movement of General Heath had not produced the effects he had
expected. His fears lor Philadelphia revived ; and the New England troops,
except so many as might be deemed necessary to guard the Highlands, were
ordered immediately to join him. Heavy requisitions were also made on
the neighbouring militia, especially of New Jersey.
The movement so much apprehended, was not made; and the war of
skirmishes on the side of Jersey, continued throughout the winter. In the
course of it, the British loss was supposed to be more considerable than they
had sustained at Trenton and Princeton; and hopes were entertained that,
from the scarcity of forage, neither their cavalry, nor draught horses would
be in a condition to take the field, when the campaign should open.
This light war was far short of the hopes of the American General, who
submitted, with infinite reluctance, to the inactivity his weakness imposed on
him. He had flattered himself that the reviving courage of his countrymen
would have placed at his disposal a force which would enable him to beat
the enemy in detail, during the winter, and to repel the great exertions which
would be made for the conquest of America in the ensuing summer.
All the intelligence from Europe concurred in demonstrating the fallacy
of the hope, still cherished by many, that the war would be abandoned.
Never had the administration been supported by greater majorities in Parlia-
ment ; and the body of the nation appeared well disposed to employ all its
means to reannex to the empire its revolted colonies. The importance of
* June, 177G. i Marsiiall's Washington.
240 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
destroying, or maiming the present army before it could be reinforced was,
consequently, felt in its full extent; and the commander-in-chief made the
most strenuous endeavours to promote the recruiting service, and to collect
the recruits in such numbers, as would enable him successfully to attack the
British posts, either in Rhode Island, New York, or New Jersey. The state
sovereignties, where the real energies of government resided, were, incessant-
ly, urged to take effectual measures to fill their regiments, and to bring their
respective quotas early into the field. They were pressed to march their
recruits, so soon as they could be cleansed from the small-pox, by compa-
nies, and even by parts of companies, to the several stations assigned them;
and those general officers, who were supposed to possess most influence,
were detached to their respective states, for the purpose of promoting and
superintending the recruiting service.
At the instance of the commander-in-chief. Congress passed such resolu-
tions as were calculated to second his views. They authorized him to draw
the eastern troops from Peck's-kill, who were to be replaced by New York
militia; and required the executive of New Jersey, to order out the whole
militia of that state, and the executive of Pennsylvania, such part of their
militia as was contiguous to New Jersey, properly armed and equipped, to the
aid of the general.
When the season for active operations approached. General Howe direct-
ed his first attention to the destruction of the scanty resources prepared by
the Americans for the ensuing campaign. Magazines had been collected at
Peck's-kill, in the Highlands, where mills had been erected, and the head-
quarters of the general commanding, had been established. On the recall
of General Heath, to Boston, the command had devolved on General M'Dou-
gal. The strength of this post, like others depending upon militia, was sub-
ject to great fluctuation ; consisting, at times, of several thousand men, at
others, reduced to as many hundred. The stores collected here, were at
this time inconsiderable; but the British general supposing them of great
value, and slightly defended, on the 23d of March, 1777, despatched Colonel
Bird, against the post, with five hundred men, under convoy of a frigate,
and some smaller armed vessels. General M'Dougal, whose force did not
exceed two hundred and fifty men, exerted himself to remove the magazines
into the strong country, in his rear; but before this could be effected, the
enemy approached, and compelled him to retire, having first set fire to the
store-houses and barracks. Colonel Bird completed the destruction, and re-
turned to New York.
Danbury, on the western frontier of Connecticut, contained a valuable
deposit of military stores, and though not more than twenty miles from the
Sound, its safety was supposed to be assured by the nature of the country,
the zeal of the militia, and by a portion of the Connecticut draughts, assem-
bled there. But on the 25th of April, Governor Tryon, major-general of the
provincials, in the British service, with Brigadiers Agnew, and Sir William
Erskine, entered and fired the town, with all the stores it contained. Upon
his retreat, he was assailed by about thirteen hundred militia, in several de-
tachments, commanded by Generals Arnold, Silliman, and Wooster. In one
of the several skirmishes, the last was killed. The enemy spent the night
of the 27th at Ridgefield, and in the following morning resumed his retreat,
and was again met by Arnold, with a force of one thousand, among whom
were some continental artillery and infantry; but he attained his shipping,
with a loss of one hundred and seventy men, killed, wounded and taken
prisoners. The loss of the Americans was nearly the same, but it included
several officers of rank, besides General Wooster. General M'Dougal had
learned the intention of Tryon, and endeavoured to intercept his retreat by a
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 241
rapid march, with twelve hundred men, to which number his forces had
increased ; but he could not arrive before the enemy had retired ; and there-
fore hastily returned to his post at Peck's-kill.
VIII. This enterprise was soon after retaliated by an expedition, under
Lieutenant-colonel Meigs, who, on the 23d of May, with two hundred and
thirty men, carried and destroyed a large depot of provisions and forage, at
Sagg Hai'bour, on Long Island; eluding the numerous cruizers of the enemy,
and making near a hundred prisoners, without the loss of a single man.
Such was the celerity of Colonel Meigs's movements, that he transported
his men, between Guilford and Sagg Harbour, ninety miles, by land and
water, in twenty-five hours.
IX. In the mean time, the American commander-in-chief, had formed his
plan for the disposition of the army, when it should take the field. He was
convinced, that while General Burgoyne, now in command of the British
northern army, would either endeavour to take Ticonderoga, and penetrate
to the Hudson, or join the grand army by sea. General Howe would en-
deavour, by moving up the North river, to possess himself of the forts and
high grounds, at present occupied by the Americans, or would attempt Phila-
delphia. Yet uncertain as to which of those courses would be adopted, he
determined to keep the high grounds of New Jersey, somewhat north of the
road leading from Brunswick to Trenton. Encamped here, the army would
cover New Jei'sey, and be at a convenient point to move, either for the pro-
tection of Philadelphia, on the west, or the Highlands, on the east. In the
uncertainty with which the first movements of the enemy were enveloped,
and the equal necessity of defending the three great points, Ticonderoga, the
Highlands of New York and Philadelphia, against two powerful armies,
superior to him, in arms, numbers and discipline, it was necessary so to ar-
range his force, as to enable the parts reciprocally to aid each other. To
effect these purposes, the northern troops, including those of New York,
were divided between Ticonderoga and Peck's-kill, while those from Jersey
to the south, including North Carolina, were directed to assemble in New
Jersey. If the army of Canada should join that of New York, by sea, the
troops at Peck's-kill, and those in Jersey, could readily be united, either for
defence of the Plighlands, or of Philadelphia. If Burgoyne should attempt
Ticonderoga, by way of the lakes, the force at Peck's-kill would afford aid
to the army opposed to him.
Upon these arrangements being made, the camp at Morristown was broken
up, and the army removed to Middlebrook, behind a ridge of strong and
commanding heights, not far from the Raritan, about ten miles from Bruns-
wick ; where General Washington repaired, in person, on the 28th of May,
1777. The heights, in front of the camp, commanded the course of the
Raritan, the road to Philadelphia, the hills about Brunswick, and a consi-
derable part of the country between that place and Amboy; affording a full
view of the most interesting movements of the enemy.
The force brought into the field by America, required all the aid of strong
positions, and the most unremitting vigilance. On the 21st of May, the total
of the army in Jersey, exclusive of the cavalry and artillery, amounted,
only, to eight thousand three hundred and seventy-eight men, of whom, up-
wards of two thousand were sick. The effective rank and file were only five
thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight. In this return, the troops of North
Carolina were not included, as they had not then joined the army ; and the
militia of New Jersey, amounting to about five hundred men, were also
omitted. Had this army been composed of the best disciplined troops, its in-
feriority in numbers must have limited its operations to defensive war; and
2H
242 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
have rendered it incompetent to protect any place, which could be defended
only by battle in the open field. But more than half the troops* were unac-
quainted with military duty, and had never looked an enemy in the face.
A large proportion, especially from the middle states, were foreign-
ers; many of them servants, on whose attachment to the American cause
it was not sale to rely. To avail himself of this unfavourable circum-
stance. General Howe had offered a large reward to every soldier who
would desert, and additional compensation to those who would bring their
arms. The effect of these promises had been seriously felt ; and their future
operation, was greatly dreaded. To diminish this, and to allure, from the
service of the enemy, those misguided Americans who had engaged with
them, but might now wish to be again received into the bosom of their coun-
try, General Washington had urged on Congress the poUcy of allowing all
the advantages of freemen to the servants who had enlisted ; and of giving
full pardon to all Americans, who would quit the British service. These
recommendations, like almost every other proceeding from the same source,
received the ready attention of Congress, and resolutions were passed in con-
formity with them.
As a movement of the enemy by land towards Philadelphia was probable,
it was an important part of the plan of the campaign, to constitute on the
western bank of the Delaware, an army of militia, strengthened by a few
continental troops, under an experienced officer, to defend, in front, the pas-
sage of that river. To Arnold, then in Philadelphia, employed in the settle-
ment of his accounts, this service was intrusted.
General Sullivan lay at Princeton with a body of continental troops,
increasing in number by recruits from the southward, and some Jersey
militia. He was directed to hold himself in perpetual expectation of attack,
to send his baggage and provisions to places less exposed, and to be in
readiness to move at any instant to a place of greater security, where his
left could not be so readily turned, and whence he might harass the flanlis
of the enemy on a march, and preserve a communication with the army at
Middlebrook — by no means to risk a general action, but to act entirely as a
partisan corps ; and on the first movement of the British army to place his
main body in security, and to harass them with parties detached for that pur-
pose. Measures were also taken to put the militia of Jersey in readiness to
take the field so soon as offensive operations should commence. It was in-
tended, not that they should remain embodied for the purpose of strengthen-
ing and acting with the continental army ; but that, ranging the country in
small parties, they should hang upon, and harass the flanks of the enemy.
X. The first and great object of the campaign, on the part of General Howe,
was the acquisition of Philadelphia, which he originally designed to attain,
by marching through New Jersey, and crossing the Delaware by a portable
bridge, constructed during the winter. But the delay in the arrival of the
tents and camp ecjuipnge, from Europe, and the early organization, and fa-
vourable position of the American army, caused him to devise another plan
of operations, in case he could not draw the American general from his
present advantageous position. This was to attempt Philadelphia by the
Delaware or Chesapeake Bay. A demonstration was acordingly made, of
proceeding to Philadelphia, by land. General Washington summoned to his
assistance the continental troops, at Peck's-kill, with the exception of one
thousand effectives, and in the mean time formed a select corps of riflemen,
* The extreme severity of the service, aided perhaps by tlie state of tlic Jiospitals,
had carried to the grave, more than two-thirds of tlic soldiers, who had served the pre-
ceding campaign and been engaged for more tlian one year.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 243
under Colonel Morgan, which was posted at Vanvechten's-bridge, on the
Raritan, just above its confluence with the Millstone river, with orders to
watch the left flank of the British army. On any movement of the enemy,
he was instructed to seize every opportunity to fall on their flank, to gall
them as much as possible, but to take especial care not to permit himself to
be surrounded, or to have his retreat to the army cut off. General Sullivan
was directed to change his position, and to occupy the high grounds of
Rocky Hill, as a place of greater security.
With the view of inducing General Washington to quit his fortified camp,
and to approach the Delaware, where he might bring on a general engage-
ment, on ground more advantageous to himself. General Howe, leaving two
thousand men at Brunswick, under the command of General Matthews, ad-
vanced, on the morning of the 14th of June, in two columns, towards that
river. The front of the first, under Lord Cornwallis, reached Somerset
Court House, by the break of day ; and about the same time, the second,
under General de Heister, arrived at Middlebush, between Brunswick and
Somerville, on a road east of that taken by Cornwallis. The feint was un-
successful. On the first intelligence that the enemy was approaching,
Washington posted his whole army, with great advantage, in oi'der of battle,
on the heights in front of his camp. This position he maintained during the
day, and at night the troops slept on the ground to be defended. In the
mean time, the militia of New Jersey, with an alacrity, heretofore unexam-
pled in the state, took the field in great numbers ; principally joining Gene-
ral Sullivan, who had retired behind the Sourland hills, towards Fleming-
ton, where a considerable army was forming.
Finding that the American army could not be drav/n from its position,
and, probably, influenced in some degree, by the temper now manifested by
the militia, General Howe determined to waste no more time in threatening
Philadelphia by land, but to withdraw his army from Jersey; and, pursuing
the principal object of the campaign, to embark them, for the Chesapeak or
the Delaware. On the 19th, in the night, he returned to Brunswick, and on
the 22d, to Amboy ; where he threw over the phannel which separates the con-
tinent from Staten Island, the bridge designed for the Delaware, and passed
over the heavy baggage and a few of his troops to that island, whence the
embarkation of his army was to be made. This retreat was conducted with
some marks of precipitation, and many of the farm houses on the route are
said to have been burned.
General Washington, expecting the movement from Brunswick, had
made dispositions to derive some advantages from it. He detached General
Greene, with three brigades, for the purpose of falling on, and annoying the
British rear. General Sullivan was directed to move with his division, in
order to co-operate with Greene, and Maxwell to fall on the flank of the
enemy. In the mean time, the main army paraded on the heights of Mid-
dlebrook, ready to act as circumstances might require.
About sunrise. Colonel Morgan attacked and drove in a picquet guard ; the
enemy throwing themselves into some redoubts, which, on the approach of
Wayne and Morgan they evacuated; immediately after, they commenced
their march to Amboy. Some sharp skirmishing took place between them
and Morgan's regiment, in which the latter acted to the entire satisfac-
tion of their general ; but the hope of gaining any important advantage was
entirely disappointed. From his distance, and the late hour at which he re-
ceived'his orders, Sullivan was unable to come up in time; the express sent
to General Maxwell either deserted to the enemy, or was taken ; and the rear
division of the British being stronger than was expected, the force on the
244 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
lines could make no impression on it. From these causes, the retreat to
Amboy was effected without any considerable loss.
In order to cover his light parties, which still hung on the British flank
and rear, and to injure the enemy. General Washington advanced six or
seven miles from his strong camp at Middiebrook, to Quibbletown, on the
road to Amboy. Lord Stirling's division proceeded a few miles still nearer,
to the neighbourhood of Matouchin meeting-house, in order to act with
the parties which were on the Hues, should an opportunity offer for attack.
In this state of things, it appeared practicable to General Howe to bring
on an engagement. With this view, and probably in the hope of turning the
left of the American army, and gaining the heights behind them, on the
night of the 25th, he recalled the troops which had passed over to Staten
Island ; and early next morning, made a rapid movement in two columns
towards Westfield. The right, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, took
the route by Woodbridge to the Scotch Plains ; and the left, accompanied by
Sir William Howe in person, marched by Matouchin meeting-house, to fall
into the rear of the right column. It was intended that the left should take
a separate route, about two miles after their junction with the other column,
in order to attack the left flank of the American army at Quibbletown ; while
Lord Cornwallis should gain the heights on the left of the camp at Middle-
brook. Four battalions, wilh six pieces of cannon, were detached to take
post at Bonhamtown.*
About Woodbridge, the right column of the British fell in with one of the
light parties detached to watch their motions; and notice being thus received
of this movement. General Washington immediately penetrated its object, and
discerned his danger. The whole army was instantly put in motion. It re-
gained with the utmost celerity the camp at Middiebrook, and took possession
of the heights on the left, which it was supposed the enemy had designed to
seize. Lord Cornwallis, on his route encountered Lord Stirling, and a
smart skirmish ensued, in which the latter was driven from his ground with
the loss of three field pieces and a few men. He retreated to the hills about
the Scotch Plains, and was pursued as far as Westfield. Here Lord Corn-
wallis halted. Perceiving the passes in the mountains on the left of the
American camp to be guarded, and, of consequence, that the object for which
this skilful manoeuvre had been made was unattainable, he returned through
Rahway to Amboy ; and, on the 30th of June, the whole army crossed over
to Staten Island-
While retiring from Westfield, the British army was watched by the bri-
gades of Scott and Conway; the former entered Amboy immediately after
that place had been evacuated; but no opportunity was given, during the
retreat, of attacking it to advantage.
XI. About this time, news was received of the advance of General
Burgoyne, towards Ticonderoga, which, with the delay in the embarka-
tion of Sir William Howe's forces, kept the American commander-in-chief
in great uncertainty as to the designs of the enemy ; and occasioned him to
give orders for the return of two brigades to Peck's-kill, which had proceed-
ed to Pompton Plains, to join him, and to despatch Parson's and Varnum's
brigades to that post. Still he could not divest himself of the opinion, that
the attempt to cross the Delaware would be renewed ; and for some days
he remained in his camp, at Middiebrook. A change of position from
Prince's Bay, to the watering place, and a movement of the army to the lat-
ter, with the military stores and baggage from the coast opposite Amboy, at
* General Howe's letter
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 245
length, relieved him from apprehensions of a sudden march on Phihidelphia,
and determhied him to change his own position. He removed the main
body of the army to Morristown, and advanced General Sullivan with his
division, on the way to Peck's-kill, as far as Pompton Plains.
The preparations for embarkation of the British general, indicated the in-
ception of a much longer voyage than that up the North river ; and notice of
these appearances were given to the eastern states ; but the advance of Bur-
goyne, with a powerful army, against Ticonderoga, still induced the opinion,
that the main object of Howe, must be to effect a junction with him, on the
North river. Under this impression, Sullivan was ordered to Peck's-kill,
and Washington, himself, proceeded to Pompton Plains, and on the 16th of
July, to the Clove; where he determined to remain until the views of the
enemy should be completely disclosed.
In this position, he, at first, commanded, that the North Carolina troops
which had stopped at Philadelphia, should join him; but on receiving informa-
tion that a great part of the British fleet had fallen down to the Hook, these
forces were stopped at Trenton, and General Sullivan was directed not to cross
the North river. General Putnam, who now commanded at Peck's-kill, was
cautioned to guard against any sudden attack from New York ; success in
which, would be the more deeply felt, in consequence of the loss of Ticonde-
roga, and Mount Independence, which had fallen into the hands of Burgoyne.
The information, that part of the fleet had dropped down to the Hook, was
soon followed by intelligence, that the shipping were moving from the water-
ing place to New York, and that several transports, convoyed by a ship of
war, had proceeded as high as Dobbs' ferry. The passes in the Plighlands
were now supposed to be certainly their object, and Sullivan, who had been
advanced as far as New Windsor, was ordered immediately to cross the
Hudson, and to take post in the rear of Peck's-kill, on the east side of that
river. Lord Stirling was also commanded to cross the river and join Ge-
neral Putnam.
XII. The perplexities of this moment were cheered by the intelligence
of the capture of Major-general Prcscott, the commander of the British
troops on Rhode Island. Believing himself perfectly secure, guarded by
his cruizers and at the head of an army greatly superior to any force col-
lected in the eastern department, he indulged in convenient quarters, distant
from camp, and with iew guards about his person. Information of this ne-
gligence being communicated to the main. Colonel Barton, of the Rhode Island
militia, planned with success, the capture of the general, in his quarters. On
the night of the 10th of July, with a party of about forty persons, including
captains Adams and Phillips, in four whale boats, he crossed the water, a
distance of ten miles, deceived the vigilance of the guard boats, landed,
marched a mile to the general's quarters, seized the sentinel at the door, and
one of the aid-de-camps, took the general from his bed, and without allowing
him time to dress, carried him with secrecy and despatch to a place of safety.
This clever exploit was the more highly appreciated, as it gave the Ameri-
cans an officer of equal rank to exchange for General Lee. Congress pre-
sented Colonel Barton with a sword, as a mark of their approbation.
XIII. At length, the British fleet put to sea ; having on board General
Howe, and thirty-six British and Hessian battalions, including light infantry
and grenadiers, with a powerful artillery, a New York corps, called the
Queen's Rangers, and a regiment of light horse. The residue of the army
was divided between New York and Rhode Island. On the receipt of the
intelligence, the American army commenced its march, (July, 1777,) for the
Delaware, under the conviction, that the fleet was destined for Philadelphia.
But whilst preparing to meet Sir William Howe on a new theatre, the com-
246 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
mander-in-chief took measures, also, to check the progress of Burgoyne; who,
having obtained possession, by a greatly superior force, of Ticonderoga, and
the lakes, was advancing southward towards New York. Letters were ad-
dressed to the governments of the eastern states, urging them to reinforce
with their militia, the retreating northern army. Major-generals Arnold
and Lincoln, both influential with the eastern militia, were directed to join
it; and three brigades of New England continental troops from Peck's-kill,
Morgan's rifle regiment, and two regiments from New York, were ordered
upon the same service.
On the 30th Jidy, the enemy's fleet appeared off" the capes of the Dela-
ware, and orders were given by Washington for concentrating his forces at
Philadelphia. They were scarce issued, when a new disposition was occa-
sioned, by tidings, that the fleet had departed fi'om the Delaware Bay, and
was proceeding eastwardly. No further intelligence of it was received, until
the 7th of August, when it was seen a few leagues southward of the Delaware
capes ; after which it disappeared, and was not again heard of, until late in
that month. Meanwhile, the most perplexing uncertainty concerning its des-
tination, was universal. Oji entering the capes of the Delaware, the general
was deterred by the difficulties of that river from ascending it, and resolved
to proceed to the Chesapeake ; but was prevented by contrary winds, from
reaching the mouth of the latter bay, until the 16th of August.
Washington employed this interval in examining the country about Phila-
delphia, and the works below the city ; and he came to the conclusion, that the
defence of the river should be confined to the fort on Mud Island, and to Red
Bank, a piece of high ground on the Jersey shore, opposite to the island.
This opinion he communicated to Congress, with his intention to march to
Coryell's ferry, (New Hope,) sufficiently near Philadelphia, whence he might
readily regain the North river, should it be necessary. Upon the protracted
absence of the British fleet, he determined to march thither, but on the very
day of this determination, learned the arrival of the whole fleet in the Chesa-
peake.
XIV. The different divisions of the army were immediately ordered to
unite, with the utmost expedition, in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, and
the militia of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and the northern counties
of Virginia to take the field. These orders were received by General Sulli-
van, who had been encamped in Jersey about Hanover, just on his return
fi'om an expedition to Staten Island. The British force there amounted to
between two and three thousand men ; of whom nearly one thousand were
provincials, stationed at different places on the coast opposite the Jersey
shore. The European troops, amounting to sixteen hundred men, were
in a fortified camp near the watering place. General Sullivan thought
it practicable to surprise and bring off" the provincials before they could be
su])ported by the Europeans ; and he was the more stimulated to the attempt,
by their occasional incursions into Jersey. They had lately penetrated
as far as Woodbridge, and had carried off" twelve indiviiluals, noted for
their attachment to the American cause.* This expedition ^^•as undertaken
by Sullivan with the select troops of his division, aided by a few Jersey
militia, under Colonel Frelinghuysen. They hod to march about twenty
miles to the place of embarkation ; where, only, six boats had been procured.
Three of these were allotted to Colonel Ogden, who commanded one detach-
* Mr. Stockton, member of Congress, and Mr. Fell, member of council, had previous-
ly been made prisoners, and the person, nay, the life of Governor Livingston was
daily tiireatened. Two tiiousand guineas are said tcr have been offered by the enemy
for his capture.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 247
ment intended to attack Colonel Lawrence, lying near the old Blazing Star
ferry, and Colonels Dungan, and Allen, who lay about two miles from each
other, towards Arnboy. The other three were taken by General Deborre,
accompanied by General Sullivan in person. He was to attack Colonel
Barton near the new Blazing Star ferry, and, after securing that party, to
assist Ogden. General Smallwood, with his brigade was to cross at Flalsey
point, and attack Buskirk's regiment near Decker's ferry. All the troops
crossed before day, unperceived by the enemy. But, misconducted by his
guides, Smallwood began his attack on a ditferent point from that which was
intended, in consequence of which, Buskirk's regiment made its escape; but
Ogden and Deborre, were more successful. Lawrence and Barton were sur-
prised, and, with several of their officers and men, were taken. The alarm
being given, it became necessary for Sullivan precipitately to withdraw his
forces from the island. It had been impracticable to obtain a sufficient num-
ber of boats to embark all the troops at the same time ; and some confusion
appears to have prevailed in this part of the business. General Campbell,
with a considerable force advanced upon them ; and the rear guard, after
defending themselves for some time with great gallantry, were under the ne-
cessity of surrendering prisoners of war.
In his letters to the commander-in-chief, and to Congress, General Sullivan
reported, that he had brought oft' eleven officers, and one hundred and thirty
privates; and that a considerable number must have been killed in the difter-
ent skirmishes. He stated his own loss to have been one major, one captain,
one lieutenant, and ten privates killed, and fifteen wounded; and nine of-
ficers, among whom were Majors Stewart, Tillard, and Woodson, and one
hundred and twenty-seven privates, prisoners.
In the account given by General Campbell, he claims to have made two
hundred and fifty-nine prisoners, among whom were one lieutenant-colonel,
three majors, two captains, and fifteen inferior officers.
XV. The British fleet ascended the Chesapeake Bay, and tlie Elk river ; and
on the 25th of August, landed the army at the ferry, without a show of opposi-
tion. Their whole force was computed at eighteen thousand men, in good health
and spirits, trained to the service, abundantly supplied with the materiel of
war, and led by a general of experience and military talent. If it Avere defi-
cient in aught, it was in horses, which had suffered much during the preceding
winter, and in the long voyage from New York to the Elk river.
Great effort was made to increase the American army. The militia res-
ponded to the call of their country in greater numbers than could be armed.
The whole force was estimated at fifteen thousand, but the effectives, at not
more than eleven thousand. Morgan's regiment of riflemen having been sent
to the northern army, a light corps was formed by detachments from each
brigade, and put under the command of General Max^\•cll ; \\ho, during the
preceding winter, had acquired reputation as a partisan officcu'. This corps
was thrown in advance of the American army, but was driven in by a co-
lumn under Lord Cornwallis with considerable loss. The conduct of Gene-
ral Maxwell was much condemned by his officers, but he was acquitted of
blame by a court-martial. Washington felt and deplored the absence of Mor-
gan and his rifle corps. On the 3d of September, the British were encamped
with their right about Pencader, with their left extending across Christiana
creek, towards Newark. On the 5th, the whole American army, except the
light infantry, took position behind Red Clay creek, having its left at New-
port, on the Christiana, and on the road leading directly from the camp of
Sir William Howe to Philadelphia. On the 8th, the main body of the enemy
advanced by Newark upon the right of the American encnmpmcnt, and took
post within four miles of that place; whilst a strong column made a show of
248 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
attacking in front, and after manoeuvring for some time, halted at Milton,
within two miles of the centre. General Washington perceived that the
column in front was designed only to amuse, whilst the left should endeavour
to turn his right, and, suddenly crossing the Brandywine, seize the heights
on the north of that river, and cut off his communication with Philadelphia.
To prevent this, he moved during the night over the Brandywine, and took
post next morning behind the river, at Chad's Ford. The light corps under
General Maxwell, was advanced in front, and the Pennsylvania militia under
Genei-al Armstrong, were placed at a ford two miles below Chad's ; the right
extended some miles above that place, with a view to other passes deemed
less practicable. In this position, the general awaited the movement of his
adversary.
On the morning of the 11th, the whole British army advanced on the road
leading over Chad's Ford, and the Americans prepared to defend the passage
of the river. Some sharp skirmishing between the advanced column under
Knyphausen, and the light corps of Maxwell, took place on either side, below
the ford, with little damage to either party. About 1 1 o'clock, Washington,
instructed that a division of the enemy had marched up the country, on the
south of the Brandywine, formed the bold design of detaching Sullivan and
Stirling to fall on its left, while he should cross the ford, and with the centre
and left wing attack Knyphausen. At the critical moment, unhappily, erro-
neous intelligence was received that the movement of the British on the left,
was a feint only ; and about two o'clock, it was ascertained that a column,
led by Cornwallis, having taken a circuit of seventeen miles, had passed the
river above its forks, and was advancing in great force. The divisions of
Sullivan, Stirling, and Stephens, marched to meet it ; and that lately com-
manded by Lincoln, now by Wayne, remained at Chad's Ford, with Max-
well's corps, to check Knyphausen; whilst Green's division, and General
Washington in person, formed a reserve and took a central position.
The divisions detached against Cornwallis, had scarcely formed on ad-
vantageous ground, above Birmingham meeting-house, when the attack com-
menced, at about half past four o'clock, and was for a season firmly sustained.
The American right first gave way, exposing the flank of the remaining di-
visions to a galling fire ; and in a short time, the whole line was routed.
General Washington pressed forward to support this wing, but arrived only
in time to check the pursuit. This service was efficiently rendered by a
Pennsylvania regiment under Colonel Stewart, and a Virginia regiment under
Colonel Stephens. Whilst the right was thus engaged, Knyphausen forced
the ford. The whole American army retreated that night to Chester, and
the next day to Philadelphia. Its loss was estimated at three hundred killed
and six hundred wounded, and three or four hundred, principally of the
wounded, made prisoners. That sustained by the enemy was reported at one
hundred killed, and four hundred wounded. Among the wounded of the
Americans, were Brigadier-general Woodford, and the Marquis de La
Fayette.
XVI. The dis])osition to risk another battle was general, on the part of
Congress, and the army. An opinion prevailed, which was carefully che-
rished, that the British had gained, only, the ground. Fifteen hundred conti-
nental troops were ordered from Peck's-kill, and directions given to the mi-
litia of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the remaining adjacent country, to
march to the aid of the army, whilst due measures were taken to complete
the defences of the Delaware river.
Sir William Howe, lay on the night of the 11th, on the field of battle. On
the succeeding day, Major-general Grant, with two brigades, took post at
Concord meeling-house. On the l^th. Lord Cornwallis having united with
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 249
Grant, marched towards Chester. Another detachment seized Wilmington,
whither the wounded were escorted.
XVn. On the 15th, the American army was again collected, and intend-
ing to gain the left of the British, had reached the Warren tavern, on the
Lancaster road, when intelligence was received of the approach of the enemy.
Washington hastened to meet, and attack him in front. Both armies, eao-er
for battle, had scarce engaged, when they were separated by a tremendous
storm of rain, which rendered the retreat of the Americans indispensable.
The wretched condition of their arms, produced, at all times, an inequality be-
tween them and the British ; and, on this occasion, caused them the most im-
minent peril. Such was the effect of tlie rain upon the muskets and cartridge
boxes, that of the former, scarce one in a regiment could be fired ; and in
the latter, of forty rounds per man, scarce one was fit for use. The retreat
was continued all the day, and the greater part of the night, through a cold
and most distressing rain, and very deep roads, to the Yellow Springs; and
subsequently, to Warwick Furnace, on French Creek.
The weather, which com})cllcd the flight of the American, arrested the
progress of the British, army; and, until the 18th, it made no other move-
ment, than to unite the columns. It then took post at Trydrilfin, whence a
party was detached to destroy a magazine of flour and other stores, at the
Valley Forge. The American commander, as soon as circumstances would
permit, ordered General Wayne to join General Smallwood, in the rear of
the enemy ; and, carefully concealing himself and his movements, to seize
any occasion which might offer, to engage them with advantage. Mean-
while, he himself crossed the Schuylkill at Parker's ferry, and encamped on
both sides of Perkiomen Creek ; posting detachments at the several fords, by
which it was presumed the enemy would attempt a passage.
XVIII. Wayne had taken a position near the Paoli tavern, about three miles
in the rear of the left wing of the British. Notwithstanding his precautions he
was betrayed by some of the disaffected inhabitants; and about eleven o'clock
of the night of the twentieth, was surprised by a party of the enemy under
Major-general Gray. His pickets were driven in, and gave the first intima-
tion of Gray's approach. Wayne, instantly, formed his division; and whilst
his right was fiercely assailed, directed a retreat by the left, under cover of a
few regiments, who, for a short time, withstood the shock. The British,
aided by the light of the American fires, put to death three hundred of his
troops, by the free and exclusive use of the bayonet; sustaining a loss,
themselves, of eight men, only. In consequence of animadversions on his
conduct, Wayne demanded a court-martial, which unanimously acquitted
him with honour.
XIX. Sir William Howe marched from his position, along the valley road
to the Schuylkill, and encamped on the banks of the river, his line extending
to French Creek, along the front of the American army. This arrange-
ment seeming to threaten Reading, which contained a large depot of stores,
Washington changed his position and marched towards Pottsgrove, with
his left above, but near, the British right. This movement left the roads
to Philadelphia open to the enemy, and the capture of the city could be
prevented, only, by an engagement. Though urged to this, by public opi-
nion, Washington prudently declined it. His forces were not concentrated.
Wayne and Smallwood had not joined him, nor had he received the Jersey
militia he expected under General Dickenson. Of the actual state of his
army, it may be enough to say, that more than a thousand of his troops
were barefooted, and had performed the late evolutions in that condition.
The want of necessaries was such, that Colonel Hamilton, one of the gene-
ral's aids, had been authorized and employed to take forcible possession of
2 1
250 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
such finen, woollens, shoes, spirits, and other stores, as might be found in
Philadelphia, giving certificates of (juantity and value to the owners. "Your
own prudence," said the general to him, " will point out the least exceptiona-
ble means to be pursued ; but remember, delicacy and a strict adherence to
the ordinary mode of application must give place to our necessities." But
no eifort could obtain a supply for the pressing and growing wants of the
army. The duty of securing the public stores, was, also, assigned to Colonel
Hamilton, which he executed by transporting them up the Delaware. On
the twenty-sixth of September, Lord Cornwallis, at the head of the British
and Hessian grenadiers, entered Philadelphia, and the main body of the
British army encamped at Germantown.
XX. On the loss of the battle of the Brandywine, Congress resolved to
remove to Lancaster. At this town they assembled on the twenty-seventh
of the month, and soon after adjourned to Yorktown.
XXL To the secure possession of the city and the comfort of his army.
General Howe found the free navigation of the Delaware indispensable. But
of this, he was wholly debarred by the fortifications, of Fort Mifllin, on Mud
Island, at the confluence of the Schuylkill and the Delaware, and of Red
Bank on the eastern shore; and by the chevaux defrise sunk in the chan-
nel, between these batteries, and at a point three miles below, opposite to
Bylliugsport, where some imperfect works had been erected for their pro-
tection. Whilst these defences were maintained, Howe could not communi-
cate with his fleet; and the American vessels in the river, above the forts,
wouUl prevent him from foraging and obtaining provisions in New Jersey ;
whilst the army of Washington might cut off his supplies from Pennsylvania.
The disadvantages resulting from the vessels, however, were soon diminished
by the capture of the Delaware frigate, the largest of them.
Some Ijritish ships of war were already in the Delaware, and Captain
Hammond, who commanded one of them, represented, that the possession of
the fort at Byllingsport, which was feebly garrisoned, would enable him to
raise the lower line of obstructions, and admit the fleet to Fort IMilllin. On
the twenty-ninth of September, Colonel Stirling, with two regiments, cap-
tured it, without opposition; the garrison, on his approach, having spiked the
artillery, and fired the barracks, withdrew without discharging a gun. This
service performed, the detachment returned to Chester. On the third of
October, another regiment was called from Germantown to Philadelphia,
with orders to unite, on the next day, with Colonel Stirling.
AVashington had now received all the reinforcements he expected; con-
sisting of nine hundred continental troops from Peck's-kill, under General
M'Dougal ; about six hundred militia from Jersey, under Brigadier-general
Forman, (General Dickenson having been detained by the apprehension of a
second invasion from New York) and about eleven hundred from Maryland,
under General Smallwood. His cflective strength, rank and file, amounted to
eight thousand continenlal troops and three thousand militia. With this
force, he, on the thirtieth of September, took a position on the Skippack road,
twelve miles from the enemy's camp, sixteen from Germantown, and twenty
from Philadelphia. The line of encampment of the British army crossed
Germantown at right angles with the main street, somewhat south of its
centre, the left wing extending to the Schuylkill. Lord Cornwallis continued
at Philadelphia.
Washington observing this division of the British force, formed the design
of surprising the camp at Germantown, and thus giving a blpw, which might
decide the fate of the war. He proposed a simultaneous attack upon the
wings, frotit and rear, which should be suddenly and vigorously made, and
from which, the troops might expeditiously retreat, if it were unsuccessful.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 251
Pursuant to his plan, tlie divisions of Sullivan and Wayne, flanked by Con-
way's brigade, were ordered to enter Germantown, by the way of Chesnut
Hill, while General Armstrong, with the Pennsylvania militia, should fall
down the Manatawny or Ridge road, and gain the British left, and by Van-
deering's or Robinson's Mill, attack its rear: the divisions of Greene and
Stephens, flanked by M'Dougal's brigade, to take a circuit by way of the
Limekiln road, and entering the town at the market house, attack the right
wing: the militia of Maryland and Jersey, under Generals Small wood and
Foi-man, to march by the Old York road, and turning the right, to fall on
its i-ear: the division of Lord Stirling, and the brigades of Nash and Max-
well to form a corps de reserve : and parties of cavalry silently to scour the
roads to prevent observation, and to keep up the communication between the
heads of the columns.
XXn. With these dispositions the army moved on the third of October,
about seven in the afternoon. About sunrise the next morning, the advance
of the column led by Sullivan, encountered and drove in a picket placed at
Mount Airy, or Mr. Allen's house.
The main body followed close, driving before it the fortieth regiment,
commanded by Colonel Musgrave, until that oflicer threw himself, with six
companies, into the large stone house of Mr. Chew, from which they galled
the Americans, with a heavy and constant fire of musketry. Some attempts
to storm this house, and an effort to bring a field piece to bear upon it, broke
the line of the right wing, and with the darkness caused by an extraordinary
fog, threvv it into great confusion. The column led by Greene, arrived on
its ground, and commenced an attack on the light infantry, in front of the
British right wing. It was at first successful, and after driving in the pickets,
forced the battalion of light infantry to give way.
The country through which the army was advancing, abounded with
many small and strong enclosures, which broke the line, in every direction ;
the fog obscured surrounding objects, and the commander-in-chief, could
neither observe nor correct the confusion that commenced. The causes
which separated the regiments, prevented them from discerning the situation
of the enemy, and from improving the first impression, and directing their
after efforts to advantage. The attacks on the flanks and rear were not
made. The Pennsylvania militia came in view of the chasseurs, who flanked
the left of the British line, but did not engage them, closely. The Maryland
and Jersey militia just showed themselves, on the right flank, about the time
Greene's column was commencing a retreat.
These embarrassments gave the British time to recover from the conster-
nation into which they had been thrown. Knyphausen, who commanded
their left, detached one battalion to support the chasseurs; and part of the
third and fourth brigades, under Generals Gray and Agnew, to attack the
front of the column led by Sullivan, which had penetrated far into the village.
Scott's and Muhlenberg's brigades were surrounded and made prisoners.
The broken parts mistook each other for the enemy, and, wliilst warmly
engaged and sanguine of success, the main body of the army began to
retreat. Washington was compelled to relinquish a victory he thought within
his grasp, and to endeavour to secure his army. His retreat was, however,
made without loss ; the enemy being unable to pursue. In the battle, about
two hundred were killed and six hundred wounded. The principal damage
was sustained from Chew's house, and in Germantown. About four hun-
dred were made prisoners. Among the killed was General Nash of North
Carolina ; and among the prisoners. Colonel Matthews of Virginia. The
British loss, as stated by General Howe, was one hundred killed and four
hundred wounded. Among the former were Brigadier-general Agnew and
252 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Colonel Bird. The grenadiers in Philadelphia, under Cornwallis, hastened
to the field of battle on the first alarm, running the whole distance, and
reaching it, as the action terminated.
The American army retreated, the same day, about twenty miles, to the
Perkiomen Creek ; but soon after, resumed its former encampment on the
Skippack.
XXI I I. Immediately after the battle of Brandy wine. New Jersey was re-
quired to furnish the army with reinforcements of militia, and General Put-
nam to detach fifteen hundi-cd continental troops; and, at the same time, to
cover the Jerseys with an equal number. The militia of Connecticut were
relied upon to supply the vacuum in the posts on the North river, occa-
sioned by these heavy draughts. These troops were, however, detained
by the demonstrations made from New York. Sir Henry Clinton who
commanded there, supposed, that, an alarm might serve both Howe and
Burgoyne, by diverting, for a time, the aids which were designed for Wash-
ington and Gates. With this view, he entered East Jersey, at the head of
three thousand men, by the way of Elizabethtown Point and Fort Lee; the
columns uniting at the New Bridge, above Hackensack, on the twelfth of
September. They encountered little opposition, and collected, on their way,
large quantities of fresh provisions. About the fifteenth, observing that
the continental troops under M'Dougal were approaching, and that, Gene-
ral Dickenson, with great exertion, was assembling the Jersey militia, he
returned to New York and Staten Island, having lost in the excursion, only
eight men killed and sixteen wounded. The supply of militia, for the conti-
nental army, collected very slowly, notwithstanding the efl^orls of Governor
Livingston and General Dickenson. Accustomed to judge for themselves,
they declared, that the danger of another invasion, rendered their services
essential on the eastern frontier. Five or six hundred, however, crossed
the Delaware at Philadelphia, about the time Sir William Howe passed the
Schuylkill, and were employed in the removal of stores. As the enemy ap-
proached the city they retired from it, by the Frankford road ; but the com-
manding officer having separated himself from his corps, was captured by a
small party of the British light horse; on which the regiment dispersed and
made its way, by difierent roads, to New Jersey. With much labour Ge-
neral Dickenson had collected two other corps, amounting to nine hundred
men, with whom he was about to cross the Delaware, when he received
intelligence of the arrival from Europe, of an additional force at New
York. He returned, himself, with part of his levies, from Trenton toward
Elizabethtown, whilst the remainder proceeded to Pennsylvania, imder Ge-
neral Forman; but they, immediately after the battle of Germantown, were
discharged.
XXIV. The attention of both commanders was, now, almost wholly given
to the Delaware ; — the one to remove, the other to sustain, the impediments
to its navigation. Lord Howe had early brought round the ships of war and
transports from the Chesapeake, and they were stretched along the Delaware
shore from Reedy Island to Newcastle. But, although, with great difficulty,
the chevaux de frise had been raised from the channel opposite to Byllings-
port, so as to admit the passage of vessels offeree, it was impracticable to
proceed above the line from Fort Mifllin to Fort Mercer, or Red Bank. Every
effort was consetiuently made for the destruction of these forts. Batteries
were erected on the Pennsylvania shore, to play upon Mud Island, whilst a
fierce attack was directed against the redoubts on the Jersey shore.
XXV. On the twenty-first of October, Colonel Count Donop, a distin-
guished German officer crossed the Delaware at Cooper's Ferry, at the head
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 253
of a detachment of Hessians, amounting to about twelve hundred men, in
order to proceed the next day to the attack of Red Banic.
It was part of the plan, that, so soon as the assault should commence, a
heavy cannonade on Fort Mifflin should be made Irom the batteries on the
Pennsylvania shore; and that the Vigilant ship of war, should pass through
a narrow channel between Hog Island, next below Mud Island, and the
Maine, so as to attack the fort in the rear. Meanwhile, to divert the atten-
tion of the garrison and marine force, from the Vigilant, and other serious
attacks, the advanced frigates, with the Isis and Augusta, were to approach
Fort Mifflin in front, by the main channel, as far as the impediments would
admit, and to batter the works.
The fortifications at Red Bank consisted of extensive outer works, within
which, was an intrenchment eight or nine feet high, boarded and fraized, on
which Colonel Greene of Rhode Island, the commander, had bestowed great
labour. Late in the evening of the 22d, Count Donop attacked it with great
intrepidity; it was defended with equal resolution. The outer works beincr
too extensive to be manned by the garrison, which did not exceed five hun-
dred men, were only used to gall the assailants ; and on their near approach,
were abandoned by the Americans, who retired within the inner intrench-
ment, whence they poured upon the Hessians, pressing on with great gal-
lantry, a most destructive fire. Colonel Donop, leading his troops, received
a mortal wound, and Lieutenant-colonel Mingerode, second in command, fell
about the same time. Lieutenant-colonel Linsing drew off the detachment ;
and being favoured by the darkness of the night, collected many of the
wounded. He marched about five miles that night, and returned next day
to Philadelphia. The loss of the assailants was estimated at four hundred
men. The garrison, reinforced from Fort Mifflin, and aided by the gallies,
which flanked the Hessians both advancing and retreating, fought under
cover, and lost only thirty-two, killed and wounded. It would appear
from the statement given by General Howe of this enterprise, that the inner
works could not be carried without scaling ladders, which had not been fur-
nished.
In performance of the part of the plan allotted to the navy, the Augusta, a
sixty-four gun ship, the Merlin sloop of war, and four smaller vessels, strove
to get within cannon shot of Fort Mifllin. But the two first got agroiuid, and
were, on the next day, set on fire and abandoned. The Augusta blew up.
The repulse of the Hessians from Fort Mercer, and the able defence of Co-
lonel Smith, at Fort Mifllin, inspired Congress with hopes, that these posts
might be permanently maintained ; and that body voted a sword to each of
these officers, and one to Commodore Hazlewood, who commanded the gal-
lies, as a testimony of the national gratitude.
XXVI. On the march of Donop to Jersey, Washington presumed, that his
design was not to carry Fort Mercer by storm, but regularly to invest it.
Immediate eftbrts were, therefore, made to get out the Jersey militia ; but
owing to the perpetual calls for service, on the eastern frontier, and there
being, at the moment, no governor in the state, the gubernatorial term having
expired before the re-election, a very inefficient force was gotten into the field ;
and had not General Dickenson ventured to give orders by his own authority,
none would have been put in motion. Unable to obtain a sufficient aid from
Jersey, Washington, on the twenty-ninth of October, sent over some Penn-
sylvania militia ; and a few days after. General Varnum, with his bri-
gade, were posted about Woodbury, liaving orders to relieve and reinforce
both forts, as his strength would permit. General Forman, with such militia
as could be brought into the field, was directed to join him.
XXVII. The operations of the enemy against Fort Mifflin, were uninter-
254 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
ruptcd. They had command of the Schuylkill, and of Province and Car-
penter's islands, at its mouth. On both, batteries had been constructed, to
play on the fort, from which they were separated by a narrow passage, be-
tween four and five hundred yards wide, in which were (loating batteries.
They had driven thence the American moveable water force, originally re-
lied on, for security in tliat quarter. Its chief employment, now, was to de-
feat pi'eparations making at Philadelphia against the fort, by descending the
river. The garrison consisted of three hundred continental troops, only; a
number insufficient to place a single line around the works.
On the 10th November, a new and large battery was opened from Pro-
vince Island, which kept up an incessant fire throughout that day, and seve-
ral successive days. The block-houses of the fort were reduced to a heap
of ruins, the palisades were beaten down, and most of the guns dismounted,
or otherwise disabled. The barracks were battered in every part, so that the
troops could not continue in them. The night was spent in repairing the
damages of the day, and guarding against storm, of which they were in per-
petual apprehension. If in the day a few moments were allowed for repose,
it was taken on the wet earth, rendered, by the heavy rains, a soft mud.
The garrison was relieved by General Varnum every forty-eight hours, and
one-half of his brigade was constantly on duty. Colonel Smith, with the
concurrence of General Varnum, believed the garrison ought to be with-
drawn. But the commander-in-chief cherished the hope that it might be
maintained, until he, reinforced by the northern army, could make a success-
ful effort for its protection ; and therefore he directed that it should be defended
to the last extremity. Never were orders better obeyed. On the 11th,
Colonel Smith was wounded, and was obliged to yield the command, which
was taken first by Colonel Russell, and afterwards by Major Thayer. On
the 15th, the enemy brought up their ships so far as the obstructions would
permit, and having discovered that the channel between Mud and Pi-ovince
Islands would admit of large vessels, introduced a frigate and sloop of war,
within one hundred yards of the works. They not only kept up a most de-
structive cannonade, but threw hand grenades into them; and the musketry
from the round-top of the frigate, killed every man that appeared on tlie
platform. Orders were given to Commodore Hazlewood, to attempt the re-
moval of these vessels, but he deemed it impracticable. The ]ilace was con-
sequently no longer tenable, and at 11 o'clock of the night of the IGth, the
garrison was withdrawn.
From the position of Fort Mercer, its safety depended, almost wholly,
upon the possession of Fort Mifllin. Still it was resolved to defend it. On
the 17th, Cornwallis inarched against it by the way of Chester; and, notwith-
standing General Washington was apprized of his intention, no clfort which
he could make could bring together, in season, a sufficient force to protect it,
and the fort was evacuated. A few of the smaller American galleys escaped
up the river, the rest were captured or burned. The passage of the Dela-
ware was thus opened.
Lord Cornwallis, with a force of about five thousand men, availed himself
of tliis incursion, to collect large quantities of fresh ]n-ovisions for the relief
of the British army, and had taken post on Gloucester Point, ^\hich was en-
tirely under cover of the guns of the ships. General (Trecne commanded an
almost equal body of troops in New Jersey, a part of which was militia, and
awaited the arrival of Glover's brigade from the nortli, in order to take of-
fensive measures against Cornwallis. But an attack uj)nn the British, in
their present advantageous position, would have been unwarrantable. Yet, a
small, but brilliant affair was performed, by a detachment of about one hun-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 255
dred and fifty men from Morgan's rifle corps, under Lieutenant-colonel But-
ler, and a like number of militia, under the Marquis La Fayette, who served
as a volunteer. They attacked a picket of the enemy, consisting of about
three hundred men, and drove them, with the loss of twenty or thirty killed,
and a great number wounded, quite into their cam[); retiring themselves
without pursuit. " I found the rillcmen," said La Fayette, in a letter to
Washington, "even above their reputation, and the militia above all ex-
pectation I could have formed of them." Cornwallis, soon after, returned
to Philadelphia, and Greene joined the main army under the commander-
in-chief.
XXVin. Dui'ing these transactions on the Delaware, General Dickenson,
whose perfect knowledge of the country gave every hope of success, made
another attempt to cut oti" Skinner's brigade of loyalists, stationed on Staten
Island. He collected about two thousand men, and requested fi'om General
Putnam, commanding the continental troops, a diversion on the side of King's
Bridge, in order to prevent a sudden reinforcement from New York. As his
success depended upon secrecy, he concealed his object even from his field
officers, until eight o'clock of the night on which it was to be executed; yet,
.by three next morning. Skinner was apprized of his intention, and saved his
brigade by retiring into works too strong to be carried by assault. In the
flight, a few prisoners were made and a few men killed. General Dickenson
returned with the loss of three killed and ten slightly wounded.
XXIX. By the capture of Burgoyne and his army, part of the force of the
northern department might be called to Philadelphia. But neither General
Gates nor General Putnam were disposed to part, readily, with their troops.
A considerable portion of them, however, after some delay, reached the
camp under General Washington, whose army, thus reinforced, amounted to
twelve thousand one hundred and sixty-one continental troops, and three
thousand two hundred and forty-one militia. The force of the enemy, with
some detachments lately received from New York, has been stated, various-
ly, at from twelve to fourteen thousand men. This equality induced many
j)ersons to ui'ge upon the commander-in-chief, an attack upon Howe in Phi-
ladelphia, notwithstanding that position was covered by the Delaware on
the right, by the Schuylkill on the left, by the junction of these rivers on the
rear, and by a line of fourteen redoubts on the front, extending from river
to river, connected by abbatis and circular works. Happily, tlie prudence
of the general, sustained by the advice of his superior oiliccrs, resisted the
effort.
XXX. Master of the river Delaware, from Phila(loli)hia to the sea, and of
the country on both shores to the south, the British general was relieved of
the apprehension of suffering from a scarcity of provisions, and was at leisure
to turn his whole force upon the American army, circumscribing him on the
north and west; which ho proposed not only to force from its present posi-
tion, but to drive beyond the mountains.
On the fourth of December, General Washington was apprized that an
attempt woidd be immediately made upon his camp at White Marsh ; and on
the evening of the same day, Sir William Howe marched from the city with
his whole force. About eleven at night, Cajitain Allen M'Lane, who had
been detached with one hundred men, selected from several divisions, fell in
with and attacked the British van, at the Three Mile Run, on the German-
town road, compelling their front division to change their line of march. At
three next morning, the advancing army encamped on Chesnut Hill, in front
of the American right, and distant from it three miles. Three days were
spent in various manceuvres by the British forces, during which there were
several skirmishes, with Morgan's riflemen and some militia under General
256 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Irvine of Pennsylvania. The general was wounded, and with a small por-
tion of his detachment, made prisoner. A general action was hourly ex-
pected, but Howe would not attack the American camp, admirably placed ;
nor would Washington engage in a position less advantageous. He desired
to be attacked, and felt coniident that Sir William Howe, strongly enforced,
would not march out with his whole army, only, to march back again. But,
on the morning of the nineteenth, he filed otf from the right by several routes,
in full march ibr Philadelpha. This movement prevented the execution of a
daring design of the American general, (formed on observing the caution of
Howe,) to surprise and seize Philadelphia.*
XXXI. The season had now become extremely severe, and it was impos-
sible, without intense suffering, for an army so wretchedly furnished as was
the American, longer to keep the field, in tents. That it might still continue
to cover the country, it was resolved to take a strong position at the Valley
Forge, and there to erect huts in the form of a regular encampment. Thither
the army was removed on the 12th of December. Its course from White
Maish, might have been tracked by the blood which flowed from the bare
feet of the soldiery. Though somewhat more comfortable in their huts, their
winter was one of great privation and suffering, the details of which are fo-
reign from our present purpose.
In order to have a full view of the campaign of 1777, it will be necessary
that we, successively, narrate the progress of General Burgoync, and the
circumstances which produced the important event of his capture.
XXXII. When General Carleton had retired into winter quarters, General
Burgoyne, who had served under him, returned to England, to communicate
fully to the administration, the condition of affairs in the northern depart-
ment, and to make arrangements for the ensuing champaign. With the ca-
binet, he digested a plan for penetrating to the Hudson, from Canada, by way
of the lakes. A formidable army was to be put under his command, to pro-
ceed against Ticonderoga as soon as the season would permit ; whilst a
smaller force, under Col. St. Leger, composed of Canadians, American re-
fugees, a few Europeans, and many Indians, should march from Oswego, by
way of the Mohawk, and unite with the grand army on the North river.
* Mr. Marshall says, vol. iii. p. 280, Life of Washington, " Captain Allen M'Lane
discovered, that an attempt was about to be made to surprise the camp at White
Marsh," &c. Another version is given of this matter, by the American Quar-
terly Review, vol. i. p. 32, 1827. Possibly the officer to whom information was given
was M'Lane instead of Craig. Both accounts, however, may be true. By the last
it seems, that some British officers occasionally met for conference, at the house of
William and Lydia Darrach, Quakers, resident in the city. On tlie second of De-
cember, they requested that the family would retire early in the evening, as they
would be at their room, and remain late; and added, that, when about to depart, they
would call the wife to let them out. Curiosity, the fivst tempter, induced Lydia to
apjjroach the door of the conference chamber, shod in felt, only, and to put her car to
the key hole, where she heard, in detail, the plan of attack for llic fourth. Under
pretence of procuring flour from Frankfbrd, she obtained a pass from Sir William
Howe. Leaving her bag at the mill, she hastened towards the American lines, and
encountered on the way, the American Colonel Craig, of the light horse; to whom
she communicated the important information. The necessary preparations were, of
course, made. Tivdia returned home with her flour; and an.xiously awaited news of
the event; but when the British returned, did nut dare to ask a question. On the
next evening, one of tJic officers who freqncnlad the ho\ise, requested her to come to
his room, that he might sulnuit some questions to her. He inqnircd, earnestly,
whether any of her family were up, the last night he was there. She told him, that
all had retired at 8 o'clock He observed, " I know tjou were asleep, for I knocked
at yo\ir chamber door, three times, before you heard me. lam entirely at a loss, to
imao-ine who gave General Washington information of our intended attack. When
we arrived near White Marsh, we found all their cannon mounted, and the troops
j)repared to receive us, and wc have marched back like a parcel of fools."
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 257
The invading force, immediately under the conimander-in-cliicr, amounted
to about 9D00 men. He was supported by Major-general Phillii)s, of the
artillery, Major-general Reidesel, and Brigadier-general Sprecht, of the Ger-
man troops, together with the British Generals, Frazer, Powell, and Hamil-
ton ; all officers of distinguished merit. The detachment under St. Lcgcr,
consisted of about 1800 men; one-half of whom were Indians, and the greater
proportion of the other half, American loyalists, under tlie command of Sir
John Johnstone. A considerable force was left in Canada, under Sir Guy
Carleton, whose military command was restricted to the province. This able
and humane officer, though indignant at having been suspended, displayed
the greatness of his mind, by his ready and effective assistance, in promoting
the objects of the campaign.
XXXIII. The northern American army, which had been formed only for
the year, dissolved with that term. So far from being in condition for of-
fensive operations, scarce a show of defence could be preserved in the forts.
The charge of this frontier was assigned to troops to be furnished by Massa-
chusetts, New Hampshire, and the north-western parts of New York ; but
the recruiting proceeded so slowly, that it became necessary to call in the aid
of the northern militia. General Gates, having joined General Washington,
this department was solely under the command of General Schuyler, who
failed in no effort to fulfil its duties. His plans for the ensuing campaign re-
quired 15,000 men; a very small portion of which could be supplied to him
in season. The services of this officer had been more solid than brilliant,
and were not, generally, nor duly, appreciated. Dissatisfied with their ac-
ceptation, his resignation was delayed, only, by patriotic motives. When
the fear of a winter attack upon Ticonderoga had been removed, by the
open state of Lake Champlain, he repaired to Congress to have his compli-
cated accounts adjusted, his conduct inquired of, and his plans of future ac-
tion approved and sustained. When his many and arduous services had, thus,
became fully known. Congress deemed it essential to the public interests, to
prevail on him to retain his commission. Repealing the resolution of the 6th
March, 1776, which fixed his head-quarters at Albany, they directed him on
22d May, 1777, to assume the command of the whole northern department,
consisting of Albany, Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix, and their dependencies.
XXXIV. Sensible of the dangers which surrounded him, he made
every exertion to meet them; visiting in person the several posts, and ob-
taining supplies of provisions. He was at Albany, for these services, and
for hastening the march of reinforcements, when he received intelligence,
from General St. Clair, commanding at Ticonderoga, that General Burgoyne
had appeared before that fortress.*
The royal army approached by the unimpeded route of the lake; and
advanced from Crown Point, with equal caution and order, on both sides
of the strait, through which their naval force proceeded. In a few days
Ihev surrounded three-fourths of the American works at Ticonderoga and
■Mount Independence, and erected a battery on Sugar Hill, commanding
both positions. The defence of the lines required ten thousand men; the
actual force within them, was twenty-five hundred and forty-six continentals,
and nine hundred militia, badly equipped, worse armed, and with provisions
for twenty days, only. Had i"t been practicable to obtain an accurate know-
ledge of the strength of the besieging army, in due season, prudence would
have required the abandonment of the post and removal of the stores, before
its close approximation. Under existing circumstances, speedy retreat of the
garrison was indispensable to the safety of the troops; and though General
2K
indispensable
* July 1st, 1777,
258 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
St. Clair knew, that the whole country relied, confidently, on the mainte-
nance of the post, he wisely and heroically resolved, with the unanimous
consent of his officers, to abandon it, and to preserve his army, if possible,
for a future service. The execution of this resolution astounded and dis-
gusted the nation; but its propriety became evident, so soon as circum-
stances permitted inquiry. A few days before the place was invested,
General Schuyler, from the inspection of the muster rolls, and other reports
alike erroneous, had stated the strength of the garrison at five thousand men,
and its provisions abundant; and the invading force was, generally, sup-
posed to be inferior. When, therefore, it was known, that the fortifications,
on which much money and labour had been expended, and which were
deemed the key of the whole western country, had been abandoned without
an effort to sustain them — that an immense train of artillery, consisting of
one hundred and twenty-eight pieces, and all the baggage, military stores,
and provisions, had fallen into the hands of the enemy — that the army on
its retreat, had been attacked, defeated and dispersed, astonishment pervaded
all ranks of men, and the conduct of the officers was universally condemned.
Congress directed a recall of all the generals of the department, and an in-
quiry into their conduct. Through New England, especially, the most
malignant aspersions were cast on them ; and General Schuyler, who, from
some unknown cause, had never been viewed with favour in that part of the
continent, was involved in the common charge of treason, to which this
accumulation of unlocked for calamity was generally attributed; by the mass
of the people. On the representation of Washington, the recall of the officers
was suspended, until he should be of the opinion, that the state of things
would admit such a measure. Gates, however, was directed to take the
place of Schuyler. This substitution was warranted by policy ; since it put
at the head of the department, a general who enjoyed the public confidence,
in the place of one who had lost it.
On abandoning the fort, St. Clair retreated rapidly to Castletown, thirty
miles from Ticonderoga. In the pursuit, the enemy, with eight hundred
and fifty men, under General Frazer, came up with his rear guard, under
Colonel Warner, which, amounting to about one thousand men, had halted
six miles short of that place. A sharp action ensued, terminating in
the dispersion of the Americans, with great loss, by the aid of General
Reidesel, who arrived with his division of Germans, during the heat of the
contest. About the same time. Colonel Long was driven, with his de-
tachment, from Skecnesborough, and the stores there collected, comprising
nearly all that had been saved from the garrison, were destroyed. Long
retired to Fort Anne, and soon afterwards to Fort Edward, the head-quarters
of General Schuyler; whither St. Clair, after collecting the scattered remains
of his army, also, retreated.
XXXV. Burgoyne remained some days at Skeenesborough, to collect and
refresh his men ; whilst Schuyler employed himself in removing the stores
from Fort Edward, sweeping the country of every thing which could sus-
tain an enemy, and throwing obstructions into the streams and roads, to
check his course. Nor did he cease his endeavours to arouse the surround-
ing country to activity. Great exertion was also made by General Wash-
ington, to rc-ostablish the northern army. Troops, artillery and ammunition,
were dcspatclied from Massachusetts and Peck's-kill. Generals Lincoln
and Arnold, popular officers, especially, with their countrymen, and the not
less popular Colonel Morgan, with his indefatigable rifle corps, were ordered
to repair to it. In the very success of Burgoyne, this able and prudent man
saw the source of his defeat, and foretold " that the confidence derived from
success," would liurry him into measures that would effect his ruin.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 259
In dispersing the American army, the British general had not completed
half that was necessary, to enable him to reach the Hudson. The country-
through which he was to pass was in a great measure, in a primitive condi-
tion. Its roads bad, at the best, were obstructed by hundreds of trees, which
had been felled across them. The bridges were broken down, and his pro-
visions, batteaux, and artillery, were to be transported over this almost im-
passable route. Checked by these impediments, he did not reach that river,
in the neighbourhood of Fort Edward, until the 30th of July. Schuyler, who
had been daily gathering strength, but not yet strong enough to meet him,
on his approach, retired over the Hudson to Saratoga, a few miles below that
place, and soon after, to Stillwater, near the mouth of the Mohawk ; where
he fortified a camp, in hopes that he should soon be in condition to defend it.
But he did not confine himself wholly to defensive operations. The ad-
vance of Burgoyne left the posts in his rear uncovered, and General Lincoln
was ordered, instead of immediately joining Schuyler, to attempt, with about
two thousand men, to cut otf the communication of the British with the lakes ;
whilst Arnold was despatched with three continental regiments to raise the
siege of Fort Schuyler, which had been commenced by St. Leger, and to
prevent the junction of the two portions of Burgoyne's army.
XXXVI. 'On the 3d of August, St. Leger invested Fort Schuyler, formerly
Fort Stanwix. It was garrisoned by six iiundred continental troops, com-
manded by Colonel Gansevoort. Oh his approach, General Herkimer
assembled the militia of Tryon county, for the purpose of relieving the gar-
rison. Gansevoort, apprized of this intention, resolved on a vigorous sortie,
to second it. Unhappily, St. Leger had learned the movement of the former,
and formed an ambuscade, into which Herkimer fell. His party was de-
feated with great slaughter ; and the general and many officers were wounded.
Its entire destruction was prevented by the timely sortie, under lieutenant-
colonel Willet, who fell upon the feebly guarded camp of the besiegers, drove
the soldiery into the woods, and brought off considerable plunder, several
Indian weapons, and other articles much valued. His party killed several
of the enemy, of whom were some Indian chiefs.
But a change was about to come over the fortune of Burgoyne. His star
had reached its culminating point, and its decline was as rapid as its ascen-
sion. Fort Schuyler was well fortified, and held out. The Indians of St.
Leger, always fickle, never persevering in continuous labour, became dis-
gusted with the service, and impatient of the losses which they had sustained
in the late skirmishes. At length, learning that Arnold was advancing, and a
report prevailing, that Burgoyne had been routed, part of them slunk away,
and the remainder threatened to follow. The siege was raised with great pre-
cipitation; the tents left standing, and the artillery, with great part of the
baggage, ammunition, and provisions, fell into the hands of the Americans.
The retreating army was pursued by a detachment from the garrison; and
the Indians plundered the remaining baggage of the officers, and massacred
such soldiers as could not keep up with the line of march. St. Leger re-
turned to Montreal, whence he proceeded to Ticonderoga, with intention to
join Burgoyne by that route.
XXXVli. To prevent relief to the garrison of Fort Schuyler, an attack on
the American army was suggested by St. Leger; and Burgoyne was well
disposed to an immediate and rapid movement down the Hudson, in hopes
thereby, to drive his enemy before him, and fr-ee the whole of the upper
country. But his supply of provisions was with great difficulty kept up, and
such a movement would greatly increase that difficulty, as the communica-
tion with Fort George, already endangered by the body of militia assembhng
at White Creek, must be preserved by larger detachments from his army than
260 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
he was in condition to make. In this dilemma, he resolved to attempt the
large magazines ol" provisions at Bennington. Lieutenant-colonel Baum, with
about five hundred men, was detached upon this service, to facilitate which,
Burgoyne moved down the Hudson, and threw part of his army across it to
Saratoga; and Lieutenant-colonel Brechman with his corps, was ordered to
support Baum. Happily, General Stark, with the New Hampshire militia,
was now at Bennington, on his way to camp, together with the remains of
Colonel Warner's continental regiment ; making in the whole, a force of two
thousand men. Apprized of his danger, Baum entrenched himself four miles
from the town, and despatched an express for a reinforcement. But before
Brechman could arrive. Stark carried the works by assault, and the greater
part of his detachment was killed or taken prisoners. Brechman came up
in time to encounter the pursuing Americans, and he also, was compelled to
retreat with the loss of many men, his artillery and baggage. Five hundred
and sixty-four privates were taken prisoners, but the number of killed could
not be ascertained; the most important acquisition, at the moment, of one
thousand stand of arms, and nine hundred swords, was obtained.
XXXVI II. These fortunate affairs had the most important consequences.
The whole Mohawk country was liberated from the foe — the Americans were
at liberty to unite the whole of their forces in the northern department against
Burgoyne — the militia and continental troops recovered confidence in them-
selves— the opinion prevailed, that the enemy was already beaten, and that
the assembling of the great body of the militia, only, was necessary to compel
him to yield his arms. The disaffected became timid, and the wavering
were no longer disposed to join an army whose capture was doomed. But
other causes, also, united to produce the great result. Vengeance for the
barbarities of the savages, fired every breast, and overcame the terror they
had created ; the last reinfoi'cements of continental troops had arrived — the
harvest which had detained the militia was gathered, and General Gates had
succeeded the unfortunate, unpopular, but meritorious Schuyler.*
XXXIX. Notwithstanding these disasters, Burgoyne adhered to his original
purpose. By a slow and toilsome mode, having collected provisions from
Fort George, sufHcient for thirty days, he crossed the Hudson with his whole
army on the 14th September, and encamped on the heights and plains of
Saratoga, with the determination of deciding in a general engagement, the
fate of the expedition.
Gates had removed his camp from the islands at the mouth of the Mohawk,
to the neighbourhood of Stillwater. On the 17th, Burgoyne encamped within
four miles of the American army; and, the interval being employed in the
necessary repair of bridges between the two camps, on the 19th, a general
engagement was fought, which terminated only with the day, and was in
every respect favourable to the Americans. Beside the actual loss in battle,
the Indians, Canadians, and provincialists, deserted in great numbers. The
next day, intelligence was received from the north, which gave additional ani-
mation to the Americans. Detachments from General Lincoln's force had
been sent against the forts on the lakes, and Colonel IJrown had succeeded in
capturing Mount Defiance, Mount Hope, the old French lines, the landing,
and about two hundred batteaux at the north end of Lake George; and with
the loss of only three killed, and five wounded, had liberated one hundred
American prisoners, and taken two hundred and ninety-three British. This
success was magnified into the reduction of Ticonderoga, and Mount Inde-
pendence; but the attempt on these posts had been repulsed.
The armies retained their positions at Stillwater, until the 7th Oct.; Bur-
'' August 21.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 261
goyne, in hopes of relief, which had been promised him before the 12th, by
Sir Henry CHnton, from New York; and Gates in gathering in the militia of
the country. At length, the British general being obliged to diminish the
rations of his men, resolved on another trial of strength with his adversary.
This, like the preceding battle, was maintained until night, and the advantage
was, again, decisively, with the Americans. Burgoyne was compelled to change
his position, in order to avoid the renewal of the action, on the next day, with
part of his works in possesion of the assailants. He subsequently retired to
Saratoga, and endeavoured to open the road to Fort Edward. But being
surrounded, and his provisions reduced to a three days' supply, even at short
allowance, he was constrained by the most humiliating necessity, to open a
negotiation with the American general, and finally to surrender himself and his
army, prisoners of war, upon condition, that he should march out of his camp
with the usual honours, with permission to return to England, but not to
serve against the United States until exchanged.* At the time of the con-
vention, the American force amounted to 9093 continental troops, and 4129
militia; but the sick exceeded 2500 men. The British force was 5752; hav-
ing been reduced since it left Ticonderoga, 3248 men. In addition to this
very great military force, the British lost, and the Americans acquired a fine
train of artillery, seven thousand stand of excellent arms, clothing for seven
thousand recruits, with tents, and other military stores, to a very considera-
ble amount.
XL. During these important events. Sir Henry Clinton had endeavoured,
not very judiciously, certainly, to assist Burgoyne, by his operations in the
south. He succeeded in capturing the forts in the Highlands, and in re-
moving the obstructions to the passage of the North river. But so much
time was spent in burning the continental villages, and Esopus, and in de-
vastating the country, that he was too late to save or serve his countryman.
Upon the capture of Burgoyne, the troops employed in this odious service
returned to New York, having inflicted much injury upon the Americans,
and added new intensity to their hatred; but, having done no good, to their
own cause.
About the same time, the British, who had been left in the rear of Bur-
cpoyne, destroying their stores, and abandoning their cannon, i-etreated to Ca-
nada, leaving the country, so late the seat of furious war, restored to perfect
tranquillity.
XLI. The effect produced by the capture of this whole British army was
of the highest importance, in three points of view. It established, incontcsta-
bly, the ability of the United States to maintain their independence; and
though the contest might be prolonged, its ultimate result was no longer
doubtful. It created doubts in Great Britain of the success in the war — and
it taught foreigners to confide in, and confidini!;, to aid, the exertions of the
States.
XLII. The captured army was marched to the vicinity of Boston, where
some dithculties in procuring proper quarters for the officers, induced a re-
monstrance from the General to Gates, in which lie observed — " the public
faith is broken." This expression led Congress to believe, that, if liberated,
the troops would immediately join the British garrisons in America ; and
they passed a^j-esolution suspending the embarkation, till a distinct and ex-
plicit ratification of the convention of Saratoga should be properiy notified by
the court of Great Britain. This event did not take place for many months,
during which the troops continued prisoners.
* October 13.
'.262 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER XV.
Campaign of 1778. — I. Condition of the Army at the Valley Forge and at the com-
mencement of the Campaign. — II. British foraging excursions in New Jersey.
— III. Fortunate escape of an advance party under La Fayette — IV. Effect of
the American successes abroad — Efforts of American Agents. — V. Measures for
Foreign Alliances — Duplicity of France — Treaties with lier. — VI. War between
Great Britain and France. — VII. Opinions in Great Britain — Ministerial mea-
sures.— VIII. Reception of those measures in America. — IX. Arrival of a French
Minister Plenipotentiary. — X. The British Array evacuates Philadelphia — March
through Jersey. — XI. Battle of Monmouth — British Army regains New York. —
XII. Arrival of the French Fleet — proceeds to Rhode Island. — XIII. Attempt on
Newport — Appearance of the English Fleet — French and English Fleets put to
Sea — dispersed by Storm. — XIV. British Incursions in Connecticut. — XV. Dis-
position of the American Army. — XVI. British Incursions into New Jersey. —
XVII. Movements of the adverse Fleets — Detachment against the Southern
States. — XVIII. American Army retires to winter quarters — Its improved con-
dition.— XIX. Indian devastations — Massacre at Wyoming. — XX. Operations
against the Indians. — XXI. Discontent in the Jersey line. — XXII. March of Ge-
neral Sullivan to the Indian country — Events there, — XXIII. Expedition under
Colonel Broadhead by the Allegheny River. — XXIV. Expedition against the
Cherokees under General Pickens. — XXV. Unprovoked Slaug'hter of the Indians
at Muskingum.
I. During the winter of 1777, 1778, the condition of the American army
at the Valley Forge was one of great- peril and suffering; requiring all the
attractive powers of the cause and of the general in command, to preserve
that army from dissolution. Every department was imperfectly organized.
But the want of system and experience was no where more visible than in
those of the quartermaster and the commissariat. Stores of the first neces-
sity, invaluable from their scarcity, were carelessly abandoned, lost, or em-
bezzled ; and in a plentiful country, the troops were in danger of perishing
for want of food. Tempting opportunities of annoying the enemy were
frequently lost from the absolute impossibility of supplying the parties de-
tailed with the indispensable provisions. Several times, during the winter,
the soldiers were days without meat; and vegetables and other articles,
indispensable to health, were almost unknown to them. The subsistence
of an army, and the agents engaged in it, should be as dependent on,
and responsible to, the commander-in-chief, as its military movements, and
the officers who conduct them ; and the negligence, fraud, or sluggishness of
the commissary should be as promptly and severely punishable as the coward-
ice or treachery of the combatant. But this dependence was denied by that
passion for engrossing power, and the jealousy which refuses it to others, in-
herent in j)opular assemblies. Congress would relinquish no powers which
it could, itself, exercise. Early in the war, the office of commissary-general
had been conferred upon Colonel Trumbull, of Connecticut, a gentleman well
qualified for its duties, but who, notwithstanding, having to struggle through
the difficulties of inexperience and original organization, could not fulfil them
with universal satisfaction. The remedy resorted to by Congress increased
the disea.se. They rendered his subordinates independent of the head, and
made them accountable only to their body. Disgusted with a system, which
subjected him to all the danger of responsibility, without the means of pro-
tection and indemnity, Rlr. Trumbull threw up his commission. Conse-
quently, the army was subjected to the dread, and, not unfrequently, to the
pain, of famine. Relief was to be obtained only by compulsory military re-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 263
quisitions, and the whole country within seventy miles ol" head quarters was,
by the resolutions of Congress, placed at the disposition of the commander-
in-chief, whereon to levy whatever might be necessary lor his army. That
patriotism which rises and expends itself in sudden ebullition, is of ordinary
growth — is a fever contagious in crowds — whilst that which endures under
the deprivation of food and raiment, amid the severities of winter, and the
perils of disease and battle, is as rare as it is estimable — but it is not so rare
as that, which in the non-combatant, withstands the forcible, hourly, hope-
less, unremunerated drain of the purse. Against the exactions, therefore, of
the army, even the friendly farmer or dealer opposed the resources of his
cunning; and though he did not furnish supplies to the enemy who tempted
him with gold, he concealed them from his friends who could pay for them,
at best, in almost worthless paper, and frequently, only, in naked promises.
But many, very many, had not the negative merit of forbearing to supply
the foe ; in despite of the unceasing efforts of the American army, they car-
ried large quantities of provisions to British quarters. General Washington
could obtain relief, only, by the strenuous exertions of his best otficers. Ge-
neral Greene, with a strong detachment, searched the surrounding country.
Captain Lee and Captain M'Lane, excellent partisans, were despatched to
Delaware and Maryland, and Colonel Tilghman into New Jersey — at the
same time Washington urged upon the executives of the several states, to
exert themselves ibr the army and the nation. But the appointment of
General Greene to the office of commissary general, under the immediate di-
rection of the commander-in-chief, in March, 1777, was the most efficient
remedy.
The sufferings of the troops for want of proper clothing, was not less than
from want of food. Their deplorable condition, in this respect, disabled
them from keeping the field. The returns of the first of February, exhibit
the astonishing number of three thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine men,
in camp, unfit for duty, for want of clothes ; of whom, scare one had shoes.
Even among those returned, capable of duty, very many were so badly clad,
that exposure to the colds of the season, must have destroyed them. Although
the total of the army then exceeded seventeen thousand men, the effective
rank and file, amounted, only, to five thousand and twelve. Nakedness
amid frost, unhealthy food, and hunger, filled the hospitals with patients. In
these miserable receptacles, death was most frequently found by those who
sought for health. The provision made foi^them, at all times inadequate to
their wants, was misapplied. They were crowded in small apartments, and
a violent putrid fever raged among them, destroying more than all the other
diseases of the camp. Had the British army, at this season, taken the field,
it might, though with great suffering to itself, have compelled the American
general, either to fight with inferior numbers, and to stake his army upon a
battle, or to retreat further into the country; which could not have been
effected without great loss, with his naked and barefooted soldiers.
Happily, the real condition of this army was not fully known to Sir William
Howe. The present position had been assumed for the purpose of covering
the country of Pennsylvania, protecting the magazines laid up in it, and cut-
ting off the supplies of the British army. The plan extended no further than
to guard, with the militia, the north of the Schuylkill, and the east of the
Delaware, so as to restrain the people of the country from carrying in their
provisions to market, to which they were irresistibly allured, by specie pay-
ments. These objects were, in a great measure, though not effectually,
gained; nor, however, without occasionally inflicting personal chastisement
upon delinquents.
II. In the species of war which this state of things produced, the ad van-
264 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
tage was with the Britisli, who, being unassailable in their quarters, and
possessing the command of the Delaware, might, at any time, ravage the
coast of Jersey, before assistance could be rendered by the continental
troops. The resistance of the militia was inconsiderable, and scarce ex-
pected. Yet the wants of such a number of pei-sons and horses, required a
greater supply of fresh provisions and forage than could be procured, by
light parties or ordinary means. And as the spring opened, with the
design to relieve their own army, and to distress that of the United States,
about the middle of March, Colonel Mahwood and Major Simcoe were
detached into Jersey, at the head of about twelve hundred men. They
landed at Salem, and dispersed the small bodies of militia stationed in that
part of the country, under Colonels Hand and Holme. The militia were
posted at Quinton's Bridge, Alloways' Creek, over which it was supposed
the British would endeavour to force a passage. Their numbers being
unequal to an effectual resistance, it was only intended to keep the enemy
in some check, until they should be reinforced. A judicious plan to sur-
prise them, was skilfully executed by Major Simcoe, one of the best par-
tisans in the British service, and their guard was cut to pieces. The loss
of the militia, in several skirmishes, in killed and taken, was between fifty
and sixty.
General Washington had received early intelligence of this expedition,
which he communicated to Governor Livingston, with a request, that he would
immediately order out the militia in force, to join Colonel Shreve, whose
regiment w-as detached into Jersey to aid in protecting the country. The
governor could not bring his militia with sufficient expedition into the field.
The Legislature had neglected to make provision for paying them; and the
repugnance to military duty which this circumstance could not fail to occa-
sion, I'cceived no small addition from their unwillingness to expose themselves
to its dangers, until a continental force should appear, as -a point around
which they might rally. On the arrival of Colonel Shreve at Haddonficld,
he found, that the militia mJio had been assembled to aid him, and to inter-
cept the communication with Philadelphia, amounted to less than one hun-
dred men ; and Colonel Ellis, their commanding officer, remarked, in a letter
to the governor, that, " without some standing force, little was to be expected
from the militia, who being, alone, not sufficient to prevent the incursions
of the enemy, each one naturally consults his own safety, by not being found
in arms." •
Mahwood wrote to Colonel Hand, proposing to re-embark his troops, to
refrain from further injury to the country, and to pay for the cattle and
forage he had taken, in sterling money, on condition, that the militia would
lav down their arms and depart to their homes ; threatening, on refusal, to
arm the tories, to attack all persons he found in arms, burn their dwellings,
and reduce their families to the utmost distress. And that his threats might
not be supposed in vain, he subjoined a list of the first objects of his intended
vengeance.* Colonel Hand indignantly rejected the proposition, and Mah-
wood, but too faithfully, executed his threat; and, although his incursion
continued six or seven days, he returned to Philadeljihia unmolested. Not
more than two hundred men could be collected to reinforce Colonel Shreve,
who, unable to act with effect, did not even march to the lower parts of
Jersey, which were plundered without restraint.
«•
' These were, Edmund Keasby, Thomas Sinnickson, Samuel Dick, Whittcn Crips,
Ebenezer Howell, Edward Hall, John Bowen, Tliomas Tlionipson, George Trenchard,
Elisha Cattle, Andrew Sinnickson, Nichohis Keen, Jacob llufty, Benjamin Holmes,
WiHiam Schute, Anthony Sharpc, and Abncr Penton.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 265
Applications to General Washington for detachments of continental troops,
sufficient to cover the country, were necessarily rejected, as the enemy could
reinforce with more facility than he, and could, consequently, maintain his
superiority until the whole war would be transferred to Jersey. He, how-
ever, permitted Colonel Shreve to remain on the east side of the Delaware,
and reinforced him with an additional regiment; but would not consent to
add to the strength of this detachment, or to depart from his design to keep on
that side of the Delaware, only, such force as would break off the ordinary
intercourse between the town and country. A larger one would only
direct the attention of Sir William Howe towards it, and induce him to plan
its destruction. Such an attempt on Colonel Shreve, was disappointed by a
precipitate retreat, attended with some loss.
In addition to the vessels which had been engaged in defence of Fort Mif-
flin, others had been commenced above Philadelphia, but were not completed,
when the British obtained possession of the river. To protect these from the
enemy, Washington had directed them to be sunk in such a manner as to be
weighed with difliculty. This order was disregarded. Against these vessels
and some stores collected at Bordentown, an expedition was successfully
sent. General Dickenson was in the neighbourhood, but his force was too
small to interrupt the enterprise; and General Maxwell, who had been de-
tached on the first intelligence, that the enemy was advancing up the Dela-
ware, was retarded in his march by a heavy rain, which did not delay the
movement of the British troops, on board of vessels in the river.
HI. To cover the country effectually on the north of the Schuylkill, and
to form an advance guard, which might annoy the rear of the enemy, should
he evacuate the city, an event, deemed daily more probable, the Marquis de
La Fayette was detached, with more than two thousand choice troops, and a
Cew pieces of cannon, to take post on the lines, with orders to occupy no
station, permanently, lest the enemy should successfully concert an attack
upon him. Having taken a momentary position at Barren Hill, ten miles in
front of the army, at the Valley Forge, notice thereof was given to General
Howe; who, having reconnoitred his post^ despatched General Grant, on the
night of the nineteenth of May, against him. He succeeded in getting, un-
discovered, into the rear of the Marquis, whilst General Gray, with a strong
detachment, advanced by the south side of the Schuylkill, to a ford, two
or three miles in front of his right flank, and the residue of the army en-
camped on Chesnut Hill. The Marquis discovered the perils which envi-
roned him, just in season, by a dexterous movement, to avoid them. He
rapidly recrossed the Schuylkill by Matson's Ford, and took a post so
favourable for defence, that although the enemy pursued him to the bank,
he did not dare to wade the river to assail him. From the apparent impru-
dence, which might be inferred by his surprise, the Marquis is exonerated,
by the fact, that the troops placed by him on his left flank, had, without his
knowledge, changed their position.
IV. In the course of the winter, the effect, abroad, of the success of the
American arms, began to develope itself. The government of France could
not observe, without deep interest, the contest which was about to shake,
to the foundation, the empire of her great enemy and rival. Though,
labouring under financial embarrassments resulting from her late wars, she
could not, hastily, involve herself in new expenses, yet the ministry and the
nation, longed for an opportunity of retaliating the mortifications and defeat
they had sustained. When the discontents of the colonies had broken into
open hostilities, M. de Vergennes and other members of the French mmistry,
declared it to be the policy of France and Spain, to avoid aggression, for
three causes; the two latter of which, were, doubtless, founded in truth,
2L
266 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and are entirely comprehensible: — First, for moral reasons, which were
conformable to the known opinions of the two monarchs: secondly, on
account of the condition of the finances, the necessity of time for reco-
very of exhaustion, and the danger of perpetuating their weakness by
premature exertion; and thirdly, that an offensive war, on the part of
France and Spain, might reconcile the mother and her colonies ; giving the
minister a pretext for yielding, and the provinces a motive for acceding
to his propositions, in order to obtain time to consolidate themselves, to
ripen their plans, and to increase their means. They came to the con-
clusion, therefore, to watch events in Europe and America ; avoiding every
thing which might create an opinion that they had, in the latter, any
authorized agent; to facilitate to the colonists, the means of procuring, by
commerce, the articles, and even the money which they needed, but without
a departure from neutrality; to refit and prepare for sea, the naval force;
but to precipitate nothing, unless the conduct of England should afford real
cause to believe, that she had determined to commence hostilities. Upon
these principles, the conduct of the cabinet of Versailles ivas, for a time,
regulated. A party, however, existed in that cabinet, at whose head was
the Queen, which avowed a disposition to seize the present moment for
revenge, by humbling Great Britain, and dismembering her empire.
The Americans had early sought the countenance of foreign powers, and,
particularly, of France. The impossibility of obtaining a supply of arms
and ammunition by ordinary means, had, in 1775, induced the appointment
of agents to procure military stores abroad; who communed with a secret
committee of Congress, empowered to correspond with their friends in Great
Britain, Ireland, and other parts of the world. In the spring of 1776, Mr.
Silas Deane appeared in Paris, as a political and commercial agent, with in-
structions to ascertain the disposition of the French king. That monarch,
was still reluctant to do any act which might commit him with his enemies.
The declaration of independence encouraged the court of Versailles to fur-
nish, privately, means for continuing the war; but it was neither willing, nor
prepared, to acknowledge the independence of the United States.
V. As soon as Congress had resolved on the declaration of independence,
but before it was published, a project for treaties with foreign powers was
prepared, and ministers appointed to negotiate them. Mr. Franklin, Mr.
Deane, and Mr. Jefferson, were nominated ; but the last named, declining
the appointment, Mr. Arthur Lee, then in London, was substituted. They
assembled in Paris, early in the winter, were favourably, but not publicly, re-
ceived; and were assured, that the ports of France would remain open to
their ships, and that free commercial relations should be cherished. So closely
did the Count de Vergennes conform to his system of caution, that, though
the fact was known to the American commissioners, that military stores had
been exported from the king's magazines to America, he aflectcd, in their
presence, to be wholly ignorant of it. In this state of the negotiation, the
utmost circumspection was observed in regard to Great Britain. pA-ery step
was taken publicly to gratify her. The remonstrances of her ambassador
were scrupulously attended to; the departure of ships, having military stores
was forbidden, although they were privately permitted to sail, or sailed without
permission ; officers having leave of absence, and about to join the Americans,
were recalh^d ; strict orders were given, that American prizes should not be
sold in French ports ; and in some cases, cruisers were compelled to give up
the ships they had captured, and to enter into security to cruise no more in
the European seas. At the same time, the American agents were privately
informed, that in despite of these exactions of policy, they might confide in
the good will of the government. Means were also taken to facilitate to
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 267
them the negotiation of loans, and the owners of privateers were permitted,
privately, to dispose of their prizes.
This perplexing and uncertain state, continued from December, 1776, to
December, 1777. The success of the campaign of the latter year placed the
Americans in a more favourable light, as possible instruments for the grati-
fication of Gallic vengeance, and disposed the ministers to draw the relations
with them more closely. The capture of Burgoyne determined them to ac-
knowledge and support the independence of the United States. France
frankly avowed, what folly alone could temjjt her to conceal, that in this
measure, she sought her own interest. Though war with Great Britain would
probably be the consequence, there was a generosity displayed in abstaining
from requiring any preference over other nations, and in treating with the
new states as if they had been long established, and were in the fulness of
strength and power.
Two treaties were formed. One, of friendship and commerce, recognised
the independence of America. The other, of alliance, eventual and defensive,
between the two nations, stipulated, that should a war arise between Great
Britain and France during the existence of that with the United States, it
should become a common cause, and that neither of the contracting parties
should conclude either truce or peace with Great Britain, without the formal
assent of the other. They mutually engaged not to lay down their arms,
until the independence of the United States should be assured by treaty ter-
minating the war. There were other provisions in this contract, which in their
result did not affect the revolution.
VI. Soon after, the treaty of friendship and commerce was communicated
by the representative of France to the British court; which, readily, con-
ceiving, that France had not taken this step without a resolution to follow it
through all its consequences, considered the notification a declaration of war;
and immediately published a memorial for the justification of the hostihties
she resolved to commence.
The French ministry received private intelligence, that the English
cabinet contemplated to offer to the United States the acknowledgment of
their independence, on condition of a separate peace. They communicated
this to the American commissioners, urging them to lose no time in repre-
senting, that the war, though not declared in form, had actually commenced,
and that they, deeming the treaty of alliance in full force, considered neither
party at liberty to make a separate peace.
The despatches containing the treaties were received by the president of
Congress, on Saturday, the second of May, after the House had adjourned.
That body was immediately convened, and the joyfiil tidings communicated.
The treaties were ratified, on Monday, with a resolution highly compli-
mentary to the magnanimity and \visdom of the French monarch. But the
intoxication of joy led this grave assembly into the error of publishing both,
the avowed and concealed; or it served as an excuse for involving France,
inextricably, in their cause, by confirming the indignation of Great Britain at
her duplicity.
VII. The impression made upon the British nation, though different, was
not less, than that upon the French, by the capture of Burgoyne; and pro-
duced even in the cabinet, resolutions in favour of pacific measures. In
February, 1778, Lord North gave notice in the House of Commons, of his
intention to propose a plan of conciliation. In conformity with which, he
moved to bring in "a bill for removing all doubts and apprehensions con-
cerning taxation by the Parliament of Great Britain, in any of the colonies
and plantations of North America," and "a bill to enable his Majesty to ap-
point commissioners, with sufficient powers to treat, consult, and agree upon
268 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the means of quieting the disordeivs now subsisting in certain of the colonies
of America.
The first declared that ParUament would impose no duty payable in
America, except such as might be expedient for the purposes of commerce,
the net produce of which, should be paid and applied for the use of the colo-
ny in which it should be levied, as other duties collected under the authority
of the Legislature. The second, authorized the appointment of commission-
ers by the Crown, with power to treat, either with the constituted authorities,
or with individuals in America, — the stipulations which might be entered
into, to be subject to the approbation of Parliament. They were also em-
powered to proclaim a cessation of hostilities in any of the colonies; to sus-
pend the operation of the non-intercourse law, and, during the continuance
of the act, so much of all or any of the acts of Parliament, which had passed
since the 10th of February, 1773, relating to the colonies; to grant pardon
to any number or description of persons; and to appoint a governor in any
colony, in which his Majesty had, theretofore, made such appointments. The
duration of the last act was limited to the first of June, 1779. Both were
sanctioned by Parliament with little opposition. Their great defect was, that
they came too late. The spirit upon which they might have wrought was
no more. It had been succeeded by one to which the demand of subjection,
and the offer of pardon were irreparable insults.
Before these bills could be gotten through the customary forms, intelli-
gence was received of the treaty with France. Copies were, therefore, hur-
ried to America, to be laid before Congress, and the public, that they might
counteract the effect of the treaty.
VIII. Washington was instructed of the nature of these bills, as well by
letters, from Major-general Tryon, the British governor of New York, as from
other sources. The communication from Tryon, containing the extraordinary
and impertinent request, " that it should be published to the army," was im-
mediately despatched to Congress. The committee to whom it was referred,
reported. That the bills were designed to create division among the people,
and to encourage desertion from the common cause, and were the sequel of
the insidious plan, which, from the days of the stamp act, had involved the
country in contention and blood ; and though circumstances might, now,
cause a recession from unjustifiable claims, they would not fail to be renewed
upon the first favourable occasion: — That, as the union of the Americans,
upon principles of common interest in defence of common rights, was
cemented by common calamities and mutual good offices and affection, so
the cause for which they contended, and in which all mankind were inte-
rested, must derive its success from the continuance of such union; and
that, whoever should presume to make any separate or partial convention,
with the commissioners under the crown, ought to be considered and treated
as open and avowed enemies of the United States : — That, the United States
could not, with propriety, hold conference with commissioners from Great
Britain, unless as a preliminary, they should withdraw their fleets and ar-
mies, or in express terms acknowledge the independence of the States : And
that, as it appeared to be the design of the enemies of the States, to lull them
into fatal security, the States should be called upon to use the most strenuous
exertions, to send their respective quotas of troops into the field, and to main-
tain their militia in readiness. Fearless of the effect of these measures upon
the public mind. Congress ordered the report and resolutions to be published.
The alliance with France, which had been long expected, was believed by
every patriot to assure the national independence, — and this liad become an
object too dear to be easily abandoned.
Subsequently to the reception of the copies of the bills, letters were re-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 269
ceivcd by Congress, in the close of May, from Lord Howe and Sir Henry
Clinton, enclosing the acts of Parliament, themselves. Congress replied —
" Your lordship may be assured, that when the king, of Great Britain shall
be seriously disposed to put an end to the unprovoked and cruel war waged
against these United States, Congress will readily attend to such terms of
peace, as may consist with the honour of independent nations, the interest
of their constituents, and the sacred regard they mean to pay to treaties."
The commissioners appointed to give etfect to those conciliatory bills,
consisted of Governor Johnstone, Lord Carlisle, and Mr. Eden, to whom Sir
Henry Clinton was added. The three first arrived in Philadelphia, while
the city was in possession of the British. On the 9th of June they request-
ed, from General Washington, a passport for their secretary. Dr. Ferguson,
with a letter from them to Congress ; but this was refused. They, then, ad-
dressed a letter to Congress, in due form, communicating a copy of their
commission, and of the acts of Parliament, and proposing among other
things, to consent to a cessation of hostilities by sea and land; to restore
free intercourse, to revive mutual affection, and renew the common benefits
of naturalization, through the several parts of the empire : To extend every
freedom to trade, that the respective interest of Britain and America could
require: To agree that no military forces should be kept up in Nol'th Ame-
rica, without the consent of the general Congress, or particular Assemblies :
To concur in measures " calculated to discharge the debts of America, and
to raise the credit and value of the paper circulation :" To perpetuate the
union, by a reciprocal deputation of agent or agents, who should have the
privilege of a seat and voice in the Parliament of Great Britain, or if sent
from Britain, in the Assemblies of the diflx3rent colonies, to which they might
be deputed, respectively. In short, to establish the power of the respective
Legislatures in each particular colony, to settle its revenue in civil and mili-
tary establishment, and to exercise a perfect freedom in legislation and inter-
nal government ; so that the British colonies in North America, acting with
Great Britain, in peace and in war, under one common sovereign, might
have the irrevocable enjoyment of every privilege, short of a total separation
of interests, or consistent with that union of force, on which the safety of
their common religion and liberty depended."
The letter containing these propositions, also, contained some observations
i-eflecting on the conduct of France, which gave so much offence in Congress,
as to cause a suspension of the proceedings on the communication. But at
length, an answer was agreed upon, signed by the president, and trans-
mitted to the commissioners, rejecting their propositions, and assigning
reasons therefor.
A reply from the commissioners followed the rejection of Congress, and
the negotiation was thus, for a short period, coiitinued, during which Mr.
Johnstone caused certain propositions, in the nature of a bribe, to be made to
Mr. Joseph Reed, which were not only indignantly rejected by that gentle-
man, but which induced Congress to refuse intercourse with the proposer.
Mr. Johnstone, thereupon, retired from the commission, whilst his colleagues
endeavoured to press their views ui)on the Congress and the nation. To the
latter, both parties appealed through the press, but the British agents were,
in every effort, unsuccessful.
IX. In the midst of these transactions, the Sieur Girard, who had nego-
tiated the treaties between France and the United States, arrived at Phila-
delphia, in the character of minister plenipotentiary of his most Christian
Majesty. This event produced unbounded joy among the people and Con-
gress, by whom the minister was received with every demonstration ol'
respect.
270 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
X. About the time the command of the army devolved on Sir Henry
Clinton, orders were received for the evacuation of Philadelphia. The part
which France was about to take in the war, with the naval force she had
prepared, rendered this city a dangerous position, and determined the admi-
nistration, entirely, to abandon the Delaware. Preparations to this end were
actively pursued, but it was some time uncertain, to what point the army
was destined. At length, the intention was apparent to reach New York
through the Jerseys. Upon this presumption, General Washington con-
ducted his operations.
General Maxwell, with the Jersey brigade, was ordered to take post about
Mount Holly, and to unite with Major-general Dickenson, who was assem-
bling the militia, for the purpose of breaking down the bridges, falling trees
in the roads, and otherwise embarrassing the march of the British general.
Instructions were given to these officers, to guard carefully against a covp
de. main, and to keep the militia, in small light parties, on his flanks.
When Washington learned, that the greater proportion of the British army
had crossed the Delaware,* he convened a council of general officers, to
determine on his course. The force of the armies was nearly equal, the
numerical advantage being with the Americans ; the British having ten, and
the Americans between ten and eleven, thousand. Of seventeen general
officers, Wayne and Cadwalader, alone, were decidedly in favour of attacking
the enemy. Fayette inclined to that opinion without openly embracing it.
Consequently, it was resolved, not to risk a battle.
Sir Henry Clinton moved with great deliberation; seeming to await the
approach of his adversary. He proceeded through Haddonfield,"f" Mount
Holly, Slabtown, and Crosswicks, to Allentown and Imla3-town, which he
reached, on the twenty- fourth. Dickenson and Maxwell retired before him,
unable to obstruct his march otherwise than by destroying the bridges. As
his route, until lie passed Crosswicks, lay directly up the Delaware, and at
no great distance from it. General Washington found it necessary to make
an extensive circuit, to pass the river at Coryell's Ferry. Pursuant to the
settled plan of avoiding an engagement, he kept the high grounds, directing
his course so as to cover the important passes of the Highlands. He crossed
the river on the twenty-second, and remained the twenty-third at Hopewell,
in the elevated country, adjacent to the river.
General Arnold, whose wounds yet unfitted him for service, was directed
to possess himself of Philadelphia, and to detach four hundred continental
troops, and such militia as could be collected, to harass the rear of the enemy.
This service, by the order of the commander-in-chief, was confided to Gene-
ral Cadwalader, who could only add to his continental force, fifty volunteers
and forty militia, commanded by General Lacy. From Hopewell, Morgan,
with six hundred riflemen, was detached to annoy his right flank; Dicken-
son, with about one thousand Jersey militia, and Maxwell's brigade, hung on
his left.
XI. In this position of the armies. General Washington, who had rather
acquiesced in, than approved, the decision of the late council of war, and
was disposed to seek battle, again submitted the proposal to the consideration
of the general officers, by whom it was, again, negatived. By their advice
a chosen body of fifteen hundred men, under Brigadier-general Scott, was
added to the corps on the left flank of the enemy. But Washington being
* June 18th, 1777.
\ The night tliat tlie Brilisli ennamped at Haddonfielt], Captain M'Lano, by orders
from General Arnold, passed tlirough their camp, and reported their situation to the
general.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 271
supported by the wishes of some officers whom he highly valued, determined,
on his own responsibility, to bring on a general engagement. The enemy
being on his march to Monmouth court-house, he resolved to strengthen the
force on his lines, by despatching General Wayne with an additional corps
of one thousand men. The continental troops, now, thrown in front of the
army, amounted to four thousand men, a force sufficient to require the di-
rection of a major-general. The tour of duty was General Lee's ; but, he,
having declared, strongly, against hazarding, even a partial engagement, and
supposing that, in conlbrmity with the advice signed by all the generals in
camp, save one, nothing would be attempted beyond reconnoitring the
enemy, and restra*ining the plundering parties, showed no disposition to
assert his claim ; but yielded the command to General La Fayette. All the
continental parties on the lines were placed under his direction, with orders
to take measures, in concert with General Dickenson, to impede the march
of the British, and to occasion them the greatest loss. These measures de-
monsti-ated the wishes of the commander-in-chief, tending almost inevitably
to a general battle. Wayne had earnestly advised it, and La Fayette in-
clined towards a partial engagement. Colonel Hamilton, who accompanied
him, had the strongest desire to signalize the detachment, and to accomplish
all the wishes of Washington. These dispositions having been made, the
main army was moved to Cranberry, on the 26th, to support the advance.
The intense heat of the weather, a heavy storm, and a temporary want of
provisions, prevented it from proceeding further next day. The advanced
corps had pressed forward and taken a position on the Monmouth road, about
five miles in the rear of the enemy, with the intention of attacking him on
the next morning. It was now, however, too remote, and too far on the
right, to be supported in case of action; and pursuant to orders, the Marquis
filed off by his left, towards Englishtown, early on the morning of the 27th.
General Lee had declined the command of the advance party, under the
opinion, that it was not designed for effective service ; but perceiving, soon
after its march, that much importance was attached to it, and dreadino- lest
his reputation might suffer, he earnestly solicited to be placed at its head.
To relieve his feelings, without wounding those of La Fayette, Washington
detached the former, with two other brigades, to support the Marquis. Lee
would, of course, have the direction of the whole front division, amount-
ing now to five thousand men ; but he stipulated, that if any enterprise had
been formed by La Fayette, it should be executed as if the commanding
officer had not been changed.
Sir Henry Clinton had taken a strong position, on the high grounds about
Monmouth court-house; having his right flank in the skirt of a small wood,
his left secured by a thick one, and a morass towards his rear. His whole
front was, also, covered by a wood, and, for a considerable distance towards
his left, by a morass, and he was within twelve miles of the high grounds
about Middletown ; after reaching which, he would be perfectly secure.
Under these circumstances. General Washington determined to attack
their rear, the moment they should move from their ground. This determi-
nation was communicated to Lee, with orders to make his dispositions, and
to keep his troops constantly lying on their arms, that he might be in readi-
ness to take advantage of the first movement. Corresponding orders were
also given to the rear division.
About five in the morning of the twenty -eighth, intelligence was received
fi-om General Dickenson, that the front of the enemy was in motion. The
troops were immediately under arms, and Lee was directed to move on, and
attack the rear, " unless there should be powerful reasons to the contrary."
272 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
He was, at the same time, informed, that the main army would march to
support him.
Sir Henry Clinton, perceiving that the Americans were in his neighbour-
hood, changed the order of his mai-ch. The baggage was placed under the
care of General Knyphausen,. while the flower of his army, unincumbered,
formed the rear division commanded by Lord Cornwallis; who, to avoid
pressing on Knyphausen, remained on his ground until about eight, and then
descending from the heights of Freehold, into a plain of about three miles in
extent, took up his line of march in rdar of the front division.*
General Lee made the dispositions necessary for executing his orders;
and, soon after the rear of the enemy was in motion, prepared to attack it.
General Dickenson had been directed, to detach some of his best troops, to
co-operate with him ; and Morgan to act on the enemy's right flank, but with
so much caution, as to be able readily to extricate himself, and to form a
junction with the main body.
Lee appeared on the heights of Freehold, soon after the enemy had left
them, and following the British into the plain, gave directions to General
Wayne to attack their covering party, so as to halt them, but not to press
them sufficiently to force them up to the main body, or to draw reinforce-
ments from thence, to their aid. In the mean time, he proposed to gain their
front by a shorter road on their left, and entirely intercepting their commu-
nication with the line, to bear them off before they could be assisted.
While in the execution of this design, a gentleman of General Washing-
ton's suite came up to gain intelligence, and to "him, Lee communicated his
present object.
Sir Henry Clinton, soon after the rear division was in full march, ob-
served a column of the Americans on his left flank. This being militia,
was soon dispersed. When his rear' guard had descended from the hills,
it was followed by a strong corps ; soon after which, a cannonade upon it-
was commenced from some pieces commanded by Colonel Oswald, and,
at the same time, he received intelligence, that a respectable force had
shown itself on both his flanks. Believing a design to have been formed
on his baggage, which in the defiles would be exposed, he determined, in
order to secure it, to attack the troops in his rear, so vigorously, as to
compel them to call off those on his flanks. This induced him to march
back his whole rear division, which movement was making, as Lee advancoxj
for the purpose of reconnoitring, to the front of the wood, adjoining the
plain. He soon perceived himself to have mistaken the force which formed
the rear of the British; but he yet proposed to engage on that ground,
although his judgment, as was afterwards stated by himself, on an inquiry
into his conduct, disapproved of it; there being a morass immediately in his
rear, which could not be passed without difficulty, and which would neces-
sarily impede the arrival of reinforcements to his aid, and embarrass his
retreat should he be finally overpowered.
This was about ten o'clock. While both armies were preparing for action,
General Scott (as stated by General Lee) mistook an oblique march of an
American column for a retreat; and, in the apprehension of being aban-
doned, left his position, and repassed the ravine in his rear. Being himself of
opinion, that the ground on M'hich the army was drawn up, was by no means
favourable to them, Lee did not correct the error Scott had committed, but
directed the whole detachment to regain the heights they had passed. He
was pressed by the enemy, and some slight skirmishing ensued, during this
retrograde movement, in which not much loss was sustained on either side.
* Letter of Sir Henry Clinton.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 273
When the first firing announced the commencement of the action, the
rear division threw ofl' their pacl^s, and advanced rapidly to support the front.
As they approached the scene of action, Washington, who had received no
intelligence from Lee, notifying his retreat, rode forward ; and about noon,
after the army had marched five miles, to his utter astonishment and
mortification, met the advanced corps retiring before the enemy, without
having made a single effort to maintain their ground. Those whom he first
fell in with, neither understood the mbtives which had governed General
Lee, nor his present design ; and could give no other information than that,
by his orders, they had fled without fighting.
Washington rode to the rear of the division, which was closely pressed.
There he met Lee, to whom he spoke in terms of some warmth, implying
disapprobation of his conduct. He also gave immediate orders to the regi-
ments commanded by Colonel Stewart and Lieutenant-colonel Ramsay, to
form on a piece of ground which he deemed proper for the purpose of check-
ing the enemy, who were advancing rapidly on them. General Lee was
then directed to take proper measures, with the residue of his force, to stop
the British column on that ground, and the commander-in-chief rode back,
hirHself, to arrange the rear division of the army.
These ordei's were executed with firmness. A. sharp conflict ensued, and
when forced from the ground on which he had been placed, Lee brought off"
his troops in good order, and was, then, directed to form in the rear of Eng-
lishtown.
The check thus given the enemy, afforded time to draw up the left wing
and second line of the American army, on an eminence, partly in a wood,
and partly in an open field, covered by a morass in front. Lord Stirling,
who commanded the wing, brought up a detachment of artillery, under
Lieutenant-colonel Carrington, with some field pieces, which played with
considerable effect on the enemy, who had passed the morass, and were
pressing on to the charge. These pieces, with the aid of several parties of
infantry, detached for the purpose, effectually put a stop to their advance.
The American artillery were drawn up in the open field, and maintained
their ground witb admirable firmness, under a heavy and persevering fire
from the British.
The right wing was, for the day, commanded by General Greene. To
expedite the march, and to prevent the enemy from turning the right
flank, he had been ordered to file off" by the new church, two miles from
Englishtown, and to fall into the Monmouth road, a small distance in the
rear of the court-house, while the residue of the army proceeded directly to
that place. ' He had advanced on this road considerably to the right of, and
rather beyond, the ground on which the armies were now engaged, when he
was informed of the retreat of Lee, and of the new disposition of the troops.
He immediately changed his route, and took an advantageous position on the
right.
Warmly opposed in front, the enemy attempted to turn the lefl; flank of
the American army, but were rej)ulsed, and driven back by parties of in-
lantry. They then attempted the right, with as little success. General
Greene had advanced a body of troops, with artillery, to a commanding
piece of ground in his front, which not only marred their design of turning
the right, but severely enfiladed the ]iarty which yet remained in front of the
left, wing. At this moment. General Wayne advanced with a body of in^
fantry in front, who kept up so hot and well directed a fire of musketry,
that the British soon gave way, and withdrew behind the ravine, to the
ground on which the first halt had been made.
Here the British line was formed on very strong ground. Both flanks
2M
274 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
were secured by thick woods and morasses, while their front could be reached,
only, through a narrow pass. The day had been intensely hot, and the troops
were much fatigued. Still Washington resolved to renew the engagement.
For this purpose, Brigadier-general Poor, with his own and the Carolina
brigade, gained the enemy's right flank, while Woodford, with his brigade,
turned their left, and the artillery advanced on them in front. But the impedi-
ments on the Hanks of the enemy were so considerable, that before they
could be overcome, and the troops approach near enough to commence the
attack, it was nearly dark. Under these circumstances, further operations
were deferred until morning. The brigades on the flanks kept their ground
through the night, and the other troops lay on their arms in the field of
battle, in order to be in perfect readiness to suppoi't them. General Wash-
ington, who had, through the day, been extremely active, passed the night,
in his cloak in the midst of his soldiers.
In the mean time, the British were employed in removing their wounded.
About midnight they marched away in such silence, that their retreat was
without the knowledge of General Poor, who lay very near them.
As it was perfectly certain, that they would gain the high grounds about
Middletown, before they could be overtaken, where they could not be at-
tacked with advantage; as the face of the country afforded no prospect of
opposing their embarkation ; and as the battle, aU-eady, fought had terminated
favourably to the reputation of the American arms; it was thought advisable
to relinquish the pursuit. Leaving the Jersey brigade, Morgan's corps, and
M'Lane's command * to hover about them, to countenance desertion, and
protect the country from their depredations, it was resolved to movQ the
main body of the army to the Hudson, and take a position which should
effectually cover the iniportant passes in the Highlands.
The loss of the Americans was eight officers and sixty-one privates killed,
and about one hundred and sixty wounded. Among the slain were Lieu-
tenant-colonel Bonner of Pennsylvania, and IMajor Dickenson of Virginia,
both much regi-etted. One hundred and thirty were missing; of whom
many afterwards rejoined their regiments.
Sir Plenry Clinton stated his dead and missing at four- officers, and one
hundred and eighty -four privates; his wounded, at sixteen officers, and one
hundred and fifty-four privates. This account, so far as respects the dead,
cannot be correct, as four officers, and two hundi-ed and forty-five privates
were buried on the field, and some kw were Afterwards found and buried, so
as to increase the number to nearly three hundred. The uncommon heat of
the day was fatal to several on both sides.
As usual, when a battle lias not been decisive, both parties 'claimed the
victory. In the early jiart of the day, the advantage was certainly with the
British ; in the latter part, it may be j)ronounced, with equal certainty, to
have been with the Americans. They maintained their grolnid, repulsed
the enemy by whom they were attacked, were prevented only by the night,
and the retreat of Sir Henrv Clinton, from renewing the action, and suffered
in killed and wounded less' than their adversaries.
Independent of the loss sustained in the action, the British army was con-
siderably weakened in its way from Philadelphia to New York. A-bout one
hundred prisoners were made, and near a thousand soldiers, principally
foreigners, many of whom had married in Philadelphia, deserted the British
stinul.'ird during the march.
Whilst the armies were traversing the Jerseys, Gates, who commanded
on the Nortli river, by a well timed and judicious movement down the Ilud-
' Tlie militia liad relurned to thoir hojiics iuuuciliatcly afttr tlic action.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 275
son, threatened New York, for the purpose of restraining tlie garrison of that
place, from reinforcing Sir Henry Clinton, should such a measure be con-
templated.
The conduct of Lee was generally disapproved. As, howeVer, he had
possessed a large share of the confidence of the commander-in-chief, it is
probable, that explanations might have been made, which would have rescued
him from the imputations cast on him, and have restored him to the esteem
of the army, could his haughty temper have brooked the indignity he be-
lieved to have been offered him on the field of battle. General Washington
had taken no measures in consequence of the events of that day, and, pro-
bably, would have come to no resolution concerning them, without an ami-
cable explanation, had he not received from Lee a letter, in very unbe-
coming terms, in which he manifestly assumed the station of a superior, and
required reparation for the injury sustained, from the very singular expres-
sions, said to have been used, on the day of the action, by the commander-in-
chief.
This letter was answered by an assurance, that so soon as circumstances
would admit of an inquiry, he should have an opportunity of justifying him-
self to the army, to America, and to the world in general, or of convincing
them that he had been guilty of disobedience of orders, and misbehaviour
before the enemy. On the same day, on Lee's expressing a wish for a
speedy investigation of his conduct, and for a court-martial, rather than a
court of inquiry, he was arrested,
First. For disobedience of orders in not attacking the enemy on the 2Sth
of June, agreeably to repeated instructions. Secondly. For misbehaviour
before the enemy on the same day, in making an unnecessary, disorderly,
and shamefi.ll retreat. Thirdly. For disrespect to the commamler-in-chief
in two letters. Before this correspondence had taken place, strong and spe-
cific charges of misconduct had been made against General Lee, by several
officers of his detachment, and particularly, by Generals Wayne and Scott.
In these the transactions of the day, not being well understood, were repre-
sented in colours much more unfavourable to Lee, than facts would justify.
These representations, most probably, produced the strength of the expres-
sions contained in the second article of the charge. A coui-t-martial was
soon called, over which Lord Stirling presided; and, after a full investiga-
tion, Lee was found guilty of all the charges exhibited against him, and sen-
tenced to be suspended for one year. This sentence was afterwards, though
with some hesitation, approved, almost unanimously, by Congress. The
court softened, in some degree, the severity of the second charge, by finding
him guilty, not in its very words, but of misbehaviour before the enemy, by
making an unnecessary, and, in some few instances, a disorderly retreat.
Lee defended himself with his accustomed ability. He suggested a variety
of reasons justifying his retreat, which, if they do not absolutely establish
its propriety, give it so questionable a form, as to render it proi:)able that a
public examination never would have taken place, could his proud spirit have
stooped to offer explanation, instead of outrage, to the commander-in-chief.
The attention of General Washington was now turned, principally, to the
North river, towards which the march of his army was directed, with the
intention of continuing some time about Haverstraw. And soon after he
crossed the North river to the White Plains.
After remaining a few davs on the high grounds of Middletown, Sir Henry
Clinton proceeded to Sandy Hook ; whence he passed his army over to New
York. This transit was effected by means of the fleet under Lord Howe, which
had' arrived oflfthe Hook on the 28th of June.
276 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
XII. Upon the day of battle, the French fleet, under Count d'Estaing,
having on board a respectable body of land forces, made the coast, oti"
Chincoteague inlet. Had it arrived a few days earlier, its superior force
would have shut Lord Howe, and the British fleet, in the Delaware ; and the
capture of the army, under Sir Henry Clinton would, probably, have follow-
ed. The count proceeded to Snndy Hook, for the purpose of attacking the
British fleet in port; and should this be found impracticable, to make an at-
tempt on Rhode Island. The first was defeated by the shoalness of the bar,
at the mouth of the harbour.
XIII. In the preceding winter, General Sullivan had been detached to
command the troops in Rhode Island, and he was now directed to make such
requisitions on the militia of New England, and to prepare such measures,
as would enable him to attempt the town of Newport. General La Fayette
joined him with two brigades; and soon after, General Greene assumed
command of the whole force. On the 26th of July, the French fleet appear-
ed off" Newport, and cast anchor about five miles from that place, without
Brenton's Ledge.
Sir Henry Clinton, apprehensive for the safety of his troops at Newport,
had reinforced Major-general Pigot, who commanded on Rhode Island, and
the garrison, now, amounted to six thousand eflectives. Their main body
lay at Newport; and the American army, under Sullivan, about the town of
Providence. A plan for the reduction of Newport, was concerted between
D'Estaing and Sullivan, in pursuance of which, the latter landed a force of
near nine thousand men, on the island. But having, as the count supposed,
improperly, taken preference of the French, he became offended, and some
delay occurred in the co-operation of the French forces. In the mean time,
a reinforcement to the British fleet arrived from Europe, under Admiral
Byron, who came out to relieve Lord Howe. This circumstance determined
the latter, though still superior in force, to attack the French fleet before
Newport. Plaving approached that town, D'Estaing, with the weather gage,
left the harbour to give battle. Howe deemed this an advantage in addition
to numerical superiority, too great to encounter, and immediately put to sea,
followed by the French. Two days were spent in fruitless manccuvres;
and on the third, the fleets were separated and dispersed, by a storm. In a
shattered condition, the English vessels sailed for New York, and the French
for Rhode Island. D'Estaing, alleging his instructions to repair to Boston,
should a superior British force reach America, refused to renew the attempt
on the island, and left th(> American army thei-e, to contend alone with the
British in their entrenchments. Against this measure, all the general ofli-
cers, except La Fayette, wai-mly protested. But thus deserted, the siege of
Newport was broken up, on the night of the 28th of August; the army re-
tiring, unobserved, to the northern end of the island. The British followed in
two columns, and a smart action was fought, Jn which the American troops
showed great firmness and courage. The battle ended with the day ; both
parties claiming the victory. Sullivan retreated from the island on the 30th,
just in season to save his army; for on the next day. Sir Henry Clinton ar-
rived with a force which would have rendered it impracticable. The con-
duct of the general was highly ajjproved by Congress. But an unfortunate
expression, in his general orders, seemingly, reflecting on the conduct of the
French, gave the officers of their fleet and army some offence, which induced
a representation from D'Estaing to the national council. The inhabitants of
New England, generally, were so much discontented with the conduct of the
fleet, that fears were entertained, lest the means of repairing the ships, could
not be procured. These dangerous and irritating dissentions were appeased
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 277
by the interference of Washington, Hancock, Greene, and other American
patriots, who justly dreaded their eflect on the fate of the country.
The English fleet had suffered less from the storm than the French ; and
Lord Howe, after refitting at New York, sailed for Boston, in hope of inter-
cepting D'Estaing; but failing in this, and finding him safely moored in the
harbour, he returned to New York, where receiving such additions to his
force, as rendered him decidedly superior to his adversary, he resigned the
command to Admiral Gambler, until the arrival of Admiral Byron, daily
expected from Halifax.
XIV. On his way from Rhode Island to New York, Sir Henry Clinton
prepared to make a descent on New London ; but the winds proving adverse,
he left the troops and transports, under Major-general Gray, to conduct an
expedition to the eastward, as far as Buzzard's Bay. Gray destroyed a
number of privateers, with their prizes, and some merchant vessels in Acush-
net river, and reduced, on the 5th of September, great part of the towns of
Bedford and Fairhaven, where a considerable quantity of provisions, military
and naval stores, were reduced to ashes. At Martha's Vineyard, several
vessels and salt works were destroyed, and a heavy contribution of live
stock, levied on the inhabitants.
XV. Apprehensive that a combined attack of the land and naval force of
the British, would be made on the French, fleet, General Gates was directed
with three brigades to proceed as far as Danbury, in Connecticut, there to
await orders. And with a view, both to the passes of the Highlands, and
the eastern States, the camp at White Plains was broken up, and the main
body of the army took a position further north, at Fredericksburg; while
General Putnam was detached with two brigades, to the neighbourhood of
West Point, and General M'Dougal with two others to Danbury, to join
General Gates.
XVI. Soon after the return of Gray, a large British force from New York,
in two columns, ascended the North river, by either bank. That on the west,
of five thousand men, was commanded by Cornwallis, and that on the east, of
three thousand, by Knyphausen. Their principal object was conjectured to
be forage. The west corps surprised the cavalry regiment of Colonel Baylor,
at Taupan, or Harrington. The British troops, on the 27th of September,
rushed upon them in a barn where they slept, and refusing quarter, used the
bayonet with savage cruelty. Of one hundred and four privates, sixty-seven
were killed, wounded or taken — Colonel Baylor and Major Clough, both
wounded, the former dangerously, the latter mortally, were among the pri-
soners. Some militia in the same neighbourhood, apprized of the approach
of Colonel Campbell, who was sent against them, made their escape. The
cruelty exercised on this occasion was, by the request of Congress, establish-
ed by an inquisition instituted by Governor Livingston. This aflair was in
some degree balanced by one which occurred three days after. Colonel
Richard Butler, assisted by Major Lee, with part of his cavalry, fell in with
a party of fifteen chasseurs, and an hundred yagers, under Captain Donop,
on whom they made so rapid a charge, that, without the loss of a man, they
killed ten of the enemy on the spot, and took the officer commanding the
chasseurs, and eighteen of the yagers, prisoners.
This movement had been, in part, designed to favour an expedition against
Little Egg Harbour. Count Pulaski had been appointed general of the
American cavalry, but the dissatisfaction of the officers induced him to resign
his commission. He obtained permission to raise a legionary corps, consist-
ing of three incomplete companies of horse, and the like number of foot,
officered by foreigners, among whom was one Juliet, a deserter from the
enemy. The Count had been ordered from Trenton to Little Egg Harbour,
278 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
and was lying eight or ten miles from the coast, when his position was be-
trayed by Juliet. The plan to surprise him was successful, with respect to
his infantry, who were put to the bayonet. The British account represents
the whole corps to have been destroyed ; but the Count admitted a loss of
about forty only — and averred, that with his cavalry, he drove the enemy
from the ground.
XVII. Admiral Byron assumed the command of the British fleet at New
York, in September, and in October, appeared before Boston, for the purpose
of blocking up D'Estaing, and availing himself of any circumstance which
might favour an attack on the French fleet. But a furious storm driving
him to sea, and essentially injuring him, he was compelled to put into Rhode
Island, to refit. The French admiral, improving the favourable opportunity,
sailed on the 3d of November, for the West Indies. Thus terminated, with-
out material advantage, an expedition, of whose success the most sanguine
expectations had been entertained.
Upon the same day, a d(*tachment of five thousand men, from the British
army, sailed from New York, under Major-general Grant, with the like des-
tination; and towards the close of the month, another under Colonel Camp-
bell, embarked, to act offensively, against the southern States.
XVIII. As there yet remained in New York a force suflicient for its de-
fence, the American army retired, in December, into winter quarters. The
main body was cantoned in Connecticut, on both sides of the North river,
about West Point, and at Middlebrook. The troops again wintered in huts,
to which they had become accustomed ; and though far from being well clad,
their condition was in this respect, so much ameliorated, by supplies from
France, that they bore every inconvenience without repining.
The errors of the first years of the war had produced some useful reforms.
The insufficiency of the provision for the support of the military officers, had
caused the resignation of many, to the great injury of the service. From
the convictions of justice and policy, and from respect to the earnest and dis-
interested recommendation of General Washington, Congress allowed half
pay, for seven years an;er the expiration of service; which was subsequently
extended to the end of their lives, but was finally commuted for full pay, for
five years. Resignations were afterwards rare, and the States reaped the
benefit of experienced officers, until the war was ended. A system of more
regular discipline was introduced into the army, by Baron de Steuben, who
had served under the King of Prussia. A very important amelioration was
effected in the medical department, by appointing dilferent officers to dis-
charge the directing and jnirveying business of the military hospitals, which
had been before united in the same hands. The merit of this change is due
to Dr. Rush. And the ordinances limiting prices, being found utterly im-
practicable, were abolished.
XIX. Throughout all the borders of the land, a barbarous war was carried
on by the savages, in which the usual restraints on the worst passions of our
nature were abandoned. The American tories and refugees, who had fled
to the wilds, under the disguise of Indians, indulged an unbounded lust for
rapine. These tutored savages acted as guides to the war parties, leading
them into the richest and undefended settlements, and enabling them fre-
quently to escape with impunity. Any reverses they might occasionally
suffer, were amply compensated by the British agents, whose inhuman po-
licy had armed the murderers' hands, and daily urged them to action.
Whilst the war was distant from the Indian country, the Indians experienced
none of its evils. It produced only the pleasure of adventure, and of sudden and
extraordinary acquisition. A particular detail of the devastations of property,
of the distress of all sexes, ages and conditions, who were driven from their
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 279
conflagrated homes, and wasted farms, to seek precarious shelter in the forest,
and to subsist upon the spontaneous productions of the earth, and an account of
the barbarous murders, would exceed our limits, and be but repetitions of dis-
gusting scenes of horror. We will dwell only on the massacre at Wyoming,
in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, perpetrated under Colonel John Butler, a
Connecticut tory, and an inhabitant of that charming valley, which in atro-
city has never been surpassed. Early in July, 1778, a party of one thousand
one hundred, of whom nine hundred were Indians, entered this new settle-
ment. One of the forts, which had been constructed for the security of the
inhabitants, being garrisoned by concealed tories^ was surrendered, without
opposition. Another was taken, part of the garrison having retired. The
two principal forts, however, were Kingston and Wilkesbarre, near each
other, on opposite sides of the Susquehanna river. The first contained Co-
lonel Zebulon Butler, a cousin of the tory chieftain, with the greatest part of
the armed force of the country, and a number of women and children. After
rejecting a summons to surrender, he agreed to a parley at some distance
from the fort, and marched to the appointed spot, with four hundred men.
No person was, there, visible; but at a gj-eater distance a flag was seen, which
retired towards the mountain as he advanced, until it led him into an am-
bush, where, almost enveloped, he was suddenly attacked by the enemy.
His troops, M'ith great presence of mind and courage, instantly returned the
fire, and were gaining the advantage in the combat, when some one, either
coward or traitor, cried out, "the Colonel has ordered a retreat!" upon
which immediate confusion was succeeded by a total rout. The troops en-
deavoured to cross the river to Wilkesbarre, but twenty only escaped from
slaughter. Fort Kingston was immediately mvested, and, to increase the terror
of the garrison, the green and bleeding scalps of their wounded countrymen
were sent in for their inspection. Colonel Zebulon Butler having withdrawn
himself and family down the river. Colonel Dennison, the commanding officer,
went out with a flag, to inquire what terms would be allowed the garrison.
He received for answer, two words, uniting Spartan brevity with cannibal
ferocity — "The hatchet." This condition, so merciless, he, unhappily, be-
lieved would not be inflicted, and surrendered at discretion. But the threat
was in execution, more barbarous than in the letter. After selecting a few
prisoners, the great body of the captives were enclosed in the houses, fire was
applied to them, and they were consumed together.
Wilkesbarre surrendered without resistance, in the vain hope to mollify the
fury of the invaders. The continental soldiers, amounting to about seventy,
were hacked to pieces. The remaining men, with the women and children,
shared the fate of the suiferers in Kingston ; they perished in the flames.
Although all show of resistance had terminated, the ruin was not yet com-
plete. Near three thousand persons had escaped.; Flyfng without money,
clothes, or food, they sought safety in the interior country. To prevent
their return, every thing remaining was destroyed. All the dwellings, and
other improvements which the labour of years had provided, as well as every
living animal which was discovered, was extirpated. The settlements of the
tories, alone were preserved ; an oasis amid the desert.* Some particular in-
stances of barbarity occurred in this expedition, which stain only civil wars-
Parents were murdered by their children, and brothers and sisters fell by the
hands of brothers.
A repetition of these scenes, was attempted by a body of about five hun-
dred men, composed of Indians, tories, and a few regulars, who broke into
the Cherry Valley settlement, in the state of New York, where Colonel
* Marshall, Ramsay, Gordon.
280 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Alden was posted with a continental regiment. A serjeant, with a small pa-
trole, was cut otF; in consequence of wiiich, the colonel was completely sur-
prised, and, while endeavouring to regain the fort, was killed, with ten of his
soldiers; and the lieutenant-colonel, and two subaltern-officers, were made
prisoners. The fort was assaulted, but a resolute defence being made, and
the assailants having intelligence that relief was approaching the garrison,
the enterprise was abandoned, and the party, after i-epeating the horrors
practised in Wyoming, departed from the settlement.
XX. These injuries were in a small degree retaliated — by inroads into the
Indian country from Schoharie, under Colonel William Butler; who pene-
trated as far as the towns of Unandilla, and Anaquaqua, the head-quarters
of the celebrated Col. Brandt, an Indian of the half-breed, distinguished for
his courage and his cruelty, which he destroyed, with a considerable quan-
tity of corn, laid up for the winter's supply, without discovering an enemy: —
By Colonel Hartley, who had been despatched with his regiment, and two
companies of militia, to Wyoming — and by Colonel George Rogers Clarke,
of Virginia, who, with a small force, and extraordinary exertions, averted
the Indian war from his state, and captured the fort at St. Vincents, with
its commander. Colonel Hamilton. This officer, with a few of his imme-
diate agents and counsellors, who had been instrumental in the savage bar-
barities he had encouraged, were by the executive of Virginia, imprisoned in
irons.
These expeditions, however beneficial, procured only partial relief. Con-
gress, on being informed that the Indians were fortifying at Chemung, a
large settlement about twelve miles from the mouth of Cayuga, a river
emptying into the Susciuchanna, where a large body of tories was collected,
directed General ^Va.shingt()n to take measures to disperse this encampment,
and to repel rhe invasion of the savages on the frontiers of New Y'ork, New
Jersey, and Pennsylvania. But the season of the year being unfit for such
an enterprise, it was postponed.
Early in 1779, an extensive plan of operations was devised by General
Washington, against the broad and fertile country, lying between the then
westernmost settlements of Pennsylvania and New York, and the great
lakes, occupied by the Six Nation Indians. These tribes had, from long in-
tercourse with the whites, acquired many of the comforts of civilized life,
with enlarged ideas of the advantages of private property. Their populous
villages contained some good houses, their fertile fields yielded an abundant
supply of corn, and their thrifty orchards, of fruit. A few of their towns
were attached to the United States, but the greater portion was under the
influence of the British. In the commencement of the war, they had en-
gaged to be neutral; but were unable to resist the seduction of British pre-
sents, and their own longings for plunder and slaughter. Many of the
loyalists driven from the United States, had taken reiuge among them, in-
creasing their strength, without diminishing their Icrocity. Into the heart
of these villages of minglcxl whites and Indians, it was now determined to
lead a force, which, overpowering any numbers they could bring in the
field, would inflict on them a merited punishment for their cruelties of the
past year.
The country was to be entered in three divisions. The principal, consist-
ing of three thousand men, marching by the Susquehanna, was to penetrate
into the settlements of the Senccas; the second, of one thousand, to proceed
by the Mohawk ; and the third, of five hundred, by the Alleghany river.
To prevent relief from Canada, demonstrations were made of a design to
attack that province by the way of Lake Champlain.
XXI. As the army destined for the cxjiedition, was about to move, alarming
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 281
symptoms of disconient appeared in part of it. The Jersey brigade had
been stationed through the winter at Elizabethtown, for the purpose of cover-
ing the adjacent country from the incursions of the British troops, on Staten
Island. It was ordered, early in May, to march by regiments. To this
order. General Maxwell replied, in a letter to the commander-in-chief, that
the officers of the first regiment had delivered to their colonel, a remon-
strance, addressed to the State Legislature, declaring, that, unless their com-
plaints on the subjects of pay and subsistence obtained immediate attention,
they were, at the expiration of three days, to be considered as having re-
signed ; and requesting the Legislature in that event, to appoint other officers.
General Maxwell added, " this is a step they are extremely unwilling to
take; but is such, as I make no doubt, they will all take. Nothing but ne-
cessity, their not being able to support themselves in time to come, and
being loaded with debts contracted in time past, would have induced them to
resign at so critical a juncture." They declared, however, their readiness
to make every necessary preparation for obeying the marching orders which
had been given, and to continue their attention to the regiment, until a rea-
sonable time for the appointment of their successors should elapse.
General Washington was much afflicted by this intelligence, and sought,
in vain, by paternal remonstrance, to change their determination.
The condition of these officers seems to have been one of exti-eme priva-
tion. By a resolution of December, 1777, Congress had recommended to
the several States to furnish the officers of their respective quotas, with cer-
tain clothing, at the prices current, when the army was established, in the
year 1776, the surplus to be charged to the United States. This resolution
seems to have been tardily and imperfectly obeyed, notwithstanding the re-
peated applications of the soldiery. Their pretensions were probably more
strenuously urged in a memorial presented to the Assembly, on the 27th of
April, 1779, respecting their pay, subsistence and clothing, and were sup-
ported by an energetic letter from General Maxwell ; all of which were re-
ferred to a joint committee of both Houses. That committee reported,
" That provision had been already agreed upon, as far as was consistent,
previous to an application to Congress; and that if upon such application, no
measures are by them adopted in that behalf, it will then be the duty of this
State, to provide for its quota of troops, in the best manner they can de-
vise." Tliis resolution was duly approved ; but another offered by the same
committee, that the letter of General Maxwell contains indecent and unde-
served reflections upon the representatives of the State ; and that the same
be transmitted to Congress, with a proper expression of the disapprobation
and displeasure of the Legislature, was negatived.
Moved by the wretchedness of these officers, and the troops they com-
manded. Governor Livingston, John Cooper, Andrew Sinnickson, Joseph
Holmes, Robert Morris, Peter Tallman, Abraham Vannest, Silas Condict,
and William Churchill Houston, during the recess of the Legislature, on
the fifteenth of January, requested the treasurer to pay into the hands of
Enos Kelsey, commissioner for the purchase of clothing, the sum of seven
thousand pounds, to be applied in procuring clothes for the officers, agreea-
bly to the resolution of Congress, engaging to replace that sum in the trea-
sury, provided the Legislatui-e, at their next sitting, should not direct it to be
credited in the accounts of the treasurer. On the 30th of April, this direction
was given by the House, with orders to the commissioners to draw the fur-
ther sum of twenty-five thousand pounds, for the purpose of flirnishing to
certain officers, clothing to the amount of two hundred pounds, as the prices
then were, upon their paying the sum it would have cost, in the year 1776.
2 N
282 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
Still there were conditions annexed to these grants, which rendered them
ineffective
On the 7lh of May, the remonstrance of the officers was repeated, stating,
that they were under marching orders, and in immediate want of a necessary
supply. Upon which the House directed the commissioner to furnish them
with clothing immediately, to the amount of two hundred pounds, and to pay
to the soldiers of the brigade, the sum of forty dollars each. This disburse-
ment removed the obstacle to the march of the brigade. The reason of the
delay of the State, in supplying her forces, would seem to be a desire, that
some uniform rule to this end, should be adopted by Congress, or that the
confederacy should assume the whole duty to itself.
XXII. Before the grand expedition against the Indians, was put in motion,
an enterprise of less extent, was successfully undertaken by Colonel Van
Schaick, assisted by Lieutenant-colonel Willet, and Major Cochran, and
between five and six hundred men, from Fort Schuyler, against the Onon-
dago settlements. Most of the Indians escaped — but twelve were killed, and
thirty-four made prisoners, including one white man. The houses and pro-
visions were burned, the country devastated, and the horses and stock slain.
The party returned without the loss of a man; and the colonel received
thanks of Congress.
The largest division of the western army reached Wyoming, under Gene-
ral Sullivan, in the month of June. Its further progress was delayed for
want of provisions and military stores, until the last of July. In the mean
while, the enemy was not inactive. Brandt, at the head of some whites and
Indians, fell upon the frontiers of New York, murdered many of the inha-
bitants, carried others into captivity, and burned and destroyed several
houses. He was pursued by one hundred and fifty militia, whom he drew
into an ambuscade and entirely defeated. A few days afterwards. Captain
M'Donald, at the head of another small party, of whom a third were British,
took a small fort on the west branch of the Susquehanna, making the gar-
rison, of thirty men, prisoners of war; the women and children, contrary
to the usages of the savages, were permitted to retire into the settled
country.
Another body of troops designed to compose a part of the western army,
had passed the winter on the Mohawk, and early in the season, under the
command of General Clinton, marched to Lake Otsego, and thence de-
scending the Susquehanna, united with the main division on the 22d of
August. The whole army, amounting to five thousand men, proceeded, by
the Cayuga, into the heart of the Indian country. The Indians, apprized of
its approach, selected and fortified the ground on which to fight a general
action, with no inconsiderable skill. About a mile in front of Newton, and
some miles above Chemung, they collected their whole force, consisting, by
the computation of Sullivan, of fifteen hundred, but by their own, of eight
hundred men, only; with whom were united five companies of whites, com-
prising two hundred men. They were commanded by the two Butlers, Grey,
Johnston, M'Donald, and Brandt. A breastwork had been constructed about
half a mile in length, upon a piece of rising ground, having its flank and
rear covered by the river, and in other respects, naturally strengthened.
About eleven in the morning of the 29th of August, this work was dis-
covered by Major Par, of the advance rifle corps. General Hand formed
his light infantry in a wood a few hundred yards from the enemy, and
awaited the arrival of the main body ; skirmishing with parties of Indians,
who endeavoured to entice them to an incautious pursuit. Conjecturing that
the hills on his right, were occupied by the enemy, Sullivan ordered General
Poor, supported by General Clinton, to possess himself of Ihem, to turn the
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 283
left and gain the rear of the breastwork, wliile Hand and Maxwell should
attack in front. This manoeuvre was speedily decisive. The savages find-
ing their flank uncovered, abandoned their works, and crossing the river,
fled with the utmost precipitation. An unavailing pursuit was kept up for a
few miles. Their ascertained loss was inconsiderable ; but they were so
intimidated, that they abandoned all idea of further resistance. The Ame-
rican loss did not exceed thirty. Sullivan penetrated into the heart of the
country ; which his parties scoured and laid waste in every direction. Every
lake, river, and creek, was traced for villages, and no vestige of human in-
dustry was spared. Houses, cornfields, gardens, and fruit-trees, shared one
common fate ; the commanding general strictly executing the severe, but
necessary orders he had received, to render the country completely unin-
habitable, and thus to compel the Indians to remove to a greater distance.
Eighteen villages, a number of detached buildings, one hundred and sixty
thousand bushels of corn, and all those fruits and vegetables which conduce
to the comfort and subsistence of man, were utterly destroyed. Five weeks
were spent in this work of devastation. The want of provisions, alone,
prevented Sullivan from endeavouring to render the campaign more decisive,
by an attempt on the British post at Niagara.
XXIII. While Sullivan laid waste the country on the Susquehanna, ano-
ther expedition, under Colonel Broadhead, ascended the Allegheny, against
the Mingo, Muncey, and Seneca tribes. With more than six hundred men,
he advanced two hundred miles up that stream, and destroyed the villages
and cornfields on its head branches, with their wretched ])roprietors.
This chastisement of the savages was most savage, and is defensible, only,
on the ground, that experience had taught, that nothing short of such seve-
rity could deter them from the yearly, perhaps, the more frequent, repetition
of the scenes at Wyoming. Although the object of the campaign was not
thoroughly obtained by terminating the Indian war, the Indians were intimi-
dated; they became less terrible, their excursions less formidable, and less
frequent.
XXIV. In the following year, (1780) the Cherokees, forgetting a severe
chastisement given them in 1776, made an excursion into Ninety-Six dis-
trict. South Carolina, massacred some families and burned several houses.
General Pickens, with three hundi-ed and sixty-four horsemen, penetrated
the recesses of their country; killed forty of the enemy, took several pri-
soners, and burned thirteen towns and villages. Of his party, one only was
killed and two were wounded. No expedition against the Indians was more
rapid and decisive than this. The whites did not expend three rounds of
ammunition ; and yet, of the Indians who made themselves visible, three only
escaped. A new and successful mode of fighting was introduced ; the horse-
men charging with reliance only upon their swords. The vanquished hum-
bly sued for peace, which was granted, on condition, that they would deliver
up all British emissaries, who should stimulate them to war.
XXV. These severe inflictions upon the Indian tribes, were the rigid
exactions of duty ; but we are required to record a massacre by the whites,
that may be a pendant for that of Wyoming. An English poet* has,
gracefully, sung the sufferings in the last, but no bard has described the hor-
rors of the slaughter at Muskingum. At this place some Indian converts of
the Moravians had settled. Under the care of pious missionaries, they had
been formed into some degree of civil and religious order, and had adopted
the faith, that " The Great Being did not make men to destroy men, but to
love and assist each other." Upon this principle, they advised other tribes
** Campbell.
284 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
to desist from war : and from humanity, they prennonished the whites, from
time to time, of the dangers that threatened them. Provoked by this inter-
ference, the hostile Indians removed their pacific countrymen to the banks
of the Sandusky. They obtained permission, however, in the fall of the
year, to return and collect the crops they had planted. The whites, on the
Monongahela, either through misconception or malice, reported, that their
designs were inimical; and without due inquiry, one hundred and sixty
crossed the Ohio, and slaughtered these inoffensive people, who fell mar-
tyrs to their principles of non-resistance. Not less than ninety were thus
immolated.
Retribution, however, was not long delayed. Soon after this unprovoked
butchery, a party of whites set out with the purpose of destroying the Indian
towns on the Sandusky. But being encountered by the Delawares and
Wyandots, they were repelled, with the loss of several prisoners, among
whom, were Colonel Crawford and his son-in-law. All were offered up to the
manes which haunted the Moravian towns of the Muskingum.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 285
CHAPTER XVI.
Comprising a View of the War in the South. — I. Inert state of the Country in 1779.
— II. The British Government adopts views of partial Conquest. — III. Georgia
overrun — and Charleston threatened — Unsuccessful Siege of Savannah. — IV. Sir
Henry Clinton subdues South Carolina. — V. His measures induce Revolt. — VI.
General Gates assumes command of the Southern Army — Battle of Camden. —
VII. Battle of King's Mountain. — VIII. Cornwallis reinforced. — IX. General
Greene appointed to the Southern Department — Battle of the Cowpens — Retreat
to Virginia. — X. Cornwallis retires, is pursued — Battle of Guilford Court House.
— XI. Cornwallis marches for Petersburg — Greene for South Carolina — Expedi-
tion of Arnold against Virginia — Preparations against him — Defence of Virginia
entrusted to La Fayette — Cornwallis takes command of the British Forces in Vir-
ginia.— XII. Progress of Greene in recovering the Southern States. — XIII. Suf-
ferings of the Inhabitants.
I. The exertions made by the United States, though not beyond their
strength, if put forth with system and discretion, were irregular and violent,
and followed by that syncope which invariably attends undue efforts. A
general langour had diffused itself through all the civil departments. The
alliance with France was supposed to have secured independence, and a con-
fidence that the enemy could not longer prosecute the war with success, pre-
vented that activity which was painful to exert. The wretched policy of
short enlistments had been pursued, until correction was impossible. The
enthusiasm, which, at the commencement of the contest had overcome all
personal considerations, had subsided, and was succeeded by views more
particulai'ly selfish, and more durable. From these considerations, it was
not until the 23d January, 1779, that Congress authorized the re-enlistment
of the army ; nor until the 9th March, that requisition was made upon the
States, for their respective quotas. The bounty offered, being insufficient to
bring the men into the field, I'esort was again had to the special authority of
the States. Thus, at a season when the recruits should have been in camp,
they were yet to be obtained ; and the public service was exposed to great
hazard from the delay. At this period, too, several circumstances conspired
to foment pernicious divisions and factions in Congress, which greater danger
might have prevented or suppressed.
These dissentions, the removal of individuals of the highest influence,
from the national councils to offices in the state governments ; the deprecia-
tion of the paper currency ; the de.structive spirit of speculation caused by
imaginary gain from this depreciation ; a general laxity of principles, the in-
separable concomitant of civil war and revolution ; the indisposition to sacri-
fice personal convenience for the public weal ; were rocks, on which the ves-
sel of state might yet split, and which requii-ed the care of those whom
influence and patriotism placed at the helm.*
The knowledge of these facts, deeply affected the mind of the commander-
in-chief of the American armies, and gave him many apprehensions for the
final result of the contest. They, also, had probably great effect upon the.
British commissioners; who inferred that the people, worn out by the com-
plicated calamities of the struggle, desired an accommodation on the terms
proposed by the ministry, and that the increasing difficulties necessarily re-
sulting from the failure of public credit, would induce them to desert Con-
* Letter of Washington, Marshall, iv. p. (i.
286 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
gress, or compel that body to accede to those terms. These opinions, com-
municated to their government, undoubtedly continued to protract the contest.
II. The British government, confident of complete conquest, had prose-
cuted the war with a view to the recovery of the whole of its dominions in
America. But the reverses they had sustained, the alliance with France,
and the firmness with which the contest had been maintained, together with
the rejection of the late pacific propositions, induced a change in the plan of
operations. The islands about New York were retained, whilst their arms
were principally directed against the southern States, which were less capable
of resistance, and on which a considerable impression might certainly be
made, and probably extended northward ; but, however this might be, the
possession of several States, at the negotiation for general peace, would afford
plausible ground for claiming to retain them. Of the succeeding campaigns,
therefore, the most active and interesting operations were in the southern
country. But our limits and our purpose, forbid us to do more than shortly
to advert to them.
III. Lieutenant-colonel Campbell, who sailed from New York, in Decem-
ber, 1777, arrived soon after at Savannah, and, in despite of the opposing
efforts of General Howe, captured that place; and, aided by General Prevost,
who advanced from Florida, reduced without difficulty, the whole state of
Georgia ; the inhabitants flocking in numbers to the royal standard. This
rapid progress of the enemy calling for more efficient measures of resistance.
General Lincoln was appointed to the southern command, in September,
1778. Previously, considerable reinforcements had been ordered from the
northern army, particularly in the cavalry regiments of Bland, and Lieu-
tenant-colonel Washington. Their march was, however, some time delayed,
in consequence of the invasion of Virginia, in May, by Brigadier-general
Matthews. His expedition, undertaken principally with the view of destroy-
ing the stoi'es which had been laid up on the waters of that State, was but too
successful; he having destroyed, in a few v/eeks, public and private pro-
perty of immense value, at Norfolk, Portsmouth, Gosport, and the adjacent
country.
The greatest force under Lincoln, assembled and armed with much diffi-
culty, amounted to three thousand six hundred and thirty-nine, of whom two
thousand four hundred and twenty eight, rank and file, were effectives; one-
half, however, were militia; whilst Prevost commanded three thousand ef-
fective regulars, aided by many provincials. Lincoln proceeded from Purys-
burg, into Georgia; and, in the mean time. Provost marched on Charleston
with two thousand four hundred regular troops, and a considerable body of
Indians, driving before him General Moultrie, at the head of an inferior
force. He summoned the town, on the 11th of May, 1779, but was com-
pelled soon after, to raise the siege, by the approach of Lincoln, and to retire
to the islands on the coast. On the 20th of June, a sharp but indecisive affair
took place between twelve hundred Americans and seven hundred British, at
Stono Ferry, in which the former lost one hundred and fifty men, with the
much lamented Colonel Roberts. Prevost, retreating from island to island,
soon after returned to Port Royal and Savannah, his troops enriched by the
indiscriminate plunder they had made.
The Count D'Estaing, after a successful cruise to the West Indies, pur-
suant to the instructions of his court, and the solicitations of Lincoln and the
authorities of South Carolina, arrived (September 1st,) on the coast of
Georgia. He summoned Savannah, but suffered himself to be amused by
Prevost for several days, until the latter had called in his troops, and was
fully prepared for defence. Being joined by Lincoln, a formal siege was
commenced ; the ground being broken on the 2.3d of the month, and the ad-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 287
varices made with every prospect of final success. The impatience of the
French commander and his officers, excited by the dangers of the hurricane
season, induced an assault on the 9th of October, with thirty-five hundred
French, and six hundred continental troops; which, though bravely made,
was bravely and successfully repelled. Count D'Estaing and Count Pulaski,
were both wounded, — the former slightly, the latter mortally. The loss of
the French was six hundred and thirty-seven, and of the Americans two hun-
dred, men. The militia returned to their homes, and the French fleet and
army to the West Indies. This visit of the fleet, however, disconcerted the
British plans for the campaign, and occasioned the withdrawal of their army
from Rhode Island ; and their efforts in the south resulted in the possession
of Savannah merely.
IV. Upon intelligence of these events, both parties sought to strengthen
their respective forces, in the south. A large detachment, under Sir Henry
Clinton, in person, sailed from New York, late in December, leaving the
defence of that city to General Knyphausen ; whilst Washington despatched
southward, the troops of North Carolina, the new levies of Virginia, the rear
division of Bland's and Baylor's cavalry, and afterwards, the Virginia line.
In his passage. Sir Henry encountered a storm, which endamaged him so
much as to require a reinforcement and supplies from New York. Charles-
ton was his primary object, against which he proceeded from Savannah, on
the 10th of February, 1780; approaching by way of the islands with great
caution. On the first of April, he broke ground, within eight hundred
yards of the American works, and on the 12th of May, the town capitulated.
General Lincoln and his army, consisting of t\vo thousand effectives, be-
came prisoners. During the progress of the expedition, several sharp en-
counters took place, between small parties. The cavalry under General
Huger, stationed about thirty miles above Charleston, was attacked and
routed by Colonel Tarleton and Major Ferguson, on the morning of the 14th
of April, and four hundred horses captured ; and on the 7th of May, the
remnant collected under Colonel White, of New Jersey, at Monk's Corner,
was again charged and dispersed by the same active British officers.
Having possession of the capital, Sir Henry employed himself in reducing
the country ; despatching parties in various directions over it. The inhabi-
tants vied with each other in devotion to the royal cause, and many, even of
the citizens of Charleston, enlisted under the royal banners. In these opera-
tions, the only circumstance meriting special notice, was the surprise and
defeat of Colonel Burford, by Colonel Tarleton. Burford commanded a re-
giment of new levies from Virginia, who arrived too late to aid Charleston.
Upon the surrender of the city, he commenced his retreat, but was overtaken
by a rapid march of one hundred and five miles in fifty-four hours. No
quarter was given, and the carnage was horrible; one hundred and thirteen
were killed on the spot; and one hundred and fifty so badly wounded, that
they could not be removed. So confident was Sir Henry of having conquer-
ed the State, that he proclaimed the pacification, and released from their
parole his militia prisoners, those taken in Charleston and Fort Moultrie
excepted; and with the most sanguine hope of the i-ecovery of all the
southern States, he embarked for New York, on the 5th of June, leaving in
South Carolina, about four thousand regulars, under Lord Cornwallis.
V. The parole of the American prisoners recognised their character of
aliens to Great Britain; their release from it, avowedly, restored, without
their assent, their relation of subjects; and its effect was to compel them to
assume arms against their countrymen. Had they been suffered to enjoy
the quiet of non-combatants, they might have remained unarmed ; but they
would not submit to the degradation of fighting the battles of the oppressor.
288 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
The proclamation sowed the teeth of the hydra, and armed men sprang up
in every direction, to resist the British power.
The Delaware and Maryland lines, with the first regiment of artillery,
were ordered to South Carolina, under General de Kalb; and exertions
were made in Virginia to increase this force. The exiles from the north
and west parts of the State, to the number of six hundred, collected under
Colonel Sumpter, and were soon strengthened by a corps of militia, which
had been collected by Cornwallis. The latter circumstance demonstrating
the temper of the people, induced the British general to draw in his outposts,
and arrange his troops in larger bodies.
VI. An army of two thousand men was thus formed, of which General
Gates took the command, on the 25th of July. He, changing the disposi-
tions of De Kalb, marched by the most direct route towards the enemy's post
at Camden ; and, unhappily, through a barren country, in which his troops
suffered greatly from famine and unwholesome food. On his way he was
joined by the North Carolina militia, under General Caswell, and some
troops commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Peterfield. He arrived on the 13th
of August, at Clermont, or Rugely's Mills, whence Lord Rawdon withdrew at
his approach. And, here, the militia from Virginia, under General Stevens,
also came to his aid. With a force, now, of about four thousand men, he
marched rapidly, in the hope of surprising 'Camden. At the very hour of
his departure from Clermont, Lord Cornwallis left Camden, with the design
of striking him a sudden blow; and, to their mutual surprise, the hostile
armies encountered in the woods, at about two o'clock of the morning of the
16th of August. The ground did not permit Gates to avail himself of his
superiority in numbers, and Cornwallis restrained the ardour of his troops,
that he might, with the light, better direct their disciplined valour. With
the dawn the action commenced. The militia shamefully fled, carrying
Gates with them, from the field of battle, in his endeavours to rally them.
De Kalb, at the head of the continental troops, maintained the fight with
some success, until overpowered by numbers, they were broken, and he fell
under eleven mortal wounds. The Americans lost the greater part of their
baggage, stores, and artillery ; and by the estimate of the enemy, eight hun-
dred men killed, and one thousand prisoners. Previous to the battle, a party
was detached under Lieutenant-colonel Woolford, of Maryland, to unite with
Sumpter, to intercept an escort of stores, for the garrison at Camden. This
entei-prise was successful ; but the party was, afterwards, surprised by Tarle-
ton, near the Catawba Ford, and was beaten and dispei'sed with the loss of
between three and four hundred men, killed and wounded.
Notwithstanding the victory. Lord Cornwallis was unable to proceed
against North Carolina, and to prosecute the career which he had jiro-
posed; his troops being enfeebled by sickness, and the hostile disposition
of the citizens rendering it unsafe to remove any considerable portion of
them from the State. The disasters, however, of the American arms, chilled
the spirit of resistance; yet it was kept alive by the exertions of those able
partisans, Sumpter and Marion, and was again reanimated, by the severity
with which Cornwallis punished, as traitors, the militia who deserted his
standard — producing but a fiercer resistance, and a capacity to brave and to
bear the extremity of suffering. But the designs of the British commander
were only suspended. He resumed them by despatching Major Ferguson
into the western part of North (Jarolina, to rouse and organize the tory in-
habitants; whilst he marclied himself, late in September, to Charlotte, where
he proposed to await the result of Ferguson's endeavours. That officer,
attempting to intercept Colonel Clarke of Georgia, in his retreat from an
unsuccessful attack upon Augusta, removed nearer to the mountains, whore
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 289
a short delay proved fatal to him. Several corps of hardy inountaineers,
from the western parts of Virginia and North Carolina, under Colonels
Campbell, Cleaveland, Shelby, and Servier, moved upon him with great cele-
rity, whilst Colonels Williams, Tracy, and Brannan, from South Carolina, ap-
proached the same point. These forces, together three thousand strong,
united at Gilbertstown. Sixteen hundred of the best mounted marksmen
pursued Ferguson, who, apprized of their approach, pushed (or Charlotte.
He was overtaken, on the seventh of October, upon King's Mountain, attack-
ed by three divisions, respectively, commanded by Shelbyj Campbell, and
Cleaveland, against each of whom, in the order of their arrival, he turned
with considerable effect, the fearful bayonet ; sustaining the conflict for more
than an hour, and until he received a wound which caused his instant death.
His second in command instantly demanded quarter. Of the enemy one
hundred and fifty were killed, as many wounded, and eight hundred and ten
were made prisoners ; among the latter wei-e one hundred English regulars.
A valuable and timely prize was obtained in fifteen hundred stand of arms.
The American loss was inconsiderable, but among the slain was Colonel
Williams. Ten of the most active tories were selected and hung on the spot,
in retaliation of the cruelties committed on the whigs at Camden. This mis-
fortune compelled Cornwallis, who had crossed the Yadkin, to retrace his
steps as far as Wynnesborough, where he awaited reinforcement. The mi-
litia were unable to follow up thfiir successful blow for want of provisions.
VIII. Confident in the progress of Cornv/allis, Sir Henry Clinton despatch-
ed from New York, on the 16th of October, three thousand men, under
General Leslie, against Virginia, who, after some depredations, were ordered
to Charleston, by sea, in consequence of the defeat of Ferguson. In the in-
terim, Cornwallis was employed in suppressing the hostile efforts of the inha-
bitants, under Marion, Sumpter, Clarke, and Brannan. The most important
of these affairs was that with Sumpter, on November 20th, at Blackstocks,
near Tyger river, in which he repulsed Colonel Tarleton, with great loss.
IX. Gates slowly collected, at Hillsborough, the shattered remains of his
army defeated at Camden. Being recalled, he delivered the command to
his successor. General Greene, at Charlotte, on the 2d of December. His
greatest efforts had not collected more than two thousand men, of whom
a full third were militia, with which Gxeene took the field against a supe-
rior regular force, flushed with successive victories. But even this small
army he soon divided ; sending Morgan, with a considerable detachment to
the western extremity of South Carolina, whilst he conducted the main body
to Hicks's Creek, on the north side of the Pedee river, opposite the Cheraw
Hills. Cornwallis, who was, again, preparing to proceed against North Caro-
lina, but could not leave Morgan in his rear, sent Carleton against him, with
orders to push him to the utmost. Morgan, with an inferior force, consist-
ing, in a great measure, of militia, firmly awaited his approach, at the Cow-
pens, three miles from the line separating North and South Carolina. In
the encounter which ensued, on the 17th of January, 1781, Tarleton was
defeated with the loss of three hundred killed and wounded, and five hundred
prisoners, eight hundred muskets, thirty-five baggage wagons, and one hun-
dred dragoon horses. The impetuosity which had frequently served this
energetic partisan, was, now, the cause of his defeat. Upon tidings of this
victory, Greene hastened to join Morgan, directing his own corps to Guilford
Court-house; and with great exertions, the prisoners and baggage were se-
cured. In the pursuit, the British army sacrificed its baggage and every
thing, not indispensable to action or the existence of the troops, and hung,
almost constantly, on the American rear. Twice, at the Catawba and the
Yadkin, the Americans were saved bv the rising of the waters after their
20
290 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
passage and before the arrival ol" the British. The two divisions ol' the Ame-
rican army united at Guilford Court-house; but too feeble for combat, the
commander resolved to continue his retreat across the Dan to Virginia. The
pursuit was so hotly followed, that as his rear crossed that river, the Bri-
tish van was in sight.* Thus baffled, Cornwallis retired to Hillsborough,
with the view of rousing the tories ; whilst Greene immediately recrossed the
river to mar his labours,! ^^ which he was eminently successful. General
Pickens and Colonel Lee fell in with three hundred and fifty tories, under
Colonel Pyle, on their way to the British army, whom they cut to pieces
amid their shouts of "God save the King," and protestations of loyalty,
which they uttered in the belief, that the assailants were royalists.
Cornwallis now retired, yet seeking a proper occasion for battle; some-
times turning upon the pursuer, and compelling him to retread his steps. At
length, Greene having received all the reinforcements he had reason to ex-
pect, resolved to give battle, and marched, for that purpose, to Guilford
Court-house. Cornwallis promptly accepted the offer. The American troops
amounted to four thousand two hundred and sixty-two, of whom one thousand
four hundred and ninety were regulars ; the British did not exceed two thou-
sand four hundred veterans. Greene selected his ground, and the issue was
joined on the 15th of March. After a fierce combat, in which his troops,
generally, behaved well, Greene was compelled to retreat; but the victory
was dearly purchased, bj' the loss of five hundred and thirty-two killed and
wounded, being much greater than that sustained by the Americans. Greene
retired but a few miles, and awaited another attack ; but Cornwallis, much
enfeebled, left his wounded to the care of the loyalists in the neighbourhood,
and pushed rapidly for Wilmington, where stores had been lodged and sup-
plies might be obtained. Greene, also, leaving his hospital to the Quakers
of the vicinage, whom he reminded of his former fraternization, as rapidly
followed to Ramsay's Mills, on Deep River; where excessive fatigue, the
want of food, and the release of his militia, compelled him to stop.
XI. After resting his troops, for about three weeks, at Wilmington, Corn-
wallis crossed the country to Petersburg. He pondered long before he
adopted this northern course, when informed that Greene had taken the bold
resolution to attempt the recovery of the southern country. He concluded,
at length, that if Lord Rawdon, who commanded there, should have been
defeated, he might dread his own safety ; but if he had sustained himself, a
return would be an useless abandonment of the ground he had gained. On
the departure of Leslie from Virginia, the traitor, Arnold, entered that State,
(on the 30th of December) and after committing many depredations, esta-
blished himself at Portsmouth, on the 20th of January. Against him,
Washington proposed to send, under La Fayette, twelve hundred men, of
the New England and New Jersey lines, and, also, to employ the whole
French fleet from Newport. Two frigates, however, only, sailed, which
though inoperative in the original design, captured the Romulus, of fifly
guns, passing from Charleston to the Chesapeake. Flattered by this success,
the French admiral despatched a larger expedition to the same point; which
encountering a British fleet, under Arbuthnot, near the Capes of Virginia,
was so much endamaged as to return to Newport, leaving La Fayette at
Annapolis, where he had repaired for convoy. That general returned to the
head of Elk, whence he was directed to join the southern army. In the in-
terim. General Phillips had embarked for the Chesapeake,' with two thousand
men, and arrived at Portsmouth on the 26th of March, 17^1. This reinforce-
ment, giving the British a decisive superiority in Virginia, changed the des-
* Februarjfc.l4tli, 1781. > February 21st.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. i>91
tination of La Fayette, to whom the defence of that State was now committed.
For near two months, Phi Hips and Arnold prosecuted a predatory war, de-
stroying immense quantities of tobacco and stores, and mai-king their course
by terrible devastations; La Fayette and Steuben, endeavouring in vain to
stay them, except in the protection of the magazines at Richmond. On the
20th May, Lord Cornwallis joined Arnold at Petersburg, a few days after the
death of Phillips, and assumed the command of the whole British force in the
State.
Against him. General La Fayette, aided by General Wayne, maintained
a war of posts for the space of three months ; until Cornwallis, impressed with
the necessity of providing a strong place of arms in the Chesapeake, select-
ed Yorktown, as a station for his army, and Gloucester Point, for his fleet,
to which he retired with his whole force, increased to seven thousand men.
From the Virginians, he had derived little aid. They either united with the
continental army, or, more commonly, kept out of the way of the British.
Few purchased safety by submission.
XII. Having thus followed Lord Cornwallis to an hour big with his own
fate, and that of the war, we return to General Greene, who, with equal
courage and ability, had turned his arms to the south. A line of posts had
been constructed by the British from Charleston, by the way of Camden and
Ninety-Six, to Augusta, in Georgia, the most important point of which was
Camden. The forts, generally garrisoned by a few regular troops, united
with the tory militia, were only slightly fortified to resist the sudden at-
tack of the militia of the neighbouring country, no apprehensions being en-
tertained of a more formidable enemy. Greene was fully aware of these
unfavourable circumstances. " I shall take," said he, in a letter to General
Washington, " every measui'e to avoid misfortune. But necessity obliges
me to commit myself to chance, and if any accident should attend me, I trust
my friends will do justice to my reputation." He detached Lee to unite with
Marion, and Pickens, to assemble the western militia, and lay siege to Ninety-
Six; and, marching himself on Camden, encamped before it on the 19th
April. He manceuvred several days around the place, and, on the 25th,
fought a severe battle with Lord Rawdon, at Hobkirk's Hill, with loss to
either party, of about two hundred and fifty men. Although Greene re-
treated from the field, he did not abandon his views on Camden, until Rawdon
was reinforced in the close of the month, by the corps of Colonel Watson,
amounting to five hundred men. He then withdrew behind Sawaiey's Creek,
and declined the battle, which Rawdon again offered. In the mean time,
Forts Watson and Mottehouse, had surrendered to Marion and Lee, and Fort
Orange, to Sumpter. Rawdon, abandoning the upper country, retired to
Monk's Corner, to protect the district around Charleston. Compelled thus to
comparative inactivity, he beheld the smaller posts reduced, and Seventy-Six
in imminent danger from the attack of General Greene. From this mortify-
ing state, he was relieved by the arrival of three regiments from Ireland,
which again enabled him to overrun the state, and forced Greene to retreat
before him, by the road to Charlotte. An eager race ensued, in which both
parties divested themselves of whatever could stay their speed. But at the En-
noree. Lord Rawdon gave it over as hopeless. The retreat ceased with the
pursuit, Greene halting on the north side of the Broad river; and, on the
13th July, he took post on the high hills of Santee.
Lord Rawdon, still holding his purpose of concentrating his forces in the
lower country, withdrew his garrison ; but soon after availed himself of per-
mission to return to Europe. The command devolved on Colonel Stuart,
who advanced to the post near the junction of the Congaree, and Wateree,
where he was greatly annoyed by the corps: of Marinn and Washington. After
292 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
a period of comparative repose, Greene recommenced active operations on
the 22d of August, and, being strengthened by the militia and state troops of
South CaroUna, followed the British army to Eutaw, where it was reinforced
by a detachment from Charleston. Greene was here joined by Marion, on
the 7th September, and resolved to attack the British camp next day.
The battle of Eutaw Springs, was one of the most obstinate of the war.
It was fought with about equal numbers, (2000) and ended in equal loss.
The American killed, wounded, and missing, were estimated at five hundred
and fifty-five; the British, at six hundred and ninety -three. But the Ame-
rican dead, owing to an obstinate contest on unfavourable ground, was most
numerous. Among them, was Lieutenant-colonel Campbell, who fell whilst
leading the Virginia brigade with trailed arms to a bold and decisive charge,
which broke the British line. Colonel Washington was taken prisoner,
having been unable to extricate himself from his horse, which, being killed,
had fallen upon him. Both parties claimed the victory, but Stuart was
compelled to withdraw to Monk's Corner, whilst Greene returned to the
high hills of Santee, where his troops became too much enfeebled by disease,
for active enterprise. The battle of Eutaw may be considered as closing
the national war in South Carolina. A few excursions were afterwards
made by the British, but with no more consequence than the loss of property
and individual lives. On the 18th November, Greene moved down into the
lower country, and the British retired with their whole force to the quarter-
house within Charleston Neck, and the conquerors, who had carried their
arms to the extent of the State, aimed at nothing more, than to secure them-
selves. After the capitulation at Yorktown, the British post at Wilmington,
in North Carolina, was evacuated, and the troops in Georgia, were concen-
trated in Savannah.
The labours and exertions of the southern army were highly meritorious,
but the successful activity of the legion under Lee, claims particular atten-
tion. It was, from its structure, peculiarly adapted to partisan war; and,
being detached against the weaker posts of the enemy, had opportunities for
displaying all its energies. In the extensive sweep from the Santee to Au-
gusta, which employed, from the 15th April, to the 5th June, 1781, acting
in junction, first with Marion, afterwards with Pickens, and sometimes alone,
it constituted the principal force which carried five British posts, and made
eleven hundred prisoners. At the commencement of the campaign of 1781,
the British were in force all over the state; at its close, they durst scarce
venture twenty miles from Charleston. At its commencement, the country
had been completely conquered, and was defended by a regular army, es-
timated at four thousand men. The inhabitants were so divided, as to ren-
der it doubtful, to which side the majority was attached. At no time did the
effectual continental force, which General Greene could bring into the field,
amount to two thousand men ; of whom a considerable portion were raw
troops. Yet, by a course of judicious movement, bold action, and hardy en-
terprise, in which he displayed invincible constancy and courage, happily,
tempered with prudence, he recovered the southern States ; and, at the close
of the year, civil government was fully established therein. A full portion
of praise due to these achievements, belong to his troops. They bore every
hardship and privation with patience and constancy. In his officers, the ge-
neral was j)eculiarly happy. Unshackled by those, who, without military
talent, had, through political influence, obtained high rank, his orders were
executed by young men of equal spirit and intelligence, formed in the severe
service of the north.
XIII. The sufferings occasioned by the ardent struggle for the southern
States, were not confined to the armies. The inhabitants underwent the se-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 293
verest inflictions. Reciprocal injuries sliarpenod tlie resentment of contend-
ing parties, and armed neighbour against neighbour, in a war of extermi-
nation. As the parties, alternately, triumphed, .opportunity was given to
either for the exercise of vindictive passions, which derived new virulence
from the example of the British commanders. When they had overrun
Georgia, and South Carolina, they considered these States as reannexed to
the British empire, and manifested a disposition to treat as rebels, all who,
having submitted, resumed arms. One of their executions, that of Colonel
Hayne, took place on the 3d of August, whilst Lord Rawdon was in
Charleston, preparing to sail for Europe. The disposition to retaliate, to the
full extent of their power, was equally strong in the opposite party. When
Fort Granby surrendered, the militia attached to the legion, manifested so
strong a desire to break the capitulation, and to kill the most obnoxious of
the prisoners, who were tories, as to produce a solemn declaration from
Greene, that he would put any man to death, who should commit an act so
atrocious. Lieutenant-colonel Grierson, of the loyal militia, was shot by un-
known marksmen; and, though a reward of one hundred guineas was of-
fered for the perpetrator, he was never discovered. " The whole country,"
said the general, " is a continued scene of blood and carnage."*
* Ramsay, Gordon, Marshall.
294 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER XVII.
I. Condition of the Armies in the North. — II. British Expedition against the Forts on
the North River. — III. Expedition under Tryon, against Connecticut. — IV. Cap-
ture of Stony Point, by Wayne. — V. Attack of the British Post, on Penobscot
river. — VI. Major Lee assaults Paules Hook. — VII. Effects of the System of
Paper Currency. — VIII. Spain declares War against England. — IX. Prospects
of the Campaign of 1780. — X. The American Army retires into winter quar-
ters.— XI. Marauding Parties of the Enemy in New Jersey. — XII. The Army
at Morristown supplied by forced levies of Provisions. — XIII. Washington
attempts the British Post at Staten Island — XIV. Difficulties arising from the
want of political power in Congress. — XV. Discontents of the Army — Mutiny of
the Connecticut troops. — XVI. Knyphausen invades New Jersey — Murder of
Mrs. Caldwell, and of her Husband.— XVII. Battle of Springfield.— XVIII. La
Fayette returns to the United States. — XIX. Renewed efforts for the Defence
of the Country. — XX. Arrival of the French Fleet and Army — Plans consequent
thereon. — XXI. Treason of Arnold. — XXII. American Army retires into winter
quarters. — XXIII. European combinations against Great Britain. — XXIV. Revolt
of the Pennsylvania line — of the Jersey line. — Discontent of the Inhabitants of
New Jersey. — XXV. Gloomy Prospect for the year 1781. — XXVI. Combined
Operations of the French Fleet and Allied Armies, against Cornwallis — His
Capture. — XXVII. New London taken and burned by Arnold. — XXVIII. Condi-
tion of the Country for the Campaign of 1782 — Resolutions of the British Parlia-
ment in favour of Peace. — XXIX. Malignity of the Tories — Murder of Captain
Huddy. — XXX. Cessation of Hostilities — Treaty of Peace. — XXXI. Disbanding
of the Army. — XXXH. Public Entry of Washington to New York — takes leave of
his Officers — Surrenders his Commission to Congress.
I. The apathy which we have noticed, a.s paralyzing the efforts of the
people of the United States, at the commencement of the year 1779, was
also visible in the operations of the British government. The ministry had
lost the hope of reducing all the revolted colonies to obedience, and the de-
sire of vengeance alone seems to have inspired the plan of the ensuing cam-
paign, which was publicly announced to be that of rendering the colonies of
as little avail as possible to their new connexions. With this view the opera-
tions in the northern Stales were conducted.
The force under Sir Henry Clinton, at New York, Rhode Island, and
Virginia, was estimated at more than sixteen thousand men, whose efficiency
was greatly increased by the co-operation of a powerful fleet, enabling the
general to concentrate and direct it, at pleasure. The grand total of the
American army, exclusive of the troops in the south and west, was also
about sixteen thousand; of whom three thousand were with Gates, in New
England — seven thousand with Washington, at Middlebrook, and the residue
in the Highlands, under M'Dougals, and on the east side of the Hudson, under
Putnam.
II. After the destruction of Forts Clinton and Montgomery, in 1777, the
fortifications for defending the Hudson, were established at AVest Point, and
at Stony and Verplank's Points, at King's Ferry, over which the great road
between the middle and eastern States passed. Against these posts Sir
Henry Clinton proposed to open the campaign by a brilliant coup de
main. AVashington, notwithstanding the financial embarrassments of the
country, having always specie to reward spies, soon learned this intention,
and made his dispositions to repel the attack. On the 30th of May, the
forces selected for the expedition united with that from Virginia under Mat-
thews, which arrived on that day, at New York, were conveyed to their
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 295
destined point, by the fleet under Sir George Collier. The works at Stony
Point being incomplete, were abandoned without resistance, and as they
commanded those on the other bank, the latter were surrendered — Captain
Armstrong and his garrison becoming prisoners. Both Ibrts were completed
by the enemy, and put into the best state of defence.
III. The contiguity of Connecticut to New York, its extent of coast, the
supplies which it furnished to the continental army, and the many cruisers
which plied in the Sound, rendered that State peculiarly obnoxious to the
enemy, and provoked an enterprise against it, which was stimulated, also,
by the hope, that Washington might thereby be drawn firom his impregnable
position on the North river. Governor Tryon, with a force of twenty-six
hundred men, reached New Haven on the 5th of July, before the inhabitants
had notice of his approach. The militia hastily assembled, but their opposi-
tion was feeble. The invaders having seized the town, and destroyed the
naval and military stores, proceeded on the succeeding day, along the coast
to the village of Fairfield. They experienced more resistance here, yet the
spirited conduct of the people served but as a pretext for reducing the town
to ashes, for the wanton destruction of private property, and for the mal-
treatment of the unarmed inhabitants of both sexes. From Fairfield, the
British troops passed over the Sound to Huntingdon Bay, where they remain-
ed until the 11th, when they recrossed the water to the Cow Pasture, a
peninsula on the east of Newark. At the same time a larger detachment
from the main army approached Horse Neck, demonstrating a design of
penetrating the country in that direction.
General Parsons, who had been despatched by Washington, to aid and
direct the efforts of his countrymen, attacked the British with a considerable
militia force, on the morning of the 12th, so soon as they were in motion,
and kept up throughout the day an irregular and distant fire, but was unable
to check their progress. Afler burning the town of Norwalk, Tryon re-
turned to Huntingdon Bay, to await supplies and reinforcements; and was
thence ordered to White Stone, where, in conference with Sir Henry Clin-
ton, and Admiral Collier, it was determined to proceed, with increased force
against New London. But this incursion was postponed by the assault of
the American army, on the newly captured posts on the North river.
IV. By an original plan a simultaneous attack on both posts was intend-
ed; but it was, subsequently, resolved to proceed against Stony Point, as a
distinct object. The enterprise was committed to General Wayne, with
whom Major Lee was associated. He set out at the head of a strong de-
tachment, at noon, and completed a march of about fourteen miles, by eight
o'clock of the evening of the 15th of July; the hour of twelve being fixed for
the assault. The garrison consisted of six hundred men, commanded by
Lieutenant-colonel Johnston. The dispositions for the assault were made at
Spring Steels, one and a-half mile from the fort. Instructions were given to
attack the works on the right and left flank, at the same moment. The re-
giments of Febiger and Meiggs, with Major Hull's detachment, formed the
right column, and Butler's regiment, with two companies under Major Mur-
phrey, the left. One hundred and fifty volunteers, led by Lieutenant-colonel
Fleury, and Major Posey, constituted the van of the right; and one hun-
dred, under Major Stewart, that of the left. At half past eleven, the two
columns moved on to the charge, the van of each, with unloaded muskets,
and fixed bayonets ; each preceded by a forlorn hope of twenty men, com-
manded, respectively, by Lieutenants Gibbon and Knox. The assailants
reached the marsh, in front of the fort, undiscovered. Both columns rushed
forward, under a tremendous fire of musketry and grape shot, and entered
the works at the point of the bayonet, and without discharging a single piece,
296 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
obtained possession of the post. The humanity of the conquerors was not
less honourable than their courage. Not a single individual suffered after
resistance had ceased.
All the troops distinguished themselves, whose situation enabled them so
to do. Colonel Fleury was the first to enter the fort, and to strike the Bri-
tish standard. Major Posey mounted the works almost at the same instant,
and gave the watch word, " The fort is our own." Lieutenants Gibbon and
Knox executed the service allotted to them, with intrepidity which could not
be surpassed. Of the party of the former, seventeen were killed or wound-
ed; and the whole loss was a hundred. Of the garrison, sixty -three were
killed, and five hundred and forty-three made prisoners; and a large quan-
tity of military stores was taken.
The attack on Fort Fayette, though postponed, to that on Stony Point,
was not abandoned. Two brigades, under General M'Dougal, had been
ordered to attempt the works at Verplank's, where Colonel Webster com-
manded, so soon as Wayne should obtain possession of Stony Point. The
messenger, directed to apprize M'Dougal of Wayne's success, did not com-
municate with him on his way to camp ; and this error, or negligence, was
followed by others, which defeated subsequent efforts upon the place, until it
was relieved by Sir Henry Clinton, who, to save it, relinquished his views
upon Connecticut. The failure to obtain the fort on the east side of the river,
diminished the advantages expected from that on the west; and the latter,
requiring for its defence, a much larger force than could be spared for such
a purpose, was abandoned. Sir Henry, immediately, resumed possession,
repaired the fortifications, and regarrisoned it ; and afterward retired to Phi-
lipsburg. General Washington maintained his post in the Highlands. While
the armies watched each other, frequent rencounters took place, between
small parties, which were of no other importance, than to evince the intre-
pidity, common to the junior officers, who had been formed during the war.
At length, Sir Henry Clinton withdrew into York Island, and employed him-
self in strengthening its fortifications, that he might direct his principal efforts
against the southern States, and compensate for the abstraction of the fleet,
now sent to relieve Penobscot.
V. Early in June, Colonel M'Clean from Nova Scotia, with six hundred
and fitly men, had taken possession of a defensible piece of ground on the
Penobscot river, where he commenced such fortifications, as intimated a
design to maintain the position. This measure threatened a serious diminu-
tion of the territory of the State of Massachusetts, and great exertions were,
consequently, made to dislodge him. A considerable naval foi-ce, under
Commodore Saltonstall, carried out, between three and four thousand men,
commanded by General Lovell, which appeared before the new and unfi-
nished work, on the 25th of June. Lovell effected a landing, with the loss
of fiffy men killed and wounded ; erected a battery within seven hundred
and fifty yards of the main work of the enemy, and kept up a warm can-
nonade fbr'several days. Making little progress with his militia, he applied,
through the governor of Massachusetts, to General Gates, commanding at
Providence, for a reinforcement of four hundred continental troops; and
Colonel Jackson and his regiment were immediately put in motion. But, on
the 13th of August, Sir George Collier arrived in the river, with a superior
naval force. Lovell immediately re-embarked his army, so silently as to be
undiscovered by the garrison, who, in their lines, awaited an expected assault.
His fleet offered a show of resistance, that the transports might escape up the
river, and land the troops at a convenient point for further retreat. But the
British admiral disregarded this stratagem ; the Americans gave way, and a
general chase and unresisted destruction ensued. The troops landed in a
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 297
wild desert country, through which they had to explore their way without
provision or other necessaries, for more than a hundred miles, before they
could obtain supplies.
VI. The successful enterpi'ise at Stony Point, was speedily followed by
another, which equalled it in boldness of design. After Sir Henry Clinton
had retired down the Hudson, Major Lee -was employed on the west side of
the river, to watch the proceedings of the British at Paules Hook, and the
motions of their main army. The careless confidence of the garrison of the
Hook, suggested to him the idea of surprising and carrying it otf. The at-
tempt was one of much danger, owing to the difficulty of access, and the
greater difficulty of safe retreat, which, without boats to cross the Hacken-
sack, must be made for many miles up that river, on the narrow neck between
it and the Hudson, and could be secured, only, by its celerity. On the night
of the iSth of August, a detachment from the division of Lord Stirling, in-
cluding three hundred men designed for the expedition, was ordered down, as
a foraging party. The American troops having frequently foraged in this
vicinage, the movement excited no suspicion. Lord Stirling followed, with
five hundred men, and posted himself at the New Bridge, over the Hacken-
sack, so as to afford assistance, should it be necessary. The assailing party,
under Major Lee, having passed the outworks, undiscovered, entered the
main work at the Hook, at about three o'clock in the morning; and after a
feeble resistance, with the loss of only two killed and three wounded, made
one hundred and fifty -nine prisoners, including some officers. Very few of
the British were killed. Major Sutherland, who commanded the garrison,
threw himself, with forty or fifty Hessians, into a strong redoubt, which it
was thought unadvisable to attack, lest the time employed, should endanger
the retreat; the guns fired in New York and trom the ships in the harbour,
giving full evidence, that the alarm was complete. Wasting no time, there-
fore, in destroying works, which could easily be replaced, Lee, expeditiously,
withdrew with his prisoners. To favour his retreat, boats had been placed
at Dow's Ferry, on the Hackensack, near the Hook, with instructions to the
officer in command, to await his arrival, which it was supposed would be
before . moi-ning. Day appearing without the detachment, the officer sup-
posed the attack had been postponed, and retired with his boats to Newark.
The column, though greatly fatigued, was compelled to proceed to New
Bridge, covered by the force of Lord Stirling. By mutual mistake, this
party, and a party under the tory Colonel, Vanbuskirk, which crossed each
other, avoided a battle, each supposing, that it was opposed by a superior
force.
VII. Among the causes which now operated tp paralyze the exertions of
the Americans, was the depreciation of the paper currency. We have seen
the extraordinary spectacle of thirteen colonies, and afterwards States, wholly
independent of each other, carrying on, by themselves and their deputies, a
burdensome war, against one of the most powerful nations of the earth;
raising armies on the most expensive, as well as dangerous, establishment;
carrying war into a neighbouring State, and equipping an efficient, though
small navy; — without commerce and without revenue. These almost mi-
raculous events were produced, in a great measure, by a paper currency,
sustained by the ignorance, the confidence, and the patriotism of the people.
Paper money was a familiar agent throughout the continent; and south of
New England, with the exception of South Carofuia, its credit had been, ge-
nerally, well preserved ; the quantity being much below the demand of com-
mercial exchange. Its extension, therefore, in the first stages of the revolu-
tion, was hailed by all classes as a real benefit — as a supply of vital fluid to
the body politic, which renewed and increased its vigour. The commerce of
2P
298 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
the colonies with England was a perpetual drain of their specie ; and the busi-
ness of the continent, always languished for want of a circulating medium.
At the commencement of the revolution, too, the quantity of coin usually in
the country, was greatly diminished. When 'the intercourse with Great
Britain had ceased, and the credit of the colonists with their merchants was
discontinued, part of the current gold and silver was absorbed in the payment
of balances ; part by the operations of the new authorities, particularly, in
the expedition to Canada; and part by the hoarding of those, who foresaw
the effects of th6 almost boundless extension of the paper system.
The necessity, therefore, of a circulating medium co-operated, admirably,
■ with the patriotism of the people, to facilitate the use of the continental bills
of credit; and, though, no specific funds were pledged for their redemption,
and the government had none competent to that object, the occasion and the
circumstances, gave such confidence in their value, that he wns deemed a
traitor to his country, who manifested a suspicion, that the public faith would
not be religiously observed. So eai-ly as January, 1776, Congress passed a
resolution on this delicate subject, denouncing against those who should dis-
courage the circulation of the bjlls, the penalty of being deenied enemies to
their country.* But this delusion could not be complete with thinking men,
nor permanent with any class. As the quantity of. bills daily increased,
and soon exceeded all demands for commercial purposes, and could neither
find -their way into foreign countries -nor be absorbed at home, their value
became, necessarily, greatly impaired, and their redemption at par imprac-
ticable.
Aware that this truth must "be betrayed, to all, by its effects. Congress la-
boured to procrastinate an event, pregnant with difficulties, they could not
surmount. The emissions were small, as possible, and disbursements so par-
simonious, as almost to produce the mischief dreaded, from that want of pe-
cuniary resources which might result from the failure of public credit. The
first emission was of two-millions of dollars, in June, 1775, to which a fur-
ther million was added, oh the 25th of the following month, and on the 29th
of November, an additional three millions. All these sums were to be re-
deemed by four annual payments, the first of which, on' the" last emission, to
be madg, on- or before the last day of November, 1783 ; and the quota of
each colon)', was apportioned-to the relative number of its inhabitants. Tliese
sums were supposed to be adequate to defray expenses to the 10th of June,
1776. But the march of events', soon required further issues, and by the
22d of July, 1776, they amounted to twenty millions, which, for some months,
were, almost universally, received at par. "Thus, whilst the ministry of.
England were perplexed to raise supplies, the Americail patriots, gave the
power of gold to paper rags, by simple volition.
But it was not in the power of Congress to limit the issue of paper money ;
the right to emit it pertaining to every. State, and being liberally exercised.
To economise disbursements, to call in by taxes a part of the sums disbiu'sed,
thereby, diminishing the quantity, and increasing the demand, were the only
possible means of preventing such an accumulation, as infaUibly to continue
its depreciation, until it should, entirely, cease to be a circulating medium.
But the disbursements were made by too many hands to be economised, and
the power of taxation Was not in Congress. That body could, only, recom-
mend the imposition of taxes, and their .recommendations were, perhaps, the
less attended to, because, whatever might be the public exigencies, the mea-
sure was, at all times, unpopular, and could, only, be effectual, by being Uiii-
versal. It was earnestly .recommended, to the several colonies, and after-
■ Marsliall.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 299
wards to the States, to adopt measures to redeem their quotas of the bills of
credit emitted by Congress.; but such was the danger apprehended from im-
mediate taxation, that the payment of the first instalment of the first emission,
was to be postponed until 1779, by which time it was certain the deprecia-
tion must be considerable.
Depreciation had made much progress, before the taxation commenced,
and the remedy was so sparingly applied, as little to afiect the disease. It
is yet a problem unsolved, whether the revolution would have been aided by
a more liberal resort to taxes. As it was dangerous to attempt the enforce-
ment of taxation, palliatives were necessarily resorted to. A loan of five
millions was proposed, at an interest of four per. cent. ; the principal to be
repaid in three years, and for the greater accommodation of tenders, a loan
office was to be estabhshed in each State. No certificate of loan to be less
than three hundred dollars. A 'hope was entertained, that the loan would
fill immediately, and would diminish the bills in circulation ; and that the
certificates being of large amount, would not be adapted to ordinary use. A
lottery of four classes was also suggested, by which it was proposed to raise
one million and five hundred thousand dollars ; to draw in a large sum of
continental money by the sale of the tickets; .to retain, with the consent of
the successful adventurers, the small prizes in each class, for tickets in the
succeeding one, and the large prizes on loan. These means were wholly
inadequate to the proposed object.
The faith of the people, however, supported the paper currency in undi-
minished reputation, until near the close of the campaign of 1776. Early in
1777, the depreciation became considerable ; but, it was, generally, mistaken
for the rise of prices ; and in the ignorance of political economy which pre-
vailed, it was supposed, that such effect might be violently restrained. To this
end. Congress declared, that, whoever, in any purchase, sale, or barter,
whatever, should rate gold or silver coin, higher than the continental bills
of credit, ought to be deemed, an enemy to the liberties of the United States,
and to forfeit the value of the subject, in which such difference was made.
And by most, pei'haps, by all of the States, the paper bills were made a tender
in payment of debts. But, a more effective and wise measure was, at the
same time, devised. The States were urged, respectively,-, \o support the
credit of the Union, by a direct engagement to redeem these bills at the times
fixed by Congress, and, immediately, to impose such taxes as the people were
in condition to pay. They were assured, that, for all moneys thus raised,
each State should receive a credit, with the United States, in its quota of the
public debt, that had been apportioned to them. , At the same time, a further
loan of two millions was voted. The recommendations of Congress were
complied with. The situation of the south, in these circumstances, required
additional measures for relief. That portion of the country had been supplied
by British merchants and British capital. The colonial traders had credit with
such merchants ; and large balances were annually owing, and in the hands
of the planters, who, generally', presei'ved a credit to the value'of their crops.
To compel the American merchant to receive his debts, in ,paper,. whilst he
was bound to pay, in specie, would have been highly unjust ; and he was,
therefore, authorized to pay those due from >him, into the public treasury,
and was assured, that he shoyld be, thei'eby, discharged from the claims of
his creditor. • -
But neither loans nor taxes could be obtained in sufficient sums to prevent
recourse to new issues of bill^, and with every issue, their value continued to
decrease. Congress, in 1779, made a second effort to limit the flood of
paper. They required of the States, on the first of January, to pay into the
continental treasury, their respective quotas of fifteen millions for the service
:K)0 history OF NEW JERSEY.
of that year, and of six millions, annually, from and after the year 1779, as
a fund for reducing their early emissions and loans; and on the 21st of May,
they further required, within the current year, forty-five millions of dollars.
Large as these requisitions nominally were, they were wholly insufficient.
The depreciation increased so rapidly as to defy all calculation. Towards
the close of 1777, it was two or three for one — in 1778, five or six for one —
in 1779, twenty-eight for one — in 1780, sixty for one, in the first half of the
year ; and near its close, it fell to one hundred and fifty for one. In some few
places it continued in circulation for the first four or five months of 1781 ; but,
in this last period, many would not take it at any rate, whilst others received
it at a depreciation of several hundred for one.
To still th^ clamour which prevailed against these excessive issues. Con-
gress resolved, in October, 1779, that no further sum should be issued, on
any account, than would increase the circulation to two hundred millions,
and no greater part of the sum, wanting to that amount, than was indis-
pensable for the public exigencies, until adequate supplies could be otherwise
obtained, for which reliance was placed upon the States. But Congress
could not maintain its resolution; and soon completed the sum they had
fixed as the maximum. At length, their paper became absolutely w^orthless;
and they were almost wholly deprived of pecuniary means. Yet an effort
was made to revive the credit of their bills, by a new issue under State gua-
rantees— the old to be called in by taxes, and burned ; and one dollar in
new, to be emitted for every twenty of the old. Of the ten millions thus to
be substituted, four were to be subject to the orders of Congress, and the re-
mainder to that of the several States — the whole to be redeemable in specie,
within six years; to bear an interest at the rate of five per cent., to be paid,
also, in specie, at the redemption of the bills, or at the election of the owner,
annually, in bills of exchange, on the American commissioners in Europe.
This plan was soon found impracticable, and public credit being at the lowest
ebb, the army was well nigh dissolved, and the country opened in every
direction, to British excursions.
The crisis was a trying one, but it was happily past. New resources
were discovered, and the war carried on with vigour. Much specie was
about this time- (1781) introduced into the United States, by trade with the
French and Spanish West Indies, and by means of the French army in
Rhode Island. The King of France gave the United States a subsidy of
six millions of livres, and became their security for ten millions more, bor-
rowed by them in the Netherlands. A regular system of finance was in-
troduced by Mr. Robert Morris, who was placed at its head, and whose indi-
vidual credit was liberally and advantageously used. The Bank of North
America was established, and thus Congress and the country were extricated
from the most imminent peril. By the scale of de})reciation, the war was
carried on for almost five years, for little more than a million sterling, and
two hundred millions of paper dollars, were made redeemable by five silver
ones.
New Jersey seems to have used her right of making money, with great
nioderation, and that dread of debt, which has peculiarly characterized
her. By the act of June-Sth, 1779, she called in all the bills of credit issued
during her colonial state; and directed, that all not presented before the first
of January, 1780, should be irredeemable. The provincial conventions, be-
fore the constitution of the State, authorized the issue of sixty thousand
pounds, and provided for its extinction by taxation. This debt was ado])ted
by the State. Under the requisition of Congress, March, 1780, the State
authorized the issue of two hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds, pay-
able with interest in yearly instalments, and. the whole within six years.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 301
But of this sum the whole was not emitted. On the 9th of January, 1781,
a further emission of thirty thousand pounds was authorized, also, redeema-
ble within six years. This sum was in small bills. And there were, pro-
bably, some other inconsiderable issues. But for the redemption of all,
taxes were duly and timely laid. The State bills ceased to be a tender under
the act of June 13th, 1781 ; and the continental bills, by an act of the 22d
of the same month. The taxes were, during the depreciation, nominally
enormous; and the amounts prc^osed to be raised at different times, strong-
ly mark the course of depreciation. By a resolution of November, 1778,
the Assembly proposed to raise one hundred thousand pounds, for the sup-
port of the government during the succeeding year; of which sum they pro-
posed to pay to the governor one thousand pounds, and to Robert Morris,
chief-justice, five hundred pounds, and the salaries of the other officers pro-
portionately. And in November 20th, 1779, they resolved to raise nine
millions of dollars, by the first of October following; and appropriated for
the salary of the governor, seven thousand pounds, and for that of David
Brearly, chief-justice, five thousand, and to the other officers proper-
tionably.
During the w^ar, there were large amounts of property belonging to the
tories, confiscated; but they proved of little avail to the public treasury.
The sales were generally made on credit, and by the progressive deprecia-
tion, what might have been dear at the time of purchase, became dog cheap
at the time of payment.
The most extensive evils resulted from making the paper bills a tender in
payment of debts contracted to be payable in gold and silver. They fell chiefly
on those who lived upon fixed incomes, or possessed capitals, previously accu-
mulated or invested. The annuitant, the widow, the heir, and the legatee, in
receiving the nominal amount of their respective interests, did not, in many
cases, receive a cent in the dollar. In a vast number of instances, the earn-
ings of a long life of care and diligence, were wrested from their possessors.
But the subject was not one of unmixed evil. It was generally useful to the
poor ; to those who hoarded not, but lived to-day upon the labour of yester-
day or to-morrow. Whilst the paper money was current, none were idle
from want of employment. Expending their money as fast as they received
it, they always had its full value. No Agrarian law could have more effec-
tually equalized the conditions of the State, than the tender of these depre-
ciating bills. The poor became rich, the rich poor. AH that the money lost
in value was taken from the capitalists; but the active and industrious were
safe, in conforming the price of their services. to the state of the depreciation.
The debtor who possessed property of any kind, could easily extinguish his
debts. Every thing useful found a ready purchaser. The price of a bul-
lock to-day would pay that of a slave purchased a few months before — that
of a good horse, the value of^an improved plantation.
The worst evil of the paper system was its demoralizing effect upon
the community. The nature of obligations was so far changed, that the
honest man, only, withheld the payment of his debts. A flood of specula-
tion and fraud deluged tlie land, and found its way into its courts and its
legislative halls, overwhelming truth, honour and justice.*
VIII. The summer of 1779 passed away, without furnishing, in America,
any event which could have a material influence on the issue of the war.
But it was otherwise in Europe, where a coalition, long looked for, and from
which arose sanguine expectations, was effected. Spaiix resolved to unite
with France, and to make, with her, common cause against Great Britain.
Ramsay.
302 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
These two powers, it was believed, would be able to obtain complete as-
cendency at sea, and their fleets to maintain their superiority on the
American coast, as well as in Europe. Yet, the United States were not
acknowledged by Spain, as sovereign and independent; nor was their min-
ister, Mr. Jay, who had been, some time before, sent to the Spanish court,
accredited.
IX. As the campaign drew towards a close, without realizing the hope
which had been cherished, that the war v^ould terminate with it. General
Washington laboured to induce the civil authorities to prepare in season for
the ensuing campaign, exhibiting the alarming fact, that between October, 1779,
and the last of June, of the coming year, the terms of service of near one-half
of the soldiers of the army would expire. But it was impossible to remove
the obstacles to prompt and united action. They were inherent in the system
of confederation, in the novelty and untried circumstances of the States, and
in that selfishness which had succeeded the first glow of patriotic indignation.
Thus, the resolutions of Congress, relating to the military establishment,
were not passed until the 9th of February, 1780; and did not require the
troops to rendezvous before the first of April. The necessary acts of the
State Legislatures, to give efi^ect to these resolutions, were slow and irre-
gular, uncertain and unseasonable; and the army could not possess that
consistency and stability, which a better system would have given.
X. The season for active operations, in a northern climate, having ceased,
the army retired into winter quarters. It was divided into two divisions —
the northern under the command of Major-general Heath, had for its princi-
pal object, the security of West Point, and the posts on the North river, as
low as King's Ferry ; subordinate to which, was the protection of the country
on the Sound, and the Hudson towards King's Bridge. The other and prin-
cipal division, under Washington, originally proposed to encamp on the
heights in the rear of the Scotch Plains, New Jersey ; but Morristown was
subsequently chosen, near which, the army was disposed in huts, late in De-
cember. From this post detachments were thrown out, towards the North
river and Staten Island, for the purpose of covering the country from the
depredations of the enemy.
XI. During the year 1779, the marauding parties of tories from New York
and Staten Island, and occasionally, some of the enemy's regular troops,
made devastating excursions into the State; the former for the purpose of
pluhdering and capturing the unarmed inhabitants, and the latter, under the
cover of legitimate war, to do the office of brigands. The enormities thus in-
flicted, were gx*eatly increased, by associates sheltering themselves in the deep
pine forests of Monmouth county, who, scarce regarding the distinctions of
whig and tory, preyed on all within their power. Of these freebooters, Fagan,
Bourke alias Emmons, St(^phen West, Ezekiel Williams, and-one Fenton, were
most noted. Fagan was hunted and killed by A jiarty of militia, under Cap-
tain Benjamin Dennis, who soon after, (January) by the agency of one Van-
kirk, entrapped Bourke, West, and Williams, whilst setting oif from Rock
Pond, for New York, with their booty. ^ small party, which lay concealed,
shot them as they approached their boats. Their bodies, with that of Fagan,
were hung in chains. Fenton was soon aft(M" killed by stratagem.
Bergen county was particularly exposed to hostile inroads, and the malice
of the tories. On the 10th of May, about an hundred of the latter a])proach-
ed, by the way of New Dock, the settlements of Closter, and carried off"
Cornelius Tallman, Samuel Demarest, Jacob Cole, and George Buskirk;
killed Corn(»lius Demarest, wounded Hendrick Demarest, Jeremiah Wester-
velt, Dow Tallman, anrl others; burned the dwellings of Peter Demarest,
Matthias Bogart, Cornelius Kuyler, Samuel Demarest, together with many
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 303
out-houses of other persons. They attempted to consume every dwelling
they entered, but the fire was, in some, extinguished. They wantonly de-
stroyed the furniture and stock, and abused the women. They were so
closely pursued in their retreat, by the militia and a few continental troops,
that they carried otf no cattle, although that was a principal object of the in-
cursion. This party belonged to the provincial corps of Colonel Vanbuskirk,
an active and violent tory partisan, and consisted of former residents of
Closter and Tappan, and some negroes.
On the 17th of May, a detachment of one thousand men, under that com-
mander in person, swept over the county, marking their course with desola-
tion and slaughter. Not a house within their reach, belonging to a whig
inhabitant, escaped. Mr, Abraham Allen, and Mr. -George Campbell, were
barbarously murdered ; Mr. Joost Zabriskie was stabbed in fifteen places,
and two negro women were shot down, whilst endeavouring to drive ofl' their
master's cattle. The party avoided- the vengeance of the militia by a speedy
retreat with their plunder.
On the 9th of June, a party of more than fitly tories, from New York,
landed in Monmouth county, and reached Tinton Falls undiscovered. They
surprised and carried olf Colonel Hendrickson, Lieutenant-colonel Wikoff,
Captains Shad wick and Mr. Knight, with several privates of the militia, and
drove away a few sheep and horned cattle. They were assailed by about
thirty militia, whom they repelled, .with the loss of two killed and ten
wounded.
About the first of August, the house of Mr. Thomas Farr, near Cross-
wicks Baptist Church, was attacked by several of the forest ruffians. The
family consisted of himself, wile and daughter. The assailants broke into
the dwelling, mortally wounded Mr. Farr, and slew his wife outright. The
daughter escaped to the house of a neighbour; and the alarmed villains fled
without plunder.
On the 18th of October, a party of the enemy's light dragoons landed at
Sandy Point, above Amboy, and proceeding to Bound Brook, burned some
stores ; thence by Van Vcighton's Bridge, where they destroyed a number
of boats, they marched to Somerset Court-house, which they fired. On 'their
return, by the way of Brunswick, to South Amboy, they were annoyed by
the militia. Their colonel and eommaftdajit, "had his horse killed under him,
and was himself made prisoner.
XII. Among the evils most dreaded, from the depreciation of the conti-
nental currency, was the difficulty which must necessarily arise in subsisting
the army. This calamity was more hastened than deferred, by the parsi-
mony with which Congress withheld^ from the public agents, the money ne-
cessary for public purposes. Contracts could not be made co-extensive with
the public wants, and many formed, were not fulfilled. A modification of
the commissary department, in January, 1780, unfortunately, produced new
embarrassments, and, at length, the credit of the purveying agents was wholly
destroyed. Gaunt famine invaded the American camp at Morristown ; and
the procurement of supplies, by forced levies, became indispensable.
The commander-in-chief required, from each county in the State of New
Jersey, a quantity of meat and flour proportioned to its resources, to be for-
warded to the army within six days. To mitigate the odium of this measure,
he addressed a circular letter to the magistrates, stating the urgency of the
wants of the army, but with assurances, that if voluntary relief could not be
obtained, a resort to force would be inevitable. To the honour of the State,
notwithstanding its exhaustion, the required supplies were instantly furnished.
Nor is less honour due to the soldiery, for the patient and unrepining forti-
tude with which they bore their sufferings. In the Highlands, similar wants
304 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
were relieved by similar measures, which were more than once necessaiy to
both camps. Soon after, the energies which the French displayed in the war,
awakened a corresponding disposition in Congress, and in several States,
which, in a new system of finance, gave adequate relief; but not until more
serious evils, as will appear in the progress of the narrative, had developed
themselves.
XIII. The isolated position of New York, had been much relied upon by
the British commander for its defence. But the barrier which the waters
afforded, was entirely removed by the severity of the frost in the winter of
1779, 1780. The ice becoming of sitch thickness, as to permit the army,
with its wagons and artillery, to pass without danger, invited the enterprise
of the commander-in-chief. His judgment and love of fame, alike, prompted
him to attempt the city ; but, the numerical inferiority of his force, still more
the feebleness of his troops from the want of food and raiment, were in-
superable obstacles. He eagerly engaged, however, in such enterprises to
distress the enemy, as were in his power, without departure from the cau-
tious system which had proven so beneficial to his country. The British
troops, on Staten Island, were computed at twelve hundred men. The bridge
of ice, over the waters, oflered him, seemingly, a fair opportunity to surprise
and bear off this corps, particularly, as the communication between Staten,
and Long, and York islands, was supposed impracticable.
The enterprise was confided to General Lord Stirling, with a force of two
thousand five hundred men, united to a detachment under General Irvine.
On the night of the 14th of January, 1780, he moved from Dehart's Point;
and detaching Lieutenant-colonel Willet to Decker's house, where Buskirk's
regiment of two hundred men was stationed, proceeded, himself, to the water-
ing place, where the main body was posted. But the enemy, apprehensive
of attack, was abundantly vigilant; and, contrary to the intelligence pre-
viously received, the communication between the island and New Y'ork was
still open. The object of the expedition, therefore, was unattainable, unless
at an unjustifiable risk, as a reinforcement from New York might endanger
the American detachment. Lord Stirling retreated on the morning of the
17th, sustaining an inconsiderable loss by a charge of cavalry on his rear.
The excessive cold continuing, the rivers were soon afterwards completely
blocked up. Even arms of thb ^ea were passable on the ice, and the islands,
about the mouth of the Hudson, presented to the view, and in effect, an un-
broken continent.
XIV. The want of power in Congress, to raise fimds, and to enforce its
decrees of every character, almost deprived it of the semblance of a national
council. The articles of confederation had been slowly approved, and were
totally inefficient to protect the many general interests which it embraced.
The establishment of the army, for the ensuing campaign, was fixed at thirty-
five, thousand two hundred and eleven men ,^ and the measures for recruiting
it, which preceded, a few days, those for its support, partook of the State
system, which was entirely predominant. No means were used for raising
men under the authority of Congress ; and the several States were required
by draught, or otherwise, to bring into the field, by the first day of April, the
numbers necessary to their respective quotas. This course gave, unhappily,
to the American confederacy, the semblance, nay, substantially, the character
of an alliance of independent nations, whose embassadors assembled in ge-
neral Congress, to recommend to their respective sovereigns, a plan of ope-
rations which each might pursue at pleasure. The measures productive of
great uncertainty and delay, were reprobated by tlu> commander-in-chief in
vain, and he was doopicd to struggle with embarrassments, of which he had
never ceased to complain.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 305
Famine was not the only great evil which beset the mililary service in
1780. Others, of a serious nature, presented themselves. The pay of an
officer was reduced, by the depreciation of money, to a pittance wholly in-
competent to his wants. That of a major-general would not compensate
an express rider; nor that of the captain, furnish the shoes in which he
marched. Generally, without fortune, the officers had expended the little
they possessed, in the first equipments for their station ; and were, now, com-
pelled to rely on the States, to which they respectively belonged, for such
clothing as they might furnish; which was so insufficient and unequal, as to
produce extreme dissatisfaction, and great reluctance to remain in service.
XV. Among the privates there grew out of the very composition of the
army, causes of disgust, which increased the dissatisfaction flowing from their
multiplied wants. The first efibrt, towards the end of the campaign of 1776,
to enlist troops for the war, had, in some degree, succeeded. In some States,
especially in Pennsylvania, many recruits had, for small bounties, thus en-
gaged. Whilst they served without pay, and almost without the necessaries
of life, they had the mortification to behold their vacant ranks tilled by men,
who enlisted for a few months, only, and, for that short service, received
high bounties, which, in depreciated money, seemed immense. In their
chagrin, many were induced to contest their engagements, and others to de-
sert. A representation of these circumstances, to Congress, produced a com-
mittee of inquiry, who reported, " that the army was unpaid for five months;
that it seldom had more than six days' provisions in advance ; and was, on
several occasions, for sundry successive days, without meat ; that it was des-
titute of forage ; that the medical department had neither sugar, tea, choco-
late, wine, or spirituous Hquors of any kind; that every department was with-
out money, and had not even the shadow of credit left; and that, the patience
of the soldiers, borne down by the pressure of complicated sufierings, was on
the point of being exhausted." In the mean time. Congress resolved, that
they would make good to the line, and independent corps of the army, the
depreciation of their pay, by which all the troops should be placed on an
equal footing. But this benefit, dictated by simple justice, was limited to
those in actual service, and to those who, after, came into it, engaging for
three years, or the war.
These resolutions mitigated, but did not cure the prevailing griefs. A long
course of suffering had produced some relaxation of discipline, and the dis-
contents of the soldiery, at length, broke forth into actual mutiny.
On the 25th of May, two regiments from Connecticut, paraded under arms,
with a declared resolution to return home, or to obtain subsistence at the point
of the bayonet. The soldiers of other regiments, though not actually uniting
with the mutineei's, showed no disposition to suppress the mutiny. By great
exertions of the officers, and the appearance of a neighbouring brigade of
Pennsylvanians, then commanded by Colonel Stuart, the leaders were se-
cured, and the troops brought back to their duty. But the temper of the
soldiers, as apparent in their replies to the remonstrances of their officers,
was of an alarming nature. They* turned a deaf ear to the promises of
Congress, and demanded some present, substantial, recompense for their ser-
vices. A paper was found in the brigade, siqjposed from New York, stimu-
lating the troops to abandon the cause of their country.
XVI. The discontents of the army, and the complaints of the people of New
Jersey, on account of the repeated requisitions upon them, had been commu-
nicated, with such exaggerations, to the general, commanding in New Y^ork,
as to induce the belief, that the American soldiers were ready to desert their
standards, and the people of New Jersey to change their government. To
avail himself of these dispositions, Knyphausen crossed over, on the sixth of
2Q
306 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
June, with about five thousand men, from Staten Island, and landed in the
night at Elizabethtown Point. Early next morning he marched towards
Springfield, by the way of Connecticut Farms, but soon perceived, that the
temper of the country and army, had been misapprehended.
Washington had taken measures, in concert with the government of New
Jersey, to call out the militia, so soon as occasion should require; and, on
the appearance of the invading army, they assembled with great alacrity.
On their march to Connecticut Farms, distant five or six miles from Eli-
zabethtown, the British wei-e harassed by small parties of continental
troops, whose numbers were augmented, every instant, by the neighbouring
militia. This resistance manifested, too clearly to be misunderstood, the
resolution and temper to be encountered in the further progress of the expe-
dition. A halt was made at the Connecticut Farms, where a spirit of revenge,
more probably dwelling in the bosom of Governor Tryon, who was present,
than in that of Knyphausen, who commanded, directed this village, with its
church and parsonage, to be reduced to ashes. Another enormity was com-
mitted, at the same place, which aroused great indignation, not only in the
vicinage, but every where throughout the Union. Mrs. Caldwell, the wife
of the clergyman, had remained in her house, under the conviction, that her
presence would protect it from pillage ; and, that her person would not be
endangered, as in the hope of preserving the Farms, Colonel Dayton, then
commanding the militia, had determined not to halt in the settlement, but to
take post, at a narrow pass, on the road leading to Springfield. Whilst sit-
ting in the midst of her children, having a sucking infant in her arms, a
soldier came to the window, and discharged his musket at her. She received
the ball in her bosom and instantly expired. Ashamed of an act so univer-
sally execrated, the British contended, that the lady was the victim of a ran-
dom shot from the militia. Circumstances, however, too strongly negatived
this assertion, and a pathetic representation of the fact, published by the
afflicted husband, received universal credit. The husband was distinguished
for zeal to the American cause, and his fate was very like that of his wife.
He was, some months after her decease, also shot to death, by a drunken tory,
or British soldier, at Elizabethtown Point.
From the Farms, Knyphausen proceeded towards Springfield. The Jersey
brigade, under General Maxwell, and the militia of the neighbourhood, who
assembled in great force, took an advantageous position at that place, with
the resolution to defend it. Knyphausen halted, and remained on the ground
all night; but made no effort to dislodge the Americans. Washington having
intelligence of this movement, marched his army early in the morning that
Knyphausen left Elizabethtown Point, and advanced to the Short Hills, in
the rear of Springfield. An impending battle was avoided by the German
commander, who, hopeless of success, retired to the Point from which he had
marched. He was followed by a detachment, which attacked his out-posts,
supposing it had to contend with the rear of his army only; but on disco-
very, that the main body was still at the Point, the pursuers were recalled.
XVII. At this period, the numerical force of the American army, was
fifty-five hundred and fifty-eight continental troops, of whom, only three
thousand were effective. By return of Sir Henry Clinton, from his southern
conquests, the British regular force, in New York, and its dependencies,
was increased to full twelve thousand, which could be employed in the field,
whilst four th6usand militia and refugees performed gan-ison duty. With
this disparity of numbers, the British commander might well hope to gather
important fruits from again invading New Jersey, [)articularly, by penetrating
to the American stores near Morristown. Af^er masking his purpose, and
dividing the small force of his adversary, by demonstrations against West
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 307
Point, he marched, on the morning of the 23d of June, from Elizabethtown,
with five thousand infantry, a large body of cavalry, and from ten to twenty
field pieces, towards Springfield.
In anticipation of this enterprise, General Greene had remained at Spring-
field, with two brigades of continental troops, and the Jersey militia: but in
apprehension for the posts in the Highlands, the greater part of the army
had been directed, slowly, towards Pompton. On observing the force which
had entered the State, Washington halted and detached a brigade to hang on
its right flank, whilst he prepared himself to support Greene, or otherwise to
counteract' the designs of the enemy.
At Springfield, Major Lee was advanced on the Vauxhall road, taken by
the British right column; and Colonel Dayton, on the direct road, pursued
by the left. As the enemy approached the town, a cannonade commenced,
between their van and the American artillery, which had been posted to de-
fend a bridge over the Rahway, guarded by Colonel Angel, with less than
two hundred men. Colonel Shreve, with his regiment, occupied a second
bridge, in order to cover the retreat of Angel. Major Lee, with his dra-
goons, and the piquets under Captain Walker, supported by Colonel Ogden,
defended a bridge on the Vauxhall road. The residue of the continental
troops, were drawn up on high ground, in the rear of the town, with the
militia on the flanks.
The right column of the British, advanced on Lee, who resisted their pas-
sage until a body of the enemy had forded the river above him, when he
withdrew his corps to avoid being surrounded. At this instant, their left at-
tacked Angel, who maintained his ground with persevering gallantry, until
compelled, after thirty minutes struggle, to yield to superior numbers; but
he retired in perfect order, and brought off his wounded. Shreve, after
covering Angel's retreat, rejoined his brigade. The English then took pos-
session of the town and reduced it to ashes. The stern resistance he had
encountered, the gallantry and discipline of the continental troops, their
firm countenance displayed in continual skirmishing, and the strength of
Greene's position, together with tidings, that a formidable fleet and army
was daily expected from France, deterred Sir Henry from prosecuting his
original design. He withdrew that afternoon from Elizabethtown ; and in
the same night passed over to Staten Island. In this battle the Jersey bri-
gade and .militia, bore a conspicuous and honourable part.
XVIII. There is, perhaps, no event connected with the American revolu-
tion, of more extraordinary character, than the devotion displayed towards it,
by the Marquis de La Fayette. Of high aristocratic descent, rich, and with
every prospect of flattering consideration, at the court of his king, he became
enamoured of the principles of freedom and equality, in a distant and a
foreign land ; and against the remonstrances of his friends, and the disappro-
bation of his prince, devoted his life and fortune to their support. At the
close of 1776, he communicated to the American commissioners, at Paris,
his determination to repair to the United States. The encouragement which
they gave to his wishes was retracted, when the reverses in New Jersey
were known. But his enthusiasm was not to be thus extinguished ; and he
replied, that these circumstances rendered even inconsiderable aids more
necessary; and that if they could not furnish him with a ship, he would
freight one himself, to convey him and their despatches. This he did. At
the age of nineteen years, newly wedded to a wife whom he loved, and
tempted by the pleasures of a luxurious court, he voluntarily rejected the
ready enjoyments of his condition, and sailed to America. He was received
with such sentiments as his disinterestedness merited. But, instead of using
this grateful disposition, to obtain extraordinary distinction, in the rendition
308 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
of his services, as was generally the case with foreigners, who then sought
employment in America, he, modestly and generously, declined a commission,
and requested leave to serve as a volunteer. Nor were the virtues of this
extraordinary man, thus displayed, the temporary fruits of momentary and
youthful excitement. His love of freedom and political equality, and his dis-
interested pursuit of them, have rendered illustrious a long life; and it would
seem, that with him, at least, the exercise of virtuous passions had the power
to give increase of days. He became the friend of Washington. And if a
nation's gratitude be the appropriate meed for nationaJ services, La Fayette
has been rewarded, by his triumphal procession, of months, through the
North American continent.
When war was declared between France and England, La Fayette deem-
ed, that his duty required liim to tender his services to his own sovereign.
He obtained the permission of Congress, to return, preserving his rank of
major-general, in the American army, and all his zeal for American inte-
rests. He was received at court with favour and distinction, and success-
fully employed his influence, in persuading the cabinet to grant efficient
succours to the United States. There being no probability of active employ-
ment in Europe, he returned to America, in April, 1780; bearing the grate-
ful intelligence, that France would immediately despatch a considerable land
and naval armament, for the ensuing campaign.
XIX. These tidings gave, indeed, a new impulse to Congress, the State
Legislatures, and the people. The first adopted vigorous resolutions for
raising money and troops, which were transferred into the laws of the seve-
ral States. But, unfortunately, the energy displayed in the enactment, did
not extend to the execution of the laws; the troops being slowly raised, and
in numbers far less than the service required. Several patriotic individuals
contributed largely to the public funds. The citizens of Philadelphia establish-
ed a bank, subscribing £-315,000, Pennsylvania currency, payable in specie;
principally, with a view to provide the army with provisions, and without
contemplation of profit to the founders. The ladies of that city set a splen-
did example of patriotism, devoting large sums for the relief of sufl'ering
soldiers, which was, generally, followed throughout the country.* Yet,
despite of all these exertions, the condition of the army continued de-
plorable.
XX. On the 10th of July, before Washington could fill his ranks, or had
prepared any plan for the campaign, the first division of the French auxilia-
ries arrived at Newport, with more than five thousand troops, and intolii-
gence, that a second division might be speedily expected. The instructions
of General Rochambeau, ])laced him, entirely, under the command of Wash-
ington, and required his forces, as allies, to code the post of honour to the
Americans. In reliance on the French naval superiority, Washington pro-
posed a joint attack on New York ; fixing the .'5th of August, for ihe re-
embarkation of the French troops, and the assembling of his army at Morris-
ania. But this design was procrastinated and finally defeated, by the suc-
cessive arrival of British squadrons, which gave them the command of the
sea, and confined the French to the harbour. In its prosecution, however,
the commander-in-chief visited Hartford, that by personal conference with
the French officers, he might concert measures for this and other objects.
During his absence from camp, the long meditated treason of General
Arnold exploded, destroying, however, only, the most active auxiliary of his
* On the 4tli of July, llic l.iilics (if Trr'iiton appointed Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Dickenson.
Mrs. Fonnan, and Mis^s Cadwnlnder. In open a subscri])tion, and to correspond with
the ladies in the different counties of liie State, whom tliey named on connnittecs.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 309
guilt ; whose merit caused him to be wept, even by his enemies. General
Arnold possessed great courage, enterprise, patience, and fortitude, with
other qualities essential to the able soldier. But without moral principle, or
sound judgment, he estimated greatness to consist in ostentatious display,
and the liberal indulgence of the senses. Previous to the revolution his
poverty denied these enjoyments. His sudden elevation, whilst stimulating
his appetites, gave him, justly or unjustly, the means for their gratification.
A short period of success filled him with that disposition, which leads inevi-
tably to ruin. He became prodigal of his own, and avaricious of the pro-
perty of others. The wounds he received at Quebec and Saratoga, unfitted
him for active service; and having large accounts to settle with Congress,
he was, on the evacuation of Philadelphia in 1778, appointed lo the com-
mand of that city. Here, yielding to his vain propensities, he incurred large
expenses, for a sumptuous table and splendid equipage. To sustain these,
witli the spirit of the gambler, he embarked in perilous and unfortunate com-
mercial speculations, and in unsuccessful privateer adventures. His ac-
counts with the United States were intricate, and the enormous balances he
claimed, were reduced, not only by a committee of Congress, but by the
House, on the report of its committee. Charged with various acts of extor-
tion upon the citizens, and peculation in the funds, detected and degraded,
he reproached his country with ingratitude, and giving general offence, was
arrested, tried, and sentenced by a court martial, and publicly reprimanded
by the commander-in-chief.
From this hour, his haughty spirit is supposed to have devoted his countiy
to the direst vengeance. Knowing well the importance of the post at West
Point, he deliberately and successfully sought its command, with the view of
betraying it to the enemy. To this end, a correspondence was for some time
carried on, under mercantile disguise, in the names of Gustavus and An-
derson, between him and Major John Andre, aid-de-camp of Sir Henry
Clinton, and adjutant-general of the British army. To facilitate their com-
munication, the Vulture, sloop of war, took a station on the North river; and
the visit of General Washington, at Hartford, was improved, for adjusting
their plans by a personal interview. Andre landed from the sloop, without
the American lines, under a flag sent by Arnold. Their conference havino-
been protracted, into the succeeding day, it liecame necessary that Andre
should be concealed, until Ihe night aftbrded him a safe opportunity to re-
embark. He refiised, peremptorily, to enter within the lines, but the respect
promised to this objection, was not preserved. They continued together
during the day, in which the Vulture shifted her position, in consequence of
a gun having, without the knowledge of Arnold, been brought to bear upon
lier. The boatmen, on the following night, refusing to carry Andre on
board, h^ attempted to reach New York, by land. Reluctantly yielding
to the representations of Arnold, he exchanged his uniform, which he had
liitherto worn beneath his surtout, for plain clothes, and set forth with a per-
mit, authorizing him, under the name of John Anderson, to proceed on the
public service to the White Plains, or lower, if he thought proper.
He had safely passed the posts, when he was arrested by one of three
militiamen, on a scouting party. With a self-abandonment, extraordinary
in one equally brave and intelligent, instead of producing his pass, he hastily
asked the soldier, who had seized his bridle, " where he belonged to?" The
reply, " to below," designating him to be from New York, Andre said, "And
so am I ;" — and declaring himself to be a British officer, on urgent business,
begged that he might not be detained. The other militiamen coming up, he
discovered his mistake too late to repair it. His most tempting offers for
permission to escape, were rejected by his captors, who, on searching him,
310 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
found concealed, in his boots, among other interesting papers, exact returns,
in the hand-writing of Arnold, of the state of West Point, and its dependen-
cies. Carried before Colonel Jameson, who commanded the scouts on the
lines, he, anxious for the safety of Arnold, requested, that he should be in-
formed, that Anderson was taken. An express was despatched with the
communication. On receiving it, Arnold took refuge on board the Vulture,
whence he proceeded to New York. Sufficient time being allowed for his
escape, Andre no longer affected concealment, but avowed himself the adju-
tant-general of the British army.
This gallant and unfortunate man suffered the penalty which would have
more justly fallen upon the fugitive traitor. He was condemned as a spy,
by a court-martial, of which General Greene was president, and La Fayette,
Steuben, and others, were members. And notwithstanding the earnest en-
deavours of Sir Henry Clinton, to save him, and the tears even of his judges,
the sentence, sternly exacted by duty, was executed. Arnold became a bri-
gadier in the British service, universally contemned as a vile and sordid
traitor, who had been redeemed from the gallows, by the blood of one of the
most accomplished officers of the British army.
The thanks of Congress were given, with a silver medal, bearing an in-
scription, expressive of their fidelity, to John Paulding, David Williams, and
Isaac Vanvert; and subsequently, a pension of two hundred dollars per
annum — a reward, better proportioned to the state of the treasury, than their
services — was settled upon them, respectively.
XXII. Early in December, 1780, the American army retired to winter
quarters. The Pennsylvania line was stationed near Morristown, the Jersey
line about Pompton, on the confines of New York, and the troops of the New
England States, at and near W^est Point, on both sides of the river. The
line of New York remained at Albany, to which place it had been sent to aid
in opposing a temporary invasion from Canada.
XXIII. In Europe, Great Britain, at war with France and Spain, was
threatened by the northern powers, Russia, Sweden, and Norway, who, in
the summer of 1780, entered into the celebrated compact- known as " The
armed neutrality.'''' Holland showed a disposition not only to join this alli-
ance, but to enter into a treaty with the United States of America. Both
were offences which the English ministers were not disposed to overlook, and
war was declared against that nation.
XXIV. The state of the American army was little improved during the
year 1780. Discontent gained ground, and even the officers could not always
restrain their jepinings, in contrasting their condition with that of other
classes in the country. These had, inevitably, an influence upon the dispo-
sition of the soldier. In addition to the general causes of dissatisfaction, the
Pennsylvania line had one, almost, peculiar to itself. When Congress di-
rected enlistments to be made for " three years or (hiring the war,''' the re-
cruiting officers of that line engaged many men on those ambiguous terms.
As a consequence, tlie soldier claimed his discharge, at the expiration of three
years; whilst the officer insisted, upon detaining him during the war. The
imposition, as the soldier viewed it, was more impatiently borne, wliilst he wit-
nessed the large bounties given to the ne\v recruits. The discontent which
had been long fomenting, broke out on the night of the first of January, 1781,
in open and almost universal revolt of this line.
Upon a signal given, all the regiments, except three, turned out under
arms; avowing their determination to march to the seat of Congress, and
obtain redress for their grievances, or to serve no longer. The officers en-
deavoured, in vain, to quell them. Several were wounded, and a Captain
Rilling killed, in the attempt. General Wayne presented his pistols, as. if
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 311
about to fire ; but the bayonet was put to his breast, whilst, with expressions
of respect and affection, he was told, " If you tire, you are a dead man. We
are not going to the enemy ; should he approach, we will fight him under
your orders. But we will be no longer amused, and are resolved to obtain
our just rights." In this temper, thirteen hundred men marched from Mor-
ristown to Princeton, with their arms and six pieces of cannon, in good
order, with officers appointed from themselves, a sergeant-major, who had
deserted from the British, being commander. They resisted attempts at ac-
commodation, made, severally, by General Wayne and a committee of Con-
gress. But, at length, at the instance of President Reed of Pennsylvania,
they marched to Trenton, and submitted, on condition, — 1. That those en-
listed for '•'■ three years or during the tvar,''^ should be discharged; such
enlistment to be determined by commissioners mutually chosen, on the oath
of the soldier, where the written contract could not be found; 2. That cer-
tificates for the depreciation of their pay should be immediately given, the
arrearages to be paid as soon as circumstances would permit ; 3. That certain
specified articles of clothing, greatly needed, should be immediately furnished.
In consequence of the irksomeness of this affair, the whole of the artillery,
and of the five first regiments of infantry, were discharged before the con-
tracts of enlistment could be brought from Morristown. On their production,
it appeared, that the engagements of the remaining regiments did not entitle
them to their discharge, and that, of those actually dismissed, the far greater
number had enlisted for the war. The discharges, however, were not re-
voked, and those who were to remain in service, received furloughs for forty
days, with orders to rendezvous at designated places in Pennsylvania.
Sir Henry Clinton, apprized of the revolt, on the third of January, sent
his emissaries, with highly tempting offers, to the line, to engage them in his
service. The offers were communicated to General Wayne, the agents
seized and confined, and after the accommodation, they were tried and exe-
cuted as spies.
General Washington, who, tor prudential reasons, did not approach the
mutineers, took measui-es to avail himself of the regular troops, and the mi-
litia of New York, for offence or defence. And, on the first notice of the
mutiny, the militia of New Jersey, under General Dickenson, took the field,
for the purpose of opposing any incursion which might be made in the State,
and of co-operating with such of the regular troops as it might be necessary
to employ.
The danger of yielding, even to the just demands of soldiers, with arras in
their hands, was soon evident. The success of the Pennsylvania line stimu-
lated part of that of Jersey, many of whom were foreigners, in the hope of
like advantages, to a similar attempt. On the night of the 20th of January,
part of the Jersey brigade, stationed at Pompton, rose in arms, and making
the same claims which had been granted to the Pennsylvanians, marched to
Chatham, where another portion of the brigade was posted, in expectation,
that it would join in the revolt. But, the commander-in-chief, chagrined at
the result of the late mutiny, and confident in the faith of the eastern troops,
resolved on strong measures to stop the further progress of a spirit which
threatened the total destruction of the army. A detachment, under General
Howe, was immediately sent against the mutineers, with orders to bring
them to unconditional submission, and to execute some of the most active
of the leaders. Howe marched from Kingwood about midnight, and by
the dawning of the next day, had so posted his force as to prevent the
escape of the revolters. Colonel Barber, of the Jersey line, commanded them
to parade without arms, and to march to designated ground. Upon their
hesitation, Colonel Sprout advanced, giving them five minutes, only, for com-
312 . HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
pliance. Intimidated, they instantly obeyed. The Jersey officers gave a list
of the leaders of the revolt, from whom three of the most active were selected,
who were executed upon the spot, by the other prominent mutineers. The
vast disparity of numbers engaged in these mutinies, accounts for the dif-
ference in the results. The disafiected in the Jersey line did not exceed one
hundred and sixty men.
Sir Henry Clinton offered to the Jersey mutineers the same terms as to
the Pennsylvania line ; and General Robertson, at the head of three thousand
men, was detached to Staten Island, for the purpose of entering Jersey, and
covering any movement which they might make towards New York. The
emissary employed, proved to be in the American interest, and delivered his
papers to Colonel Dayton, commanding at the first station to which he came.
Other papers were dispersed among the mutineers, promising rewards to
every soldier who should join the British troops when landed at Elizabeth-
town ; but the mutiny was crushed so suddenly, as to allow no time for the
operation of these proposals.
The vigorous steps now taken, were, happily, followed by such attention,
on the part of the States, to the wants of the army, as checked the further
progress of discontent. Although the army was reduced to almost insup-
portable distress, by the scantiness of supplies, the discontents of the people
were daily multiplied, by enforced contributions, and the offensive manner
in which they were levied. Every article for public use, was obtained by
impressment, and the taxes, being chiefly specific, were either unpaid or col-
lected by coercion. Strong representations were made against this system,
and committees were, in some places, raised to express the public complaints.
The dissatisfaction, therefore, which pervaded the mass of the community,
was scarcely less dangerous, than that which had been manifested by the
army.
XXV. The year 1781 commenced in gloom and despondency. The hopes
founded on French aid had been disappointed; the sufferings of the army
were unalleviated, and the prospect of its increase, discouraging. Of thirty-
seven thousand troops, voted by Congress, to be in camp on the first of
January, not more than fourteen thousand, two-thirds of whom, only, were
effective, had been raised, in all the Union, in June, when the campaign
opened. Food and raiment were still scantily supplied ; the latter, contracted
for in France, having been unaccountably delayed. In the mean time, the
country was threatened from every quarter, — in the west, by new combina-
tions of the Indians — in the north, from Canada, and the discontented resi-
dents of Vermont, whose contention for jurisdiction, with the State of New
York, made them cold in the common cause — on the eastern border, by the
increased force of Sir Henry Clinton — on the south, by Rawdon and Corn-
wallis. To supply the American army with food, would, perhaps, have been
impossible, but for the efforts of the financier, Mr. Robert Morris ;_ whose
mercantile capital and credit were, judiciously, called to aid his official duties,
without which, the decisive operations of the campaign^ might have been de-
feated.
XXVI. Washington still cherished the design of attacking New York, and
the French troojis were ordered from Newport, late in June, for this purpose,
The intention was abandoned, however, in August, in consequence of large re-
inforcements having been received, from Germany, by Clinton, the tardiness
with which the American ranks were filled, and the prospect of striking a suc-
cessful blow in the south. A large fleet, commanded by the Count de Grasse,
was expected, daily, to arrive in the Chesapeake, affbrding, if conjoined in
operation with the army, the most flattering hopes of the capture of Corn-
vvallis.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 313
The appearance of an attack on New York, was still kept up, whilst
the allied army crossed the North river, and passed, by way of Philadel-
phia, to Yorktown. This march would, probably, have been interrupted,
had not Sir Henry Clinton, relying, confidently, on some intercepted letters,
developing the plan of the intended atterript on New York, believed the present
movement to be a feint, until it was too far completed to be opposed. The
order observed by the French troops, has, with great reason, called forth the
plaudits of the historian. In a march of five hundred miles, through a coun-
try abounding in fruit, not a peach nor an apple was taken without leave.
General Washington and Count Rochambeau, reached Williamsburg on the
14th of September ; and visiting Count de Grasse, on board his ship, the Ville
de Paris, concerted the plan of future operations.
De Grasse arrived in the Chesapeake, from Cape Francoise, late in August,
with twenty-eight sail of the line, and several frigates. At Cape Henry, an
officer from La Fayette informed him of the situation of the armies in Vir-
ginia. Lord Cornwallis, who had received notice that a French fleet was to
be expected on the coast, had collected his whole force at Yorktown and
Gloucester Point ; and the Marquis had taken a position on James River, for
the purpose of opposing any attempt, which the British might make, to escape
into South Carolina. Four ships of the line and several frigates, were de-
tached for the purpose of blocking up the mouth of York River, and of con-
veying the French land forces, under the Marquis of St. Simon, up the James
River, to form a junction with La Fayette. In the mean time, the fleet lay
at anchor just within the capes. On the 25th of August, the Count de Barras
sailed from Newport for the Chesapeake.
Admiral Rodney, who commanded in the West Indies, supposing that the
greater part of the fleet of De Grasse, had proceeded to Europe, and that a
part, only, of his own squadron, would suffice to maintain an equality of force
in the American seas, detached Sir Samuel Hood to the continent, with four-
teen sail of the line. That officer made land south of the capes of Virginia,
a few days before De Grasse's arrival, and proceeded, thence, to Sandy Hook,
which he reached on the 28th of August. Uniting with the force under Ad-
miral Greaves, who, as senior officer, took the command, the whole fleet,
amounting to nineteen sail of the line, set sail, immediately, in hopes of falling
in with De Barras or De Grasse, wholly unsuspicious of the force of the
latter. On the morning of the fifth of September, the fleet of De Grasse was
discovered, consisting of twenty-four sail of the line, in the mouth of the
Chesapeake. An engagement ensued, for several hours, in which neither
party could claim the victory. Some days were spent in manoeuvres,
during which De Grasse, having the wind, might have brought on another
battle ; but it was declined, that the capture of the British army, now deemed
almost certain, might not be put to hazard. In the mean time, De Barras
arrived with his squadron, and fourteen transports laden with artillery and
stores, proper to carry on the siege. The English fleet retired before this
superior force, and returned to New York.
At length, the post of Lord Cornwallis was formally besieged, and the first
parallel commenced, on the night of the sixth of October. The siege was
prosecuted with great vigour, courage, and skill ; the officers and soldiers of
France and America, striving who should display most, these qualities. The
defence was maintained, with equal spirit, against a vastly superior force,
during thirteen days ; until almost every gun on the fortifications was dis-
mounted, and the batteries prostrated. On the nineteenth. Lord Cornwallis
sun-endered the posts of Yorktown and Gloucester Point, with their garrisons,
and the shipping in the harbour with the seamen; the army and arms, mi-
litary chest and stores, to Washington ; the ships and seamen to the Count
2 R
314 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
de Grasse. The total amount of prisoners, exclusive of seamen, exceeded
seven thousand men. The allied army may be estimated at sixteen thousand ;
the French at seven thousand ; the continental troops at five thousand five
hundred, and the militia at three thousand five hundred. Sir Henry Clinton,
fully apprized of the influence which the fate of the army, in Virginia, must
have on the war, exerted himself, strenuously, for its preservation ; and
having embarked about seven thousand of his best troops, sailed for the
Chesapeake, under convoy of twenty-five sail of the line. This armament
left the Hook on the day the capitulation was signed at Yorktown, and ap-
peared off the capes of Virginia, to learn the tidings of surrender, and to
return to New York ; no sufficient motive remaining for attacking the great-
ly superior force of De Grasse.
The exultation throughout the United States, at the capture of this formi-
dable army, which had inflicted incalculable misery over an immense space
of territory, was equal to the terror which it had inspired. The opinion be-
came universal, that the great struggle was over, that the object of the con-
test had been fully gained, and every demonstration of gratitude was poured
forth by Congress and the people, to heaven, and its agents in their de-
liverance.
XXVII. Whilst the allied armies were on march for Virginia, Sir Henry
Clinton, probably, with the hope of recalling Washington, sent an expedition
under Arnold, against New London, which landed in the port on the 6th
of September. Fort Griswold, on one side of the harbour, made an obsti-
nate resistance. It was garrisoned by Colonel Ledyard, and one hundred
and sixty men. But being taken by storm, the captors disgraced their tri-
umph, by the slaughter of the brave and unresisting defenders. Colonel
Ledyard presented his sword to the commanding officer of the assailants,
which the barbarian instantly plunged into his bosom, and the carnage was
kept up, until the greater part of the garrison was killed or wounded. If
such vengeance could be justified, there was, indeed, cause for it. Colonel
Eyre, and Major Montgomery, the second in command, together with two
hundred men, fell in the assault. The town of New London, and the stores
which it contained, were consumed by fire.
XXVIII. The capture of Cornwallis was the conclusion of the war. A
show of hostility was preserved for a few months, and some skirmishing
was had, of no great interest, between the parties, near New York, and
in the vicinity of Charleston. But no military event of importance, after-
wards took place. Count de Grasse sailed for the West Indies, Wayne
and Gest's brigades marched under General St. Clair, to the aid of Greene,
in the south ; the French troops remained in Virginia, and the eastern
regiments returned to New Jersey and New York, under the immediate
command of General Lincoln.
Stimulated by these successes, the preparations for another campaign
were commenced, with much alacrity. The resolutions respecting the mili-
tary establishment, were adopted by Congress, so early as the 10th of De-
cember; and those providing for the expenses of the war, substituting a
vigorous system of taxation, for the demoralizing and unjust practice of ex-
tortion, and requiring eight millions of dollars, in specie, to be paid by the
States, quarterly, were passed so early as the 10th of October. But the
country was exhausted. The obstacles to raising revenue, w^ere almost
insuperable. At the commencement of the year 1782, not a dollar remained
in the public treasury ; and although the payment of two millions had been
required by the first of April, on the twenty-third of that month, not a cent
had been received. On the first of June, twenty thousand dollars, scarce more
than sufficient for a single day's service, had been paid. In July, when a
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 315
half years' tax was due, the minisler of finance was informed by his agents,
that in some States, nothing would be received before the month of Decem-
ber. The country was, therefore, indebted for indispensable supplies, to the
funds and credit of the financier; but the public creditors were unpaid, and
no one could look forward, without deep anxiety, to the perpetuation of the
system of forced contribution.
Happily for the United States, the people of Great Britain had wearied of
the contest, and constrained their King, and his ministers, to think of peace.
Strong resolutions were adopted by Parliament late in February, which not
being promptly acted upon by the ministry, were followed on the 4th of
March, by a vote of the House of Commons, denouncing as enemies to his
Majesty and the country, all who should advise or attempt, a further prose-
cution of offensive war on the continent of North America. A change of
ministry succeeded these votes, with instructions to the commanding officers
in America, which conformed to them.
XXIX. Although the spirit of animosity between the two nations. Great
Britain and the United States of America, began to yield to policy and hu-
manity, the ire which dwelt in the bosoms of the tories, seemed to wax
stronger, as their hopes of restitution \vaned. In the depredations of Arnold,
and in the border war of New Jersey, the injuries done by them, were the
most malignant ; and their vengeance was still poured out upon New Jersey.
From many outrages, we select the following, as most prominent.
On the 2d of April, 1782, Captain Joshua Huddy was captured, with the
block-house he defended, on Tom's river, by a party of refugees, after a
gallant resistance. He was carried to New York, and detained in close
confinement for some days, and then told, that he was to be hanged. Four
days after (on the 12th,) he was carried by a party of tories to Middletown
Heights, where he was deliberately executed, with the following label affixed
to his breast. — " We, the refugees, having long, with grief, beheld the cruel
murders of our brethren, and finding nothing but such measures daily carry-
ing into execution ; — we, therefore, determine not to sufler without taking
vengeance for the numerous cruelties; and thus begin, having made use of
Captain Huddy, as the first object to present to your view ; and further de-
termine, to hanor man for man, while thei'e is a refugee existing;. Up goes
Huddy, for Philip White."
The Philip White here named, was a tory, who had been taken by a
party of Jersey militia, and killed, in attempting to escape. His death was,
falsely, charged upon this victim. Huddy was a man of extraordinary
bravery, and met his hard fate, with rare fortitude and composure of mind.
He executed his will, under the gallows, upon the head of the barrel, from
which he was immediately to make his exit — and in a hand-writing, fairer
than usual. Greatly indignant at this wanton murder, Washington wrote
to Sir Henry Clinton, threatening, that unless the murderers were surren-
dered, he would retaliate. The demand being refused. Captain Asgill was
designated by lot, as the subject. In the mean time the British instituted
a court-martial, for the trial of Captain Lippincott, the principal agent in
the nefarious deed; when it appeared, that Governor Franklin, president
of the board of associated loyalists, had given verbal orders to Lippincott,
designating Huddy as a proper object for vengeance, as one who had perse-
cuted the loyalists, and had been especially instrumental in hanging Stephen
Edwards, a refugee. The court acquitted Lippincott, stating, that his con-
duct was dictated by the conviction, that duty required him to obey the
orders of the board, as he did not doubt their authority. Sir Guy Carleton,
who had succeeded to the chief command of the British army, notwith-
standing the acquittal, reprobated the measure, gave assurance of further
316 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
inquiry, and broke up the board of associated loyalists, to prevent the repeti-
tion of such excesses. Asgill was rescued from various reasons. The end
of the war rapidly and visibly approached — the Count de Vergennes inter-
ceded for him, by letter, enclosing one from Mrs. Asgill, his mother, and Con-
gress (November 7th,) directed the commander-in-chief, to his great satisfac-
tion, to set the captain at liberty.
XXX. Sir Guy Carleton, with Admiral Digby, was commissioned to
negotiate a separate peace with the Americans ; but their efforts were futile,
as such a course, being dishonourable to the States, was inadmissible. Nor
Avas it apparent, that the powers of the commissioners were sufficiently full
for the object. But the public votes we have stated, and, probably, the pri-
vate instructions given to the British general, restrained him from offensive
war; and the state of the Amei'ican army, disabled Washington from any
attempt on posts held by the enem)^ These causes of inactivity in the
north, extended also to the south.
After an intricate negotiation, in which the penetration, judgment, and
firmness of the American commissioners* were eminently displayed, eventual
and preliminary articles of peace were signed on the 30th of November.
The treaty, however, did not take effect, until the general pacification, on
the 20th of January, 1783. Tidings of the latter event were communicated
by M. de La Fayette, by letter, received 24th of March. Early in April,
came a copy of the treaty, from the American commissioners, and on the
19th of that month, the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed. On the 15th,
the execution of the treaty was publicly celebrated, at Trenton.
XXXI. To the restoration of the blessings of peace, one important mea-
sure, the dissolution of the army, was indispensable. Military habits, and
the spirit of segregation which they engender, are incompatible with the
order and equality of civil life. The general and corporal are alike te-
nacious of command ; and the soldier, reluctantly, lays aside the casque,
the uniform and arms, the idleness and the license, which distinguish him
from the citizen. The camp becomes his country — his fellows in arms, his
only compatriots, and the articles of war, and the will of his ofRcers, his only
laws. His whole being is newly, but not beneficially, modified. His intel-
lectual powers and employments are confined to narrow limits, whilst his
physical force and sensual appetites, are generally increased, and often in-
dulged, by irregular gratification. To dissolve an army which has no cause
of complaint against the State, is often a difficult and dangerous duty — to
disarm men, to whom the State, without the means of payment, is deeply
indebted; who, poor and naked, look, confidently, on their return to civil life,
only, to servile labour, beggary and oblivion, is indeed a perilous task; yet
one, which among the miracles of the American revolution, was accomplish-
ed. A happiness, for which the country was as much indebted to the com-
mander-in-chief, as for his military services. The traits of character dis-
played by him in attaining this object, are more valuable than any exhibited
in his previous and after life, excellent as these, certainly, were. He had his
equals, perhaps superiors, in his own country, in military talent and political
science; but in magnanimity, self-control, and true appreciation of fame,
he was unrivalled. Had he been animated by ordinary ambition, the pas-
sion common to an Alexander, a Csesar, a Cromwell, and a Bonaparte, he
might readily have availed himself of the discontents of the army to gratify
it; he might have loosed upon his country, the most ferocious of animals, an
irritated soldiery, and have compelled that country to fly to military despot-
ism, as a refuge agaiast the worse evils of anarchy. But, with the love of
* Messrs. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Jolin Jay, and Henry Laurens.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 317
peace, of order, of social feeling and political equality, which can never be
too much praised, he said to the angry elements of discord, be still, and they
obeyed his voice.
When the prospect of peace became certain, the officers of the army turn-
ed anxiously to their own condition, and asked, as an act of justice, payment
of arrears, and compensation for losses sustained by a depreciated currency ;
and, as an act of gratitude, a reward, for services which were inestimable.
To the immediate gratification of these demands, the obstacle was obvious,
as irremediable, in an empty treasury. But there was a party in the na-
tional councils, who were indisposed to accept, without question, the high
estimate of services made bv the military — who believed that the life of the
soldier, had, like other conditions, mingled good and evil, the one com-
pensating the other; and who would not admit, that the distinction sought
by thousands, despite of the labours and privations which it imposed, gave
extraordinary and preferable claims upon the country. However sound, in
general, might be this view of military merit, it was less just when applied to
the continental army. There is no evil, it is true, which afflicted the Ameri-
can soldier, that had not been borne in pursuit of the very worst objects of
human ambition, of absolute and unhallowed power, of the sordid love of
gold. But the motive elevated the service; yet, only so long, as that motive
was disinterestedly patriotic. Every effort to obtain pecuniary compensa-
tion, made by the soldier, stripped his pretensions of their gilding, and re-
duced him nearer to the grade of the ordinary mercenary. The country,
but more, especially, posterity, owed to the men of the revolution, a deep debt
of gratitude. But was that more due to the suffering soldier, than the suffer-
ing citizen — to him who met the enemy in arms, manfully returning blow
for blow, than to him, who encountered the foe upon his hearth-stone, and
unresistingly beheld his barns and his byres plundered,- the wife of his
bosom, and the children of his love, violated or slaughtered — to him, who,
though, occasionally, scantily and precariously fed, had some assurance in
the care of the nation, and in his own arms, that he should not starve, than
to him, who was stripped of the loaf tliat he had gax-nered for his infants,
that the soldier might not want — to him whom, depreciation of the currency,
left as it found him, a pennyless man, than to him whom that depreciation
despoiled of the hoards of his ancestors, and of the stores laid up during a
long life of unremitting industry? Let the suffering of the soldier and the
citizen, be duly compared; they will not be found more unequal than were
the enjoyments for which they contended. An extraordinary gratitude con-
tinues even now, to repay the one, but no pension, no praise, has smoothed
the thorny path of the other, to the grave.
With views such as we have glanced at, Congress lent a dull and unwil-
ling ear, in the depth of pecuniary distress, to the vehement cries of the
soldier; and in consonance with the experience of all times past, he demon-
strated the disposition to redress his own grievances, and in his own way. An
anonymous, but eloquent and inflammatory address, was circulated through
the army,* exciting to this course ; whilst another missive summoned the
general and field-officers, to convene on the succeeding day. A crisis had
thus approached, big with the fate of the nation. It was possible, for the
commander-in-chief, by prompt, decisive and steady action, to avert the
threatened evil ; and he did not shrink from the service. He instantly no-
ticed the seditious papers, in general orders, and called the general and field-
officers, with one officer from each company, and a representation from the
staff of the army, to assemble on the 15th, to consider the report of a com-
' March lOtli, 1783.
318 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
mittee which had been deputed from the army to Congress. He employed
the interval, successfully, in preparing the minds of all for moderate mea-
sures. At the convention, General Gates took the chair, and Washington
addressed the officers, reprobating, in the strongest terms, the anonymous
addresses, not only as to the mode of communication, but, also, as to the
spirit which indicted them — dwelling on the character which the army had
acquired for patriotism and order — expressing undiminished confidence in
the justice and gratitude of the country, and conjuring them, as they valued
their honour, as they respected the rights of humanity, and as they regarded
their military and national character, to express their utmost detestation of
the man who was attempting to open the floodgates of civil discord, and to
deluge the rising empire with blood. So absolute was the power of virtue,
on this occasion, that not a voice was raised to oppose its behests. Reso-
lutions were, unanimously, adopted, echoing the sentiments of the com-
mander-in-chief.
These events hastened the adoption of a resolution, which had been, some
time, pending before Congress, giving to the officers who preferred a sum in
gross to an annuity, five years full pay, in money, or in securities at six per
cent., instead of the half-pay for life, which had previously been promised
them ; and measures were also taken, to obtain for the troops, three months'
pay in hand. At the same time, a happy mean was pursued, of dispersing
the dangerous mass. The commander-in-chief was instructed, to grant fur
loughs to the non-commissioned officers and privates, with an intention
which, of course, was persevered in, that they should not be required to re
join their regiments. The officers remonstrated ; but the general again ap
peased them, and gained their acquiescence. In the course of the summer,
a great proportion of the troops, who had enlisted for three years, returned
to their homes ; and on the tlurd of November, 1783, all who had engaged
for the war, were discharged.
By these means, an unpaid army was disbanded and dispersed ; — the pri-
vates betaking themselves to labour — the officers, who had been drawn from
every condition of society, from the professions, from husbandry and from
trade, and the mechanic arts, returned, generally, to their primary pursuits.
One, only, exception stands forth from this scene of honourable and pa-
triotic devotion. About eighty of the new Pennsylvania levies, who were
without pretensions of suffering and service, in despite of their officers,
marched from Lancaster to Philadelphia,* to seek a redress of grievances.
Joining with some troops, in the barracks of the city, their force was increased
to three hundred, which proceeded with fixed bayonets and drums, to the state-
house, where Congress, and the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania,
held their sessions. They placed guards at every door, and sent to the
council a written message, threatening to loose the soldiery upon them, if
their demands were not granted within twenty minutes. Congress, though
not the object of the soldiers resentment, deemed themselves grossly insulted,
having been restrained of their liberty for several hours. Apprehensive of
further ill consequence, from this insurrection, that body adjourned, to meet
at Princeton, the next place of their assemblage. General Washington, in-
formed of this outrage, despatched fifteen hundred men, under General Howe,
to quell the mutiny, which, previously to their arrival, was suppressed, with-
out bloodshed. Several of the mutineers were tried and condemned, two, to
suffer death; and four, to receive corporal punishment ; but all were afterwards
pardoned.
XXXII. On the 25th of November, 1783, the British evacuated New
*• .June 20th. 1783.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 319
York, and General Washington, attended by General Clinton, many civil
and military officers, and a cavalcade of citizens, made a public entry into
that city.
His military career was now on the point of terminating ; but previously
to divesting himself of his command, he proposed to bid adieu to his com-
rades in arms. The interview, for this purpose, took place on the fourth of
December, at Francis' tavern. At noon, the principal officers had assembled,
when he entered the room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed.
Filling a glass with wine, he turned to them and said, " with a heart full of
love and gratitude, I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish, that your
latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been
glorious and honourable." Having drank, he added, " I cannot come to
each of you to take leave, but shall be obliged, if each will come and take
me by the hand." General Knox being nearest, turned to him. Incapable
of utterance, Washington grasped his hand, and embraced him. In the same
affectionate manner, he took leave of all. Every eye was suffused with tears,
and not a word broke the deep silence and tenderness of the scene. Leav-
ing the room, he passed through the corps of light infantry, and walked to
White Hall, where a barge waited to convey him to Paules Hook. The
whole company followed in mute and solemn procession, testifying feelings
of delicious melancholy, which no language can describe. Having entered
the barge, he turned to his companions, and waving his hat, bade them a
silent adieu. They returned the affectionate salute, and when the barge had
left them, marched, in the same solemn manner, to the place where they
had assembled.*
One other act remained, to render the fame of Washington, as imperisha-
ble as the globe on which he lived — to set an example of virtue and patriot-
ism, which, through all time, shall inspire the good with the desire of imita-
tion, and curb and defeat the demagogue, and the tyrant, who use political
power for private ends. This was, the voluntary surrender of that almost
dictatorial power, which had been granted by the sages of his country, and
which he had used with unequalled prudence and conscientious reserve. This
solemn and impressive duty, he performed at Annapolis, on the 23d of De-
cember, 1783, delivering his commission to the assembled council of the
nation, from whom, eight years before, he had received it ; and retiring to
become, the first in peace, as he had been first in war, and first in the hearts
of his countrymen.
* Marshall. Gordon.
320 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
CHAPTER XVIII.
I. Peculiar sufferings of the State of New Jersey from the War. — II. Laws in New
Jersey relative to the Militia. — III. Council of Safety. — IV. Military efforts of
New Jersey. — V. State Representatives in Congress. — VI. Establishment of the
New Jersey Gazette. — VII. Unhappy Condition of the States after the return of
Peace. — VIII. Inefficiency of the Articles of Confederation — Part of New Jersey
in their Adoption. — IX. Measures proposed in Congress for maintaining Public
Credit — Efforts of New Jersey upon this subject. — X. She resorts to Paper Cur-
rency and Loan Office for Relief. — XI. Difficulties with Great Britain relative to
the Execution of the Treaty. — XII. Measures for regulating the Trade of the
Union — Result in a Proposition for Revision of the Articles of Confederation. —
XIII. Adoption of the New Constitution — Ratified by New Jersey.
I. In the rapid sketch we have given of the revolutionary war, we have
endeavoured to place in full relief, those events, in which the State of New
Jersey bore a distinguished part, or claimed a peculiar interest. We have,
thus, noticed the battles and skirmishes which took place within and around
her borders, and the injuries she sustained from the marauding parties of the
enemy, and the requisitions of her friends. We have seen, that the Ameri-
can grand army, except for a period of nine months, between September,
1777, and June, 1778, when the British occupied Philadelphia, and for the
two months of the autumn of 1781, employed against Cornwallis, in Virgi-
nia, was, during the whole war, within, or on the confines of, the State. Its
presence necessarily drew upon her, the perpetual observation and frequent
inroads of the enemy ; so that her citizens were, at no time, relieved from
the evils of war. Had the American army been regularly and fully paid,
some, though inadequate compensation, might have been derived from the
sale of her products to additional consumers. But, unhappily, those pro-
ducts were, too frequently, taken without payment, or were paid for in cer-
tificates, which, for the time, were worthless.
New Jersey, therefore, in the contest, to which she was as disinterested a
party as any State in the Union, suffered more than her proportion, more
than any other State, South Carolina excepted. Under these inflictions, the
patriotism, patience, and fortitude of her people, were merits of the highest
order. Her Legislature shrunk from no effort which the general interest
required, and was, commonly, among the first to act upon the suggestions of
Congress. After the victories of Trenton and Princeton, her militia, though
continually harassed, by the cares of defending a long line of coast, turned
out with promptness and energy, at the frequent calls of the commander-in-
chief; and when actually invaded, in force, upon her eastern border, de-
spatched considerable aid to her western sister State. The commander-in-
chief, and his principal officers, bear abundant testimony to the activity,
courage, and patriotism of her regular troops. Still, it remains, in order to
display the part borne by the State, in the revolution, that we enter some-
what more fully into the peculiar measures she pursued.
II. The subject of militia service was then, as now, one of much diffi-
culty, in all communities where the Quakers are numerous. The doctrine
of non-resistance is more admirable in theory, than admissible in prac-
tice. Probably, it can exist, only, where the State possesses an adequate
number of members, who are con.scientiousIy scrupulous in defending their
rights; and that a community of non-combatants, having wherewith to
excite the cupidity of others, would be converted into soldiers or slaves. In
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. a21
West Jersey, the Quakers were numerous, rich, and, as in Pennsylvania,
many were not unfriendly to British pretensions. Their influence was sufli-
cient to enervate the militia system. The ordinances of the Convention be-
trayed this ; and the system became one of the lirst subjects of attention for
the Legislature of the new State.
In a letter of the 24th of January, 1777, to Governor Livingston, General
Washington complained of its inefficiency, and strenuously urged, that "every
man capable of bearing arms, should be obliged to turn out, and not permit-
ted to buy off his services for a trifling sum." The governor communicated
and enforced this sentiment to the Legislature, whilst General Putnam, at
this time, stationed at Princeton, irritated by the refusal of numbers to perform
military duty, gave peremptory orders to apprehend delinquents, and to exact
personal service, or to levy what he deemed proportionate fines. This arbi-
trary and illegal measure was properly reproved by the governor; but the
general seems neither to have understood, nor relished the Ibrbearance en-
joined upon him, although sustained by orders of the commander-in-chief.
In framing the new militia bill, the principle of pecuniary composition for
service, was, tenaciously, retained. Again, Washington interfered, exclaim-
ing, " How can an Assembly of gentlemen, eye witnesses to the distresses
and inconveniences that have their principal source in the want of a well
regulated militia, hesitate to adopt the only remedy that can remove them !
And stranger still ; think of a law, that must, necessarily, add to the accu-
mulated load of confusion! For Heaven's sake, entreat them to lay aside
their present opinions, and waving every other consideration, let the public
good be singularly attended to ! The ease they design their constituents, by
composition, must be delusive. Every distinction between rich and poor,
must be laid aside now."* Still the militia law, passed on the 15th of March,
1777, authorized the commutation of service, during the war.
III. More energy was infused into another act of the Legislature, enacted
at this period, on the recommendation of the executive, constituting the go-
vernor, and twelve members of the Assembly, " a council of safety," with
extraordinary and summary powers. The members had the authority of
justices of the peace throughout the State, — they might fill vacancies in all
offices during the recess of the Legislature — might correspond with Congress
and other States, transact business with the officers of government, and pre-
pare bills for the General Assembly — might apprehend disaffected persons,
and imprison them, without bail or mainprize — might cause the laws to be
faithfully executed, enforce the resolutions of the Assembly, and recommend
to the speaker, to convene that body — and might call out such portions of the
militia, as they should deem necessary, to execute the laws or protect them-
selves. The original act was limited to six months, but the powers given
were continued and enlarged from time to time, until the middle of the year
1778. An attempt was unsuccessfully made, to revive this power in 1780.
It was most usefully employed in detecting and punishing the tories.
IV. There is much difficulty in giving a minute and accurate account of
the military eff(.irts of the State. Those of the militia were, generally, desul-
tory and momentary, whilst those of the regular troops are involved in the
operations of the continental armies. All officers of the militia, above the
grade of captain, were appointed by the council and Assembly, in joint meet-
ing, who, also, nominated all the officers of the continental brigade, below
the rank of brigadier. The militia officers, of all ranks, were frequently
changed ; but the changes in the brigade were little more than such as were
occasioned by death and promotion.
" Sedgwick's Livingston— Vote of Assembly — State Laws.
2 S
3ii2 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
The first brigadiers of militia were Philemon Dickenson, Isaac William-
son, and William Livingston. General Williamson resigned sixth of Feb-
ruary, 1777. Mr. Livingston's commission was vacated by his election as
governor. On the close of June, 1776, when the militia were ordered to
meet the enemy operating against New York, Colonel Nathaniel Heard was
promoted to the command of the detachment of three thousand three hun-
dred volunteers, engaged to serve until December, which had been oflered to
Joseph Reed, who, about this time, entered the continental service. The
colonels were Philip Van Cortland, Ephraim Martin, Stephen Hunt, Silas
Newcomb; lieutenant-colonels, David Brearley, David Forman, John Mun-
son, Philip Johnson, and Bowes Reed; brigade-major, Robert Hoopes. On
the eighteenth of July, Congress having authorized the commander-in-chief
to call to his assistance, two thousand men from the flying camp, the Conven-
tion of New Jersey supplied their place by a like number of militia. As the
success of the enemy increased, and the danger to the State became immi-
nent, still more strenuous measures were adopted. On the 11th of August,
1776, the Convention, by ordinance, divided the militia into two classes, or-
dering one-half into immediate service, to be relieved, monthly. The fine
imposed on privates, refusing to serve, was three pounds, only. This forced
effort was, necessarily, of short duration.
On the 15th of February, 1777, General Dickenson proposing to remove
from the State, tendered to the Assembly his commission of brigadier, which
was accepted with a vote of thanks, for his spirited and prudent conduct
whilst in office. Joseph Ellis was named his successor, but declined the
commission. On the twenty-first of February, David Potter and John Neil-
son, on the fourth of March, Colonel William Winds, on the fifth, David
Forman, and on the fifteenth Silas Newcomb, were named brigadiers. Mr.
Potter declined to serve. General Forman resigned on the 6th of Novem-
ber, and General Newcomb on the 4th of the following month. On the 6th
of June, Mr. Dickenson, having abandoned his intention of leaving the State,
was appointed major-general ; he held this post during the war, was fre-
quently, as we have seen, engaged in active service, giving high satisfaction
to the commander-in-chief, the constituted authorities of the State, and the
troops under his command.
To the continental army. New Jersey supplied two highly distinguished
general officers, and a brigade, certainly, inferior to none in the service.
Lord Sterling, remarkable for his zeal and energy as a whig, was, in
October, 1775, a colonel in the militia of Somerset county. He was soon
after appointed to the same rank, in the first continental regiment from the
province, whilst William Maxwell received the colonelcy of the second. In
December, of the same year. Lord Stirling was suspended by Governor
Franklin, from his seat in Council. In January, 1776, he received the
thanks of Congress, for the capture of the ship Blue Mountain Valley, which,
with the aid of several gentlemen, volunteers from Elizabethtown, he sur-
prised. In March following, he became brigadier, and in February, 1777,
major-general, in the continental army. He died at Albany, 15th of
January, 1783, whilst in chief command of the northern department.
During the war, he rendered as much personal service as any officer of his
rank; and to his military merit. General Washington has borne honourable
testimony.*
* William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, was the only son of James Alexander, a
distinfruished lawyer, of New York, and at one time, Secretary of the Province of
New Jersey. William commenced business as a merchant, in New York. In 1755,
he was appointed one of the army contractors, by General Shirley; and, subsequent-
ly, private secretary to that commander. Being skilled in theoretic and practical
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 323
In February, 1776, a third battalion was raised in New Jersey, placed
under the command of Colonel Maxwell, and marched for Canada. Under
the resolutions of Congress, authorizing the raising of eighty -eight battalions,
for the war, four were allowed to that State. In fitting them, recourse was
had to the three battalions already in service, northward of Albany, and for
the deficiency, to the five battalions, raised for one year, under the command
of General Heard. Pursuant to the recommendation of Congress, of the
8th of October, 1779, the Assembly appointed a committee, consisting of
Theophilus Elmer and Abraham Clark, to nominate the officers for the bat-
talions, subject to the revision and confirmation of the Legislature,' The
first field-officers confirmed in joint meeting, were Colonels Elias Dayton,
Ephraim Martin, Silas Newcomb, Isaac Shreve; Lieutenant-colonels David
Brearley, Matthias Ogden, David Rhea, and Francis Barber; Majors Wil-
liam De Hart, Richard Howell, Joseph- Bloomlield, and E. Howell. The
company officers were appointed at the same time. Several changes in the
field-oflicers, almost immediately took place.
Under the authority of Congress, in 1780, a new arrangement of the
Jersey brigade was made, reducing the four battalions to three regiments,
which was confirmed by the Assembly of the State, on the 26th of Septem-
ber, in the following manner, as to the field-officers. Of the first regiment,
Matthias Ogden, colonel, David Brearley, lieutenant-colonel, Daniel Piatt,
major; of the second regiment, Isaac Shreve, colonel, William De Hart,
lieutenant-colonel, and Richard Howell, major; of the third, Elias Dayton,
colonel, Francis Barber, lieutenant-colonel, and John Conway, major. The
brigade, before and afler it was thus constituted, was commanded by Briga-
dier-general Maxwell, and was employed, at times, in every part of the con-
tinent; wherever hard service was required, in the north, south, centre, and
west.* Besides the distinguished military officers, we have above named,
New Jersey gave to the continental army. Adjutant-general Joseph Reed,
subsequently President of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania, and Elias
Boudinot, the commissary-general of prisoners. This gentleman was, also,
in 1783, President of Congress. In the civil department, she gave to the
United States, a judge of admiralty, in Francis Hopkinson, and to Pennsyl-
vania, an attorney-general, in Jonathan D. Sergeant.
V. In Congress, the State appears to have been uniformly and efficiently
represented, and her delegates chosen, annually, by the Assembly, in joint
ballot, to have borne an active part in all the important business of that
body. We have heretofore given the names of her representatives, up to the
adoption of the constitution of the State, and now append the names of those
mathematics, he was made surveyor-general of East Jersey. In September, 1756, he
accompanied Shirley to England, and by his persuasions, was induced to claim the
Scottish earldom of Stirling, of which he bore the family name, and which had been
in abeyance, since 1739. He succeeded in establishing, in 175!), his direct descent
from the titled family, before a jury of service, as required by the Scotch law, and,
confident of final success, assumed the title, which was, at the same time, adopted by
several other claimants. But the final decision depended on the House of Peers,
which forbade all claimants of peerages to use the titles, until their rights were esCa-
blished. The decision was ultimately against him ; but the title was given to him by
courtesy, during the remainder of his life. Shortly after his return to America, lie
removed to Baskingridge, in the county of Somerset, New Jersey, where his father
had owned extensive tracts of land ; and being soon afterwards appointed a member of
the King's Council, he remained at this place until the revolution. His letters to the
Lords Bute and Shelburne, some of which remain, show an earnest desire to develope
the resources of the colony. He made a map of the province, and endeavoured to
foster its manufactures. In the year 1773, he exerted himself to discover the agents
in the robbery of the treasurer, Stephen SWmner. —Sedgicick's Life of Livingston.
* General Maxwell resigned, 20th of July, 1780.
324 HISTORY UF NEW JERSEY.
who served iVoni that period, to tlie organization of the present federal
government.*
VI. Among other measures, and certainly not the least efficient, adopted
by the Legislature, in aid of the revolution, was the establishment of the
public press, and the New Jersey Gazette ; designed, among other good pur-
poses, to counteract the influence of the Royal Gazette, published by Riving-
ton, in New York. This matter was proposed to the Assembly on the 11th
of October, 1777, and was undertaken by Mr. Isaac Collins, who had been
printer to the province for some years ; the Legislature engaging, for seven
hundred subscribers, to establish a post from the printing office to the nearest
continental post office, and to exempt the printer and four workmen from
militia service. Mr. Collins was a Quaker, a whig, a man of enterprise,
courage and discretion. The gazette was regularly published, until the
25th of November, 1786, when other presses having been established, it
was discontinued, for want of patronage. It rendered essential service to
the patriot cause, and was the vehicle for the lucubrations of Governor Liv-
ingston, and other writers, who animated and dii-ected the efforts of their
countrymen.
VII. The States had universally looked forward to the return of peace,
with the establishment of their independence, as to a condition of unalloyed
happiness. The unyielding firmness with which their trials had been borne,
and the glorious termination of the contest, gave to the people much self-
satisfaction, at home, and an honourable reputation, abroad, which served as
powerful stimulus to pursue their high destinies with vigour. But many
obstacles opposed the rapid progress which their hopes had predicted. In
the course of the long war, the people had been greatly impoverished — their
property had been seized for the support of both armies, and their labour
had been much devoted to military service. The naval power of the enemy
had almost annihilated their commerce; the price of imports was enhanced,
whilst exports were reduced much below their ordinary value. On opening
their ports, an immense quantity of foreign merchandise was poured into
the country; and the citizens were, generally, tempted by the sudden cheap-
ness of goods, and by their own wants, to purchase far beyond their means
of payment. Into this indiscretion they were, in some measure, beguiled,
by their own sanguine calculations, on the rise of the value of their products,
* The following named gentlemen were elected to Congress at the times respec-
tively designated. —
1776, November :30th, Richard Stockton, Jonathan Dickenson Sergeant, Dr. John
Witherspoon, Abraham Clark, and Jonathan Elmer. Mr. Stockton resigned, Iflth of
February, 1777.
1777, Novemljcr 20th, Messrs. Witherspoon, Clark, and Elmer, Nathaniel Scudder,
and Elias Boudinot.
1778, November (Itli, Witherspoon, Scudder, Frederick Frelinghuysen, John Fell,
and John Neilson.
1779, November 17th. The delegates were reduced to three, and were, John Fell,
Williapi (^hurchill Houston, and Thoma.s Henderson.
1780, November 2'.M, Witherspoon, Clark, Houston, William Patterson, and Wil-
liam Burnett.
1781, November 2d, Clark, Houston, Elmer, Boudinot, and Silas Condict.
1782, October :50th. Boudinot, Clark, Elmer, Condict, and Frelinghausen.
1783, November (ilh, Elmer, Condict, John Stephens, ^sen., John Beatty, and
Samuel Dick.
1784, October 2nth, Houston, Beatty, Dick, Lambert Ca"dwallader, John Cleves
Symmes, and Josiah Hornblower.
1785, October 28th, Cadwallader, Syinmes, and Hornblower.
1786, November 7th, Cadwallader, Clark, and James Sciiureman.
1787, October 31st, Clark, Elmer, Patterson.
1788, Clark, Elmer, Jonathan Dayton.
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 325
and the evidences of the public debt, which were in the hands of most men.
Extravagant estimates were made of the demand for lands, by the vast con-
course of emigrants, which it was supposed equal liberty would bring from
Europe; and adverting to the advantages gained by those who purchased on
credit, during the prevalence of paper money, man}' individuals made exten-
sive purchases at very high prices. The delusions, however, were soon
dissipated, and a greater proportion of the inhabitants found themselves in-
volved in debts they were unable to discharge. One of the consequences of
this state of things, was a general discontent with the course of trade. From
their superior skill and capital, and free admission to American ports, the
British merchants had greater advantage in the American trade, than when
the States were colonies ; whilst the navigation of American ships to British
ports, was prohibited, and American exports refused admission, or burdened
with heavy duties. In the rich trade of the neighbouring colonies, the Ameri-
cans were not permitted to participate, and in the ports of Europe they en-
countered embarrassing regulations. From the Mediterranean, they were
excluded by the Barbary powers, whose hostility they could not subdue, and
whose friendship they could not purchase.
The unpaid debt of the war was a source of great inconvenience to the
country at home, whilst it caused ignominy and contempt abroad, from
which there was no chance of escape, whilst the means of payment were
derived from the State sovereignties. The debts of the union were com-
puted to amount, on the first of January, 1783, to somewhat more than forty
millions of dollars, which were due to three classes of highly meritorious
creditors. To an ally, who, to the extensions of his arms, had added gene-
rous loans, and liberal donations; — to individuals in Holland, who, besides
this precious token of confidence, were members of a republic, which M^as
second in espousing our rank among nations — and to the soldiers of the war,
whose patience and services, merited any other reward, than neglect and
procrastination of payment ; and to citizens who had originally loaned their
funds, or had become purchasers of public securities.
This debt was due, part from the United States, and part from the individual
States, who became immediately responsible to the creditors, retaining a claim
against the general government, for the balance, which might appear on the
settlement of accounts. The depreciation of the debts due from the Union,
was consequent on its poverty, and inability to acquire funds; whilst the de-
preciation of the State debt, can be ascribed only to the want of confidence in
governments controlled by no fixed principles.* In many of the States, pub-
lic securities were sold at a discount of seventeen -shillings in the pound. In
private transactions, a great degree of distrust, also, prevailed. The bonds
of debtors, of unquestioned solvency, were sold at fifty per cent, reduction ;
i-eal estate was scarce vendible, and few articles could be sold for ready
money, unless at a ruinous loss.
VIII. Much of the evils of this condition might have been readily re-
moved, by an efficient general government, which could call forth and direct
the wealth and energies of the people. But no such power could be derived
from the loose articles of confederation, which had been, after much delay
and reluctance, on the part of the States, finally adopted in 1781. These
articles were laid before the Assembly of New Jersey, on the 4th of Decem-
ber, 1777. No action was had upon them during the then session, nor
until the 15th of June, 1778, when the joint committee reported them, with
sundry propositions of amendment: — 1. That the delegates in Congress
* New Jersey provided for the payment of the interest, and for the final redemption
of her domestic debt, by taxation.
328 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
should take an obligation to pursue the interests of the confederation, and,
particularly, to assent to no measure which might violate it; 2. That the
sole and exclusive power of regulating the trade of the United States with
foreign nations, should be vested in Congress; and the revenue arising from
the customs, should be appi-opriated to the establishment of a navy, and to
other public and general purposes; 3. That no body of troops should be
kept up by the United States in time of peace, except by the assent of nine
States; 4. That the quotas of aids and supplies from the several States
should be settled every five years; 5. That the boundaries of the several
States should be fully and finally established, as soon as practicable within
five years; 6. That the vacant crown lands should be deemed the spoils of
the war, to be applied for the general benefit ; and that whilst the jurisdiction
of the several States was preserved with chartered or determined limits, the
vacant lands should be vested in Congress, in trust for the United States;
7. That the requisitions on the several States for land forces, should be ap-
portioned to the whole of the respective population, and not to the number
of white inhabitants only ; 8. That for equitably ascertaining the quota of
troops of each State, a census of the inhabitants should be taken every five
years ; 9, and lastly. That the provision which required the assent of nine
out of thirteen States, in certain cases, should be so modified, that the pro-
portion should be preserved upon an increase of the number of States.
Although the inconvenience of amending the articles of confederation, may
have prevented the incorporation of these propositions, it is obvious that the
statesmen of New Jersey had foreseen and supplied the omission of many
principles which were essential to the welfare, nay, the existence of the
Union. At various times she enforced the propriety of the general regula-
tion of trade, and of making the crown lands a common fund ; and, finally,
all her suggestions were adopted in the establishment of the Union. On the
14th of November, 1778, the Assembly, reasserting the propriety and expe-
diency of their propositions, which they forebore to press, on account of the
urgency of the case, and in the hope that the States would, in due time, re-
move the existing inequality, adopted the articles of confederation. And on
the 20th, a law authorized their delegates in Congress, to subscribe them.
IX. The utter inefficiency of the articles of confederation, became appa-
rent almost as soon as they were adopted, and was most conclusively exem-
plified, in the failure of the earnest endeavour to provide for the public debt,
made in 1783. Two parties, as we have elsewhere observed, began to per-
vade the Union. One contemplated America as a nation, and laboured in-
cessantly to invest the federal head with powers competent to the preserva-
tion of the Union. The other, attached to the State authorities, viewed all
the powers of Congress with jealousy, and assented, reluctantly, to measures
which tended to render them independent of the States. Sensible that the
character of the government would be determined by the measures which
should immediately follow the treaty of peace, gentlemen of distinguished
political acquirements, among whom were some conspicuous officers of the
late army, sought a place in the Congress of 1783. They procured the
assent of the House, to a system, the best that circumstances would admit,
to restore and support public credit, and to obtain from the States substantial
means for the funding the whole debt of the nation. They proposed that
adequate funds should be raised by duties on imports, and by internal taxes,
for the immediate payment of the interest, and gradual extinction of the
principal ; and that the quotas of the several States, should be determined,
not by the value of the located lands, but by the extent of its population. It
was proposed, also, as an amendment to the 8th article of the confederation,
that the taxes for the use of the continent, should be levied, separately, from
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 327
other taxes, and paid directly into the national treasury, and that the col-
lectors should be subject and responsible to Congress. To prevent the pre-
ference in payment, for part of the debts, which might result from a partial
adoption of the system, it was declared, that no part of the revenue system
should take effect, until the whole had been adopted by all the States ; after
which, the grant was to be irrevocable, except by the concurrence of the
whole, or by a majority of the United States in Congress assembled. But to
remove the jealousy which obstructed the grant of power, to collect an inde-
finite sum for an indefinite time, the proposition was modified, so that the
grant was to be limited to twenty-five years, to be strictly appropriated to
the debt contracted on account of the war, and collected by persons appoint-
ed by the respective States. These resolutions were adopted on the 18th of
April, 1783 ; and a committee, consisting of Mr. Madison, Mr. Hamilton, and
Mr. Ellsworth, was appointed to recommend them by an address to the
people, and Washington, himself, joined in this object, by a circular address-
ed to the governors of the States, respectively.*
While the fate of these measures remained undecided, requisitions for the
intermediate supply of the national demands, were annually repeated, but
annually neglected. From the first of November, 1784, to the first of Ja-
nuary, 1786, there had been paid to the public treasury, only 482,397 dol-
lars. Happily, a loan had been negotiated in Holland, by Mr. Adams, after
the termination of the war, out of which the interest of the foreign debt had
been partly paid ; but that fund was exhausted. Unable to pay the interest,
the United States would, in the course of the succeeding year, be liable for
the first instalment of the principal ; and the humiliation of total failure, in
the fulfilment of her engagements, would be accompanied with no hope of
future ability. If the condition of the domestic creditors was not absolutely
hopeless, their prospect of payment was so remote, that the evidences of their
claim were transferred at a tenth of their nominal value. In a word, in 1786,
a crisis had arrived, when the peojile of the United States were required to
decide, whether, by the establishment of a secure, and permanent revenue,
and the maintenance of public faith, at home and abroad, they would sustain
their rank as a nation.
In the course of the year 1786, the revenue system, proposed in April,
1783, had been adopted by every State in the Union, New York excepted.
That State had passed an act upon the subject, but influenced by its jealousy
of the Federal Government, had not vested in Congress the power of collect-
ing the duties specified in their resolutions ; but had reserved to itself the
levying of the duties according to its own laws, made the collectors answera-
ble only to the State, and the duties payable in State bills, which were liable
to depreciation. As the assent of every State was indispensable to the suc-
cess of the plan, it was thus, wholly defeated.
New Jersey, overshadowed by her overgrown neighbours. New York and
Pennsylvania, whose capitals and whose ports, made them importers, not
only for themselves, but for her, had a grievance peculiarly her own — pay-
ing the duties which those States, severally, levied upon the merchandise
she consumed. She was, therefore, induced, by the strongest ties of interest,
to support the federative system, by which such duties, instead of being
levied by individual States for their special benefit, would be received and
expended for the general weal of the nation; and was indignant, that the
system had been rejected by New York. Certain resolutions, expressive
of her sense, upon this and other momentous subjects, were reported to the
Assembly, by Mr. Abraham Clarke, on the 20th of February, 1786, and
* Dated June 6th, 1783.
328 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
afterwards embodied in instructions to her delegates in Congress, to the fol-
lowing effect.
" When the revenue system of April 18th, 1783, was passed in Congress,
we were then in hopes that our situation, between two commercial States,
would no longer operate to our detriment ; and that, those States, and others
in their predicament, were, at length, convinced of the selfish and palpable
injustice of subjecting others to their exactions, and then applying those ex-
actions to the augmentation of their respective private revenues."
" The same contracted and destructive policy, that has long subsisted, still
continues ; and as we are convinced, that neither the public credit can be
supported, the public debts paid, or the existence of the Union maintained,
without the impost revenue, in some beneficial effective manner, it has be-
come our duty to instruct you, to vote against each and every ordinance, re-
solution, or proceeding, whatever, which shall produce any expense to New
Jersey, for the promotion or security of the commerce of these States, or
any of them, from which neither the Union, in general, nor this State, in
particular, derives any advantage, until all the States shall, effectually, and
substantially, adopt and carry into execution, the impost above mentioned.
You will see, by the representation of this State, June 25th, 1778, that the
Legislature have, uniformly, held the same justice of sentiment, respecting
the vacant or crown lands ; relative to which, you are instructed — to vote
against every proceeding, which shall tend to charge this State with any
expense for acquiring, gaining possession of, or defending such territory,
claimed by, or which is to accrue to, the exclusive benefit of any particular
State or States, and not the Union at large."
" The Legislature has beheld, with much concern, gratuitous advances of
money and partial payments, made by Congress, to importuning creditors
and others, not regulated by any general and equal system, which not only
impoverish the treasury, but produce discontents, and furnish bad precedents.
You are, therefore, instructed not to assent to any such payments, or to the
payment of any particular debts, other than foreign loans, in preference to
others of a like nature, whereby a discrimination of creditors may take place.
It were well if the public could pay all, promptly, but as that is impractica-
ble, it is absolutely necessary, to act upon settled uniform plans, in paying
as far as the revenue can extend."
The Assembly, also, resolved, for these reasons, " that they could not,
consistently wi h the duty they owed to their constituents, comply with the
requisition of Congress of the 27th of September, 1785, or any other of a
similar nature, requiring specie contributions, until all the States in the
Union should comply with the requisition of April, 1783, or at least, until
the several States, having the advantage of commei'ce, which they now enjoy,
solely from the joint exertions of the United States, shall forbear exacting
duties upon merchandise, for the particular benefit of their respective States,
thereby drawing revenues from other States, whose local situation and cir-
cumstances, would not admit their enjoying similar advantages from com-
merce."
This resolution proved so embarrassing to Congress, that a committee was
appointed from that body, personally, to remonstrate with the Legislature of
New Jersey, and to endeavour to procure its repeal. Whereupon, the
House resolved, that " being willing to remove, as far as in their power,
every embarrassment, from the councils of the Union, and that the failure of
supplies from temporary demands, though clearly evinced from experience,
may not be imputed to the State of New Jersey, only, the resolution of the
twentieth of February, should be rescinded." Thus disappointed in procuring
an equalization of the customs, (he State, from the many petitions upon this
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 329
subject, seems to have prepared itself for the establishment of a tariff of
duties, upon all goods imported from the adjacent States. A measure which
could have resulted only in awakening dangerous feuds with her neighbours,
and in the greater oppression of her own citizens.
X. To relieve the pecuniary distress which weighed upon this State, in
common with the rest of the Union, the Legislature resorted to the old expe-
dient of issuing bills of credit, and lending them upon mortgage, through
loan offices, established in the several counties. A bill for striking and
making current, one hundred thousand pounds, was passed by the Assem-
bly, in March, 1786, but was rejected in Council. The cries of the people,
however, were too general and loud, to be thus disregarded ; and a special
session of the Legislature was holden on the 17th of May, following, when
the bill passed both Houses.
XL To increase the gloom which hung over the Union, difficulties had
arisen relative to the execution of the treaty with Great Britain, which had
been broken by both parties. The British had not delivered up, nor paid for,
the slaves of the southern planters, nor surrendered the military posts upon
the borders. Nor had the United States complied with the 4th, 5th, and 6th
articles, containing agreements respecting the payment of private debts, due
the British merchants, the confiscation of property, Efnd the prosecution of
individuals, for the part taken by them, during the war. Complaints were
also, made, of British encroachments on the territory of the United States,
from the eastern frontier. But the cause of the greatest disquiet, was the
rigorous commercial system, pursued by Great Britain. To settle these
vexatious questions, Mr. John Adams was, in February, 1785, appointed
plenipotentiary of the United States to the British court. His efforts to give
reciprocity and stability to the commercial relations, between the two coun-
tries, were unavailing ; the cabinet of London declining negotiation with a
government, which was unable to secure the observance of any general re-
gulation, and to make the obligations of a treaty reciprocal.
XIL All these circumstances rendered a modification of the compact be-
tween the States, not only desirable, but inevitable, if their union was to bo
preserved. The immediate measures leading to a change, commenced in
Virginia. On the 21st of January, 1786, a resolution was adopted in the
Legislature of that State, appointing commissioners " to meet such as might
be appointed by the other States in the Union, at a time and place to be
agreed on, to take into consideration the trade of the United States; to ex-
amine the relative situation and trade of the said States ; to consider how far
a uniform system in their commercial relations may be necessary to their
common interests, and their present harmony, and to report to the several
States, such an act, relative to this great object, as when unanimously rati-
fied by them, will enable the United States, in Congress assembled, effectu-
ally, to provide for the same." In the circular letter transmitting these
resolutions to the resiKictive States, Annapolis, in Maryland, was proposed
as the place, and the ensuing September as the time, of meeting.
This resolution was submitted to the Legislature of New Jersey, on the
14th of March, 1786, and concurred in, a few, days after. On ihe 21st, in
joint meeting, Messrs. Abraham Clarke, William C. Houston, and James
Schurcman, were appointed delegates to iho convention at Annapolis.
But five Skxtes,*. Only, were represented, on this important occasion. The
delegates having appointed Mr. John Dickinson their chairman, proceeded to
discuss the objects of their convention; when liiey soon perceived, tliat more
ample powers were requisite to effect their contemplated purpose. They
* New York, New Jersej', Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.
2T
330 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
rose, therefore, without coming to any resolution, save that of recommend-
ing, to the several States, the necessity of extending the revision of the
federal system, to all its defects, and the appointment of deputies for that
purpose, to meet in convention, in the. city of Philadelphia, on the second day
of the ensuing May.
This proposition was variously received, in accordance with the temper of
the several parties in the Union. Those who sought the energetic govern-
ment of monarchy, and those who earnestly desired to break up the old con-
federation, believed, that the public affairs had not yet reached their worst
state — that slate which would compel a change; and, therefore, they looked
coldly upon it. Others deemed the mode of calling the convention, irregular;
whilst others objected to it, because it gave no authority to the plan, which
should be devised. But its most active opponents were the devotees of state
sovereignty, who deprecated any considerable augmentation of federal piower.
The ultimate decision of the States, in favour of the proposition, is supposed
to have been produced, by the commotions which at that time agitated all
New England, and particularly Massachusetts. Congress was restrained
from giving its sanction to the measure, by an apprehension, that their action
upon it would impede, rather than promote, it. From this fear, they were
relieved by the Legislature of New York, which, by a majority 6f one voice,
only, instructed its delegation to move in Congress, a resolution, recommend-
ing to the several States, to appoint deputies to meet in convention, for the
purpose of revising, and proposing amendments to, the federal constitution.
On the 21st of February, 1787, the day succeeding the instructions given by
New York, Congress resolved -it " to be expedient, that on the second Mon-
day in May next, a convention of delegates, who shall have been appointed
by the several States, be held at Philadelphia, for the sole and express pur-
pose of revising the articles of confederation, and reporting to Congress, and
the several Legislatures, such alterations and provisions, therein, as shall,
when agreed to, in Congress, and confirmed by the States, render the federal
constitution adequate to the exigencies of government, and the preservation
of the Union."
On the 24th of November, 178fi, New Jersey had approved the measure,
and nominated David Brearley, William C. Houston, William Patterson, and
John Neilson, commissioners on her part; to whom she afterwards added.
Governor Livingston, and Abraham Clark, on the 19th of May, 1787,
(omitting the name of Mr. Nielsen,) and Jonathan Dayton, on the 7th of
June.
Xin. The representatives of twelve States convened at the time and place
appointed; Rhode Island, alone, having refused to send deputies. Having,
unanimously, chosen General Washington their president, they proceeded
with closed doors, to discuss the interesting subject submitted to them. Upon
the great principles of the system, not much contrariety of opinion is under-
stood to have prevailed; but the various and intricate modifications of those
principles, presented much difficulty. More than once, there was reason to
fear, that the convention would rise without effecting the object for which it
was formed. Happily, the advantages of the Union triumphed over local
interests. And at length, on the 17th of September, the constitution of the
United States of Amcn'ica, was given to the world.
Although earnestly devoted to the establisliment of a strong and permanent
government for the Union, New Jersey was anxious to preserve the original
equably of the States, which had given to each, in Congress, before and after
the adoption of the articles of confederation, a voice alike potential. The
pretension was unjust, considering the United States as composed of one
people, but had a colour of propriety when they were viewed as a confede-
HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY. 331
ration of independent States. The " New Jersey plan," as it was termed,
was proposed by Mr. Patterson, and sustained by the delegates of New Jersey,
Connecticut, Delaware, and in part of Maryland. To ils introduction we,
probabl}^, owe that provision of the constitution of the United States, which
gave irom the several States, an equal representation in the Senate.*
The convention directed the I'esult of their labours to be laid before Con-
gress; and that it should afterwards be submitted to a convention of dele-
gates, chosen in each State by the people, thereof, under the recommendation
of its Legislature, for their assent and ratification; and that so soon as the
conventions of nine States should have ratified it, it should be carried into
operation by Congress, in a mode prescribed.
When submitted to the people, ihe merits of this constitution were fully
and rigorously discussed, not only in the several conventions, but in the
periodical papers of the day. The federal, and the State-right parties, which
divided the country, maintained their views with equal zeal ; but the first,
after an arduous struggle, prevailed. In producing this result, Messrs.
Madison, Jay, and Hamilton, were among the most efficient and distinguish-
ed agents, and their essays under the title of the Federalist, form a valua-
ble treatise on government, which must continue to be the text book for, at
least, the statesmen of North America.
So balanced were .the pai'ties in some of the States, that even after the
constitution had been long discussed, its fate could scarcely be conjectured;
and so small in many instances, was the majority in its favour, as to afford
ground to believe, that had the influence of character been removed, the
merits of the instrument would not have secured its adoption. And in some
of the adopting States, a majority of the people are siipposed to have been op-
posed to it. The commissioners of New Jersey, reported to the Assembly
the proceedings of the Convention, on the 25th of October, 1787. And Con-
gress having unanimously resolved, that the constitution be transmitted to
the several States, for consideration, the House, unanimously, on the 29th of
October, recommended, such inhabitants of the State as were entitled to vote
for representatives in the General Assembly, to elect on the fourth Tuesday
of November, from each county, three delegates' to a convention, to meet at
Trenton, on the second Tuesday of December, to consider, and if approved,
to ratify, the constitution.
The State Convention met on the 11th of December, 1787, and chose
John Stephens, president, and Samuel Witham Stockton, secretary. After
establishing rules for its government, it resolved, " that the federal constitu-
* The plan of Mr. Pattorson contemplated the amendment of tlie articles of confede-
ration— iiy vesting in Congress power — To raise a revenue by duties on imposts,
stamps, and postage — To regulate trade and conimerce with foreign nations, and be-
tween the States ; all punishments, fines, forfeitures, and penalties, to be adjudged by
the common law judiciary of the State, in which the offence should be committed,
subject to an apj^eal to the judiciary of the United States — To make requisitions upon
the several States, in proportion to the whole number of inhabitants, including those
bound to servitude for a term of years, and three-fifths of slaves; and in case of non-
compliance, to direct the collection of the same — To elect a Federal Executive to con-
sist of several persons, paid by Congress, having power to appoint all Federal officers,
«&c. — To establish a Federal Judiciary, consisting of a supreme tribunal, appointed by
the Executive, during good behaviour, to have original jurisdiction in case of im-
peachment, and appellate jurisdiction in cases relating to ambassadors, captures,
piracy and felony on the sea — To impose an oath of fidelity, &c. on all officers — To
make the Federal laws and treaties the supremo laws of the land, and to call forth the
military powers of the confederated S^tates, to enforce such laws — To provide for the
admission of new States into the Union — To provide for deciding upon all disputes
between the United States and an individual State, respecting territory — To make a
uniform rule of naturalization, &c. &c.
332 HISTORY OF NEW JERSEY.
tion be read, by sections, and that, as so read, every member make his obser-
vations thereon; that aCter debating such section, the question be taken,
whether further debate be had thereon ; and if determined in the negative,
that the convention proceed in like manner to the next section, until the
whole be gone through; upon which the general question sliali be taken,
Whether the Convention in the name, and on behalf of the people of this
State, do ratify and confirm the said constitution?" And on Tuesday, the
18th of December, the constitution was, unanimously, adopted, without a sin-
gle amendment. On the 19th, the members of the Convention went in
solemn procession, to the Court House, where the ratification was publicly
read to the people.*
The twelve articles of amendment, which were proposed and adopted, at
the first session of the first Congress, were ratified by this State, by an act
passed on the 20th of November, 1789. That the happiness of all the citi-
zens of the United States has been promoted and secured, by the Federal
Constitution, admits not of doubt. But, to New Jersey, especially, that in-
strument brought peace, protection and prosperity. Condemned, l3y circum-
stances, which she could not control, to abandon all prospect of foreign com-
merce, she would have been dependant upon New York on the east, and
Pennsylvania on the west, for her supplies of foreign merchandise. For so
valuable a customer, those States would, probably, have contended between
themselves ; and the inhabitants on the shores of the Delaware and its tribu-
taries, would have made common interest with Philadelphia, whilst those on
the banks of the Hudson and the sea coast, would have been controlled by
the merchants of New York. Less causes have divided States, have given
birth to civil wars, followed by the subjection of the country. New Jersey
might have become the prize for which her great neighbours would have re-
sorted to arms ; and her greatest happiness might have been, to be conquered
by the strongest.
From the dread of these evils, the Union has, happily, delivered her, and
left her at perfect liberty to pursue, with unerring certainty, the welfare of
her cirizens. Debarred from foreign commerce, she has turned her pro-
vidence to agriculture and manufactures. For the first, the diversity of her
soils is admirably adapted. For the second, her mines and lier streams have
fitly prepared her. From both, she has continued to derive, abundantly,
morals, wealth, and happiness. Since the adoption of the Federal Constitu-
tion, few subjects of historical interest have occurred, — public business has
flowed in a silent and tranquil stream, and individual prosperity has been un-
interrupted. The fondest wish of the patriot heart, must be, that the Union,
the Federal Constitution, and the weal of the State, which are inseparable,
may, also, be perpetual.
'* New Jersey was tlie third State to ratify tlie constitution, being preceded only
by Delaware, on the 7th, and Pennsylvania, on the 12th, of December.
appendix;
NOTE A.— Page 6.
The Hudson and Delaware riverd have been known under various names, by the
aborigines and the wlii,tes. Thus, the Hudson was called Manahatla, from an In-
dian nation near its mouth. Mahahaneghtac, or Mohican- nittuck, and Mohegan, from
the Mohicans; Shattemuck, perhaps a corruption of the preceding; and Co/ictaha, by
the Iroquois. The Dutch and English termed it the !North, to distinguish it from
the Delaware, or South river. Tlie Dutch also called it Mauritius river, in honour
of Prince Maurice. The Spaniards are supposed to have called it Ricicrc de Mon-
tagues, from the Highlands through which it passes.
The Delaware, among the natives, was knovyn as the Poutaxat, Marisqueton,
Maker iskitton, and Makerisk-kiskon, and Lcnapc-icihittuck, stream of the Lenape.
By the Dutch it was called Zuydt, or South, Nassau, Prince Kendrick's, or Charles'
river; and by the English, the Delaware. The derivation of the last name is
doubtful. Campanius says it was so named, from Mons. De la Warre, a captain
under Chartier ; and that it was discovered in 1600; whilst Stith informs us, that
Thomas West, Lord Delaware, discovered and gave it his name, in 1610, and that
he died opposite its mouth, on a second voyage to Virginia, in 1618. In Heylin's
Cosmography, originally written in 164S, but continued by Edward Bohun to 1703,
this river is called .irasapka.
NOTE B.— Page 18.
The description given by Plantagenet, was doubtless very enticing, and it would
seem that the country had been pretty well explored, since he speaks familiarly of
" iron stone, and by it, waters and falls, to drive iron-works, in an uninhabited de-
sert." He speaks also, of lions, fbr which probably the panthers were taken. On re-
ligious subjects, tlie views of the projectors were liberal for the age, since there was
to be "no persecution to any dissenting; and to all such, as to the Walloons, in
Holland, free chapels; and to punish all as seditious, and for contempt, as bitter rail,
and condemn others of the contrary."
NOTE C— Page 34.
There is a singular pleasure in contrasting the order and moral beauty which has
arisen from the chaotic materials of primitive Quakerism. To the philosophic mind,
the dependence on the dicine light within, as the guide of moral action, is little else
than an abandonment of the understanding to every capricious impulse, and " wind
of doctrine." Intense zeal has but two modes of expending itself — by action
upon others, or upon ourselves. In the first case, its fruits are, commdnly, active
force and oppression, of which the history of every sect, is but too full of ex-
ample; and in the second, it is passive resistance, whose reaction is equal to any
power that can be brought to bear upon it. But this species of force requires the
homogeneity and condensation of the parts of the suffering body. These were given
by the establishment of the " discipline" of the Quakers, providing practical rules
of action for life, and requiring the assent of a large portion of the society, to all
public demonstrations of its faith and doctrines; whilst, at the same time, watchful
guardians observed and regulated, by timely monition, the walking of the brethren.
In these causes, of which the peculiarity of garb, the Quaker uniform, is but part,
lay the strength of the society. The persecution it sustained, was an exterior force
aiding its integrity and preservation, and v.'lthout which, it is possible, the society
cannot resist the centrifugal power of the inward divine light. For, when that
ceased, a disintegration commenced, which has already produced a broad separatiors
of the parts, and may ultimately resolve the whole body into primitive monads.
334 APPENDIX.
From tlie writings of modern historians, and apologists of Quakerisin, we might
suppose, tiiat none of the Quakers, wlio were imprisoned by the magistrates, at this
period, had been accused of aught but the profession of tiieir pecuHar doctrines, or
attendance at their peculiar places of worship. But very different causes of their
imprisonment, have been transmitted to us, even by tlie sufferers tliemselves, and
which leave it questionable whether the greatest wrong they sustained, was not the
committal to the gaol, instead of the lunatic hospital. These sectarians, who have
always professed and inculcated the maxims of inviolable peace, who not many
years after their association, were accounted philosophical deists, seeking to pave
the way to a scheme of natural religion, by allegorizing the distinguishing articles
of the Christian faith, and who are, now, in general, remarkable for calm benevo-
lence, and peculiar remoteness from active efforts to make proselytes, were, in their
infancy, the most impetuous zealots, and inveterate disputers. In their eagerness
to convict the world, and to bear witness from the fountain of oracular testimony,
which they supposed to reside within them, against a regular ministry, which they
called a priesthood of Baal, and against the sacraments, which they termed carnal
and idolatrous observances, many committed the most revolting blasphemy, inde-
cency, and disorderly outrage.
We refer our readers, on this subject, to SewaVs History, Howell's State Trials,
vol. v. p. 801 — vol. vi. p. 998 ; Hume's History of England, vol. vii. p. 336 ; Besse's
" Collection of the Sufferings of the People called Quakers;" Fox's Journal, &c.
NOTE D.— Page 37.
The being a party to this agreement, constitution, or concessions, confers an
honour upon a descendant, of which many inhabitants of New Jersey may now just-
ly boast. The names of the signers, one hundred and fifty in number, may be found
in the Appendix to Smith's History, page 538, and Learning and Spicer's Collec-
tion, page 409.
NOTE E.— Page 38.
Thomas Hutchinson, of Beverley; Thomas Pierson, of Bonwicke, yeoman; Jo-
seph Helmsly, of Great Kelke, yeoman; George Hutchinson, of Sheffield, distiller;
and Mahlon Stacy, of Hansworth, tanner; all of the county of York, were principal
creditors of E. Byllinge, to whom several of the other creditors made assignments of
their debts, which together amounted to the sum of £2450 sterling, and who took
in satisfaction, seven full, equal and undivided ninetieth parts of ninetv equal and
undivided hundred parts of West Jersey ; and the same was conveyed to them,
their heirs and assigns, by William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, Nicholas Lucas, q,nd E.
Byllinge, by deed, bearing date, the Jirst of the moiith. called March, 167G: And by
another conveyance of the same date, from and to the same persons, in satisfaction
for other debts, to the amount of £1050 sterling, tliree other full, equal and un-
divided ninetieth parts of the aforesaid ninety equal and undivided hundred parts of
West Jersey, were also conveyed. — Smith's Hist. JVeto Jersey, p. 92, ii.
NOTE F.— Page 39.
Among these first settlers of Burlington, were Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, Wil-
liam Peachy, William Clayton, John Crips, Thomas Eves, Thomas Harding, Thomas
Nositer, Thomas Farnworth, Morgan Drewet, William Pennton, Henry Jenningh,
William Hibes, Samuel Lovett, John Woolston, William Woodmaney, Christopher
Saunders, and Robert Powell. John Wilkinson and William Peikins were with
their families, passengers, but dying on the voyage, the latter were duly protected,
and aided by their fellow passengers. Perkins became a Quaker, early in life, and
lived well in Leicestershire; but, in the fifty-second 3^ear of his age, was induced,
by a favourable account of New Jersey, written by Richard Hartshorne, to embark
with his wife, four children, and sorne servants. Among the last, was one Mar-
shall, a carpenter, whose services were most useful in setting up the habitations of
the new comers.
NOTE G.— Page 40.
In the Willing Mind came James Nevill, Henry Salter, George Deacon, and other
families; in the Martha, Thomas Wright, William Goforth, John Lynam, Edward
Season, William Black, Richard Dungworth, George Miles, William Wood, Thomas
APPENDIX. 335
Schooley, Richard Harrison, Thomas Hooten, Samuel Taylor, Marmaduke Horse-
man, William Oxley, William Lex, Nathaniel Luke, the families of Robert Stacy,
and Samuel Odas, and Thomas Ellis, and John Barts, servants sent by George
Hutchinson. Letters from the first emigrants, from John Cripps, Thomas Hooten,
William Clark, and others, to their friends in England, descriptive of the richness
and capabilities of the soil, abundance of game and fruits, temperature of the
climate, excellence of the water, and kindness of the aborigines, induced many to
emigrate. In Tlie Shield, came William Emle)^ the second time, with his wife, t\vo
children, one born by the way, two men, and two women servants ; Mahlon Stacy,
his wife, children, and several servants, men and women; Thomas Lambert, his wife,
children, and several men and women servants ; John Lambert and servant; Thomas
Revell, his wife, children, and servants; Godfrey Hancock, his wife, children, and
servants; Thomas Potts, his wife, and children; John Wood and four children;
Thomas Wood, wife, and children; Robert Murfin, his wife, and two children;
Robert Schooley, his wife, and children; James Pharo, wife, and children; Susan-
nah Farnsworth, her children, and two servants; Richard -Tattersal, his wife, and
children; Godfrey Newbold, John Dewsbury ; Richard Green, Peter and John
Fretwell ; John Newbold; one Barns, a merchant from Hull, Francis Barwick,
George Parks, George Plill, John Heyres, and several more.
In the ship from London, 1678, came John Denn, Thomas Kent, John Hollins-
head, with their families; William Hewlings, Abraham Hewlings, Jonathan Eld-
ridge, John Petty, Thomas Kirby, with others : the first of these settled about Salem,
the rest at Burlington. About this time, and a few years afterwards, arrived at
Burlington, the following settlers from England, viz. John Butcher, Henry Grubb,
William Butcher, William Brightv;in, Thomas Gardner, John Budd, John Bouiten,
Seth Smith, Walter Pumphrey, Thomas Ellis, James Satterthwaite, Richard Arnold,
John Woolman, John Stacy, Thomas Eves, Benjamin Dufleld, John Payne, Samuel
Cleft, William Cooper, John Shinn, William Biles, John Skein, John Warrel, An-
thony Morris, Samuel Bunting, Charles Read, Francis Collins, Thomas Mathews,
Christopher Wetherill, John Dewsbur_y, John Day, Richard Basnett, John Antrein,
William Biddle, Samuel Furnace, John Ladd, Thomas Raper, Roger Huggins, and
Thomas Wood.
About this time also, arrived John Kinsey. His father, one of the commissioners,
dying on his arrival, the charge of the family fell upon him. He and his son be-
came much distinguished in the province, holding many public stations. The latter
died chief justice of Pennsylvania.
NOTE H.— .Page 43.
The names of this Assembly and Council, and the forms of their engagements,
may be seen in Leaming and Spicers Collection of Grants, &c. p. 456.
NOTE I.— Page 46.
We purposed to reprint here, the act relating to the Confession of Faith ; but our
space does not permit it. It will be found in Leaming and Spicer's Collection,
p. 548.
NOTE K.— Page 48.
The salary of the Governor was, generall}', fifty pounds a year, paid in country
produce, at prices fixed by law, and sometimes, four shillings a day besides, to defray
the charges while a session was held : the wages of the Council and Assembh', during
the sitting in legislation, was, to each member, three shillings a day : the rates for pub-
lic charges, were levied at two shillings a head, for every male above fourteen years.
In 166S the council consisted of six, viz. Nicholas Verlet, Robert Bond, Robert
Vanquellin, Daniel Price, Samuel Edsall, and William Pardon; the Assembly of
twelve, viz. Casper Steenmets, Baltazar Ba3'ard for Bergen, John Ogden, senior,
John Brackett for Elizabethtown, Robert Treat and Samuel Swame for Newark,
John Bishop and Robert Dennis for Woodbridge, James Grover and John Bound
for iVIiddletovvn and Shrewsbury.
JfOTE L.— Page 51.
It is not difiicult to understand how a friendly intercourse originated between
the leading persons among the Quakers, and Charles II. and his brother. The
336 APPENDIX.
Quakers desired to avail themselves of the authority of the King, for the establish-
ment of a general toleration, and for their own especial defence against the enmity
and dislike of tlieir numerous adversaries. The King and his brother regarded,
with great benevolence, the principles of non-resistance, professed by Friends, and
found in them, the only class of Protestants, who could be rendered instrumental to
their design of re-establishing Popery, by the preparatory measure of general tole-
ration. But how the friendly I'elation thus created, between the royal brothers, and
siich men as Penn and Barclay, should have continued to exist, uninterrupted by
all the tyranny and treachery which the reigns of these princes disclosed, is a diffi-
culty which their contemporaries were unable to solve, otherwise than by consider-
ing the Quakers, as at bottom, the votaries of Popery and arbitrary power. The
more modern and juster, as well as more charitable censure is, that they were dupes
of kingly courtesy, craft, and dissimulation. They endeavoured to make an instru-
ment of the King ; while he permitted them to flatter themselves with this hope, that
he might avail himself of tlieir instrumentality, for the aceomplishment of his own
designs. — Grahamc's Col. Hist.
NOTE M.— Page 51.
By recurring to the letters of Rudyard, first deputy-governor of East Jersey,
Samuel Groome, surveyor, Lawrie, deputy-governor, John Barclay, and Arthur
Forbes, to tiie proprietaries in London, the reader will perceive how strong and
favourable were the impressions on tlie minds of the first settlers, in relation to the
country. See Smith's Hist. New Jersey, from page 168 to 188.
NOTE N.— Page 55.
The counsellors named in the instructions were Edward Hunlake, Lewis Morris,
Andrew Bovvne, Samuel Jennings, Thomas Revel, Francis Davenport, William
Pinhorne, Samuel Leonard, George Deacon, Samuel Walker, Daniel Leeds, Wil-
liam Sanford, and Robert Quarry. Quarry was said to be of the council of five
governments at one time; viz. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
and Virginia. lie died about the year 1712. — Smith, p. 231, n.
NOTE O.— Page 66.
A dispute was long pending between the general proprietors and the inhabitants
of Newark, relating to lands included within the bounds of three Indian purchases,
called the Mountain, the Horse Neck, and Van Gieson's. After several suits at
law and equity, the contest was referred to arbitrators, mutually chosen by the
parties, who awarded in favour of the general proprietors. Some of the defendants,
dissatisfied with the award, endeavoured to excite the others to further contest,
gave occasion for the letter of Mr. Ogden, who was council for the proprietors.
His clear and satisfactory exposition of the case, most probably prevented a conti-
nuation of the controversy. We find the letter too long to be copied. It may be
seen in a small pamphlet, in the Philadelphia Library, as noted, at page 66 of the
text.
NOTE P.— Page 77.
The curious reader will find at tlie end of vol. iv. of the printed Minutes of the
Assembly, in the State Library, at Trenton, a MSS. " table of the sittings of Assem-
bly, from the surrender, in the year 1702, to the revolution, in 1776, with the names
of the governors and speakers;" and al^b, '• a list of the members of Assembly
during the same period."
NOTE Q.— Page SI.
Names of the Legislative Council, in 1707, Richard liigoldsby, lieutenant-
governor, William Pinhorne, R. Mompesson, Thomas Revell, Daniel Leeds, Daniel
Coxe, Richard Townly, Robert Quarry, and William Sandford.
NOTE R.— Page 82.
Tiiis illness of Jennings proved mortal, after a year's duration. He was a zealous
minister among "Friends;" and upon all occasions took an active part in public
affairs, in which he was alike distinguished by ability and integrity. His warm and
sanguine temperament, was ordinarily controlled by a sound and experienced judg-
APPENDIX. 337
ment; but it sometimes betrayed him into hasty and passionate conduct, of whicli
his treatment to Keith, the apostate Quaker, whilst on trial before the court at
Philadelphia, was a remarkable instance, and perhaps justified the charge made by
the schismatic, that " he was too high and imperious, in worldly courts," He was
an ardent lover of liberty, and firm and fearless in its defence. And thouorh his
manners were stern and severe, he was always sought by the people when impor-
tant services were required. Twenty-eight years of his life were devoted to public
employment; part of which, in Philadelphia. In private life, says Smith, " alive
to the more generous emotions of a mind formed to benevolence, and acts of human-
ity, he was a friend to the widow, the fatherless, and the unhappy; tender, compas-
sionate, disinterested, and with great opportunities, he left but a small estate;
abhorring oppression in every shape, his whole conduct, a will to relieve and be-
friend mankind, far above the littleness of party and sinister views. He left three
daughters, who intermarried with three brothers, by the name of Stevenson, whose
posterity reside in New Jersey and Pennsylvania."
Thomas Gordon, his successor, was intimately connected with the proprietaries of
East Jersey, before the surrender of the government in 1702. In 1697-8, he was
deputy-secretary, and register of the province, and one of the council; and in 1702,
on the removal of William Dockwra, he was appointed principal secretary. He
was several years a representative in the Assembly, after the surrender; was
treasurer for the eastern divison of the province, and distinguished in Perth Amboy
as a pious member and liberal patron of the Episcopal church. He died on the 28th
of April, 1722, aged seventy years. A tomb-stone in the grave-yard of St. Peter's
church, at Amboy, with a long Latin inscription, commemorates his virtues.
NOTE S.— Page 83.
The Assembly of New York adopted resolutions, declaring, that the levying
money on her Majesty's subjects of the colony, under any pretence, without the
consent of the General Assembly, was a violation of the people's property; and
that the freemen of the colony had an unquestionable, perfect and entire property
in their goods and estate. We recognise here, the principles which subsequently
led to the revolution. The Assembly, also, denounced the practice of Cornbury, in
levying imposts on trade, and establishing fees without the sanction of law.
NOTE T.— Page 8(i.
The members of Council named in the instructions of Governor Hunter, were
Lewis Morris, William Pinhorne, George Deacon, Richard Townley, Daniel Coxe,
Roger Mompesson, Peter Sonmans, Hugh Huddy, William Hall, "Thomas Gordon,
Thomas Gardiner, Colonel Robert Quarry. The Queen, on the receipt of the re-
monstrance of the Assembly, appointed John Anderson, Elisha Parker, Thomas
Byerly, John Hamilton, and John Reading; removing Pinhorne, Coxe, Sonmans,
and Hall.
NOTE U.— Page 94.
We give the following abstract from the minutes of the Assembly, indicative of
the spirit of the times, and exemplifying the matter which occasionally occupied
the Legislature. On the 24th of January, 1719, the House appointed a committee
to inquire into certain printed libels, and personal abuse against its members. One
Benjamin Johnson, of Monmouth, had said to William Lawrence, a member from
that county, " You Lawrence, are a pitiful pimping fellow, and have been false to
your trust in the Assembly." On the complaint of Lawrence, Johnson was ordered
into arrest by the House ; but he avoided its displeasure by absconding. A passage
in Titan Leeds' Almanac, for 1718, was voted libellous, and the author and printer
were ordered into the custody of the sergeant-at-arms. Leeds was apprehended ;
but we do not know how punished. Two pamphlets, one entitled, " A further dis-
covery of the mystery of trade, proposed by Jl B," and the other, " Proposals for traffic
and commerce in New Jersey," were also declared to be libellous, the books con-
demned to be burned by the common hangman, and a reward offered for the appre-
hension of the authors. William Sandford and Thomas Buskirk, Esq. of Bergen
county, were arrested on the speaker's warrant, for having reported, that Mr. Philip
Schuyler, a member of the House, " had drank a health to the davmation of the go-
pernor and the justices of the peace." Sandford admitted and justified the declara-
2 IT
338 APPENDIX
tion; producing the affidavit of the coroner of the county, to the uttering of the
words by Schuyler. Schuyler denied the words, but said, that he had quarrelled
with the coroner, and had kicked him. Whereupon, the House gave the member
permission to withdraw and go home, that he might procure evidence to disprove
the charge thus brought against him. Sandford and Buskirk were discharged from
custody. A copy of tlie atfidavit was denied to Schuyler. Subsequently, the coro-
ner was required to name the persons present, when the oflensive words were
alleged to have been uttered. These persons having no remembrance of the words,
Schuyler was acquitted by a solemn vote, and permitted again to take his seat. But
the proceedings against Sandford and Buskirk were not renewed.
NOTE v.— Page 97.
The members of council, named in the instructions of Governor Burnet, were
Lewis Morris, Thomas Gordon, John Anderson, John Hamilton, Thomas Byerly,
David Lyell, John Parker, John Wills, John Hugg, John Johnson, junior, John
Reading, and Peter Bard.
NOTE W.— Page 105.
We refer the reader to Sparks' Life of Governeur Morris, for a full account of
this family, which has been distinguished for so many years in New York and New
Jersey.
NOTE Z.— Page 121.
" It was rumoured at an early period, that Braddock had been shot by his men.
More recently, it has been stated, by one who could not be mistaken, that in the
course of the battle, Braddock ordered the provincial troops to form a column. They,
however, adhered to the Indian mode of firing, severally, from the shelter of the
trees. Braddock, in his vexation, rode up to a young man by the name of Fawcett,
and with his sword, rashly cut him down. Thomas Fawcett, a brother of the killed,
soon learned his fate, and watching his opportunity, revenged his brother's blood,
by shooting Braddock, mortally, through the body. Thomas Fawcett dwelt near
Laurel Hill, Pennsylvania, until above ninety-seven years of age." — Register of
Pennsylvania, by S. Hazard, Jan. 28th, 1828.
NOTE AA.— Page 140.
The following abstract from the address of Mr. Speaker Ogden to the House, ex-
hibits, strongly, the state of the public feeling. " I am so unhappy as to find, that
my conduct, which was the consequence of this opinion, formed on the most deli-
berate, impartial, and disinterested reasoning on the subject, has been put in an un-
favourable light, and has made me the object of too general a resentment ; I trust,
that Providence will, in due time, make the rectitude of my heart, and my inviola-
ble affection to my country, appear in a fair light to the world, and that my sole aim
was the happiness of New Jersey. But, as at present, there appears a great dissatis-
faction at my conduct, that has spread even among some of my constituents, whom
I have served many years in General Assembly, to tiie utmost of my abilities, I beg
leave of the House, to resign my seat in it, whereby my constituents may have an op-
portunity of sending another person in my room, who may act more agreeable to
their present sentiments : though I am well assured, that no person can be found,
who will study their welfare more sincerely, nor pursue it with more steadiness and
integrity than I have done." — Votes of Assembly. Mr. Stephen Crane was elected
in the place of Mr. Ogden.
NOTE BB.— Page 152.
The suit instituted, if any, against the treasurer, Stephen Skinner, was never
brought to trial. He adhered to the British in the revolutionary war, and all his
property in New Jersey, was confiscated and sold for the benefit of llie State.
NOTE CC— Page 164.
List of deputies in the provincial Congress, May, June, and August, 1775.
Bergen County, inhn Fell, John Demarest, Hendrick Kuyper, Abraham Van Bus-
kirk, Edw. Merselius. Essei, Henry Garritse, Michael 'i reelnnd, Robert Drum-
mond, John Berry, William P. Smith, John Stiles, John Chetwood, Abraham Clark,
Filias Boudinot, Isaac Ogden, Philip 'V^an-Cortlandt, Bethuel Pierson, Caleb Camp.
Miililhsej, Nathaniel Heard, William Smith, John Dunn, John Lloyd. Azariah Dun-
APPENDIX. 339
ham, John Schurman, John Wetherill, David Williamson, Jonathan Sergeant, Jona-
// than Baldwin, Jonathan Deare. Morris, William Winds, William De Hart, Peter
/, Dickerson, Jacob Drake, Ellis Cooke, Silas Condict. Somerset, Hendrick Fisher,
John Roy, Peter Schenk, Abraham Van Neste, Enos Kelsey, Jonathan D. Sergeant,
Frederick Frelinghuysen, William Patterson, Archibald Stewart, Edward Dumont,
/ Z- William Maxwell, Ephraim Martin. Monmouth, Edward Taylor, Joseph Saltar,
Robert Montgomery, John Holmes, John Covenhoven, Daniel Hendrickson, Nicho-
las Van Brunt. Hunterdon, Samuel Tucker, John Mehelm, John Hart, John Stout,
Jasper Smith, Thomas Lowry, Charles Stewart, Daniel Hunt, Ralph Hart, Jacob
Jennings, Richard Stevens, John Stevens, junior, Thomas Stout, Thomas Jones,
/^ John Bassett. Burlington, Joseph Borden, Isaac Pearson, Colin Campbell, Joseph
^-— Read, John Pope. Gloucester, John Cooper, Elijah Clark, John Sparks. Cumber-
~ land, Samuel Fithian, Jonathan Elmer, Thomas Ewing. Salem, Andrew Sinnick-
-»^ son, Robert Johnson, Samuel Dick, Jacob Scoggin, James James. Cajte May, Jesse
5" Hand.
NOTE DD.— Page 172.
,^. List of the deputies of the provincial Congress, elected in September, 1775.
-^ Bergen, John Demarest, Jacobus Post, Abraham Van Buskirk. Essex, Abraham
<' Clark, Lewis Ogden, Samuel Potter, Caleb Camp, Robert Drummond. Middlesex,
^ John Wetherill, John Dennis, Azariah Dunham. Morris. William Winds,* William
~ ' De Hart,* Jacob Drake, Silas Condict, Ellis Cook, tjmerset, Hendrick Fisher,
Cornelius Van Muliner,* Ruloffe Van Dyke. Sussex, William Maxwell,* Ephraim
Martin, Thomas Potts,* Abijah Brown, Mark Thompson. Hunterdon, Samuel
Tucker, John Mehelm, John Hart, Charles Stewart, Augustine Stevenson.* Mon-
mouth, Edward Taylor, John Covenhoven, Joseph Holmes. Burlington, Isaac Pier-
son, John Pope, Samuel How,* John Wood, Joseph Newbold. Gloucester, John
Cooper,* Joseph Ellis, Thomas Clark,* Elijah Clark,* Richard Somers.* Salem,
Grant Gibbon, Benjamin Holme, John Holme, Edward Keasby, John Carey. Cum-
berland, Theophilus Elmer, Jonathan Eyers. Cape May, Jesse Hand,* Elijah
Hughes.
* The persons whose names are thus * marked did not attend this session of the
Congress.
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